Life as Scott Hoying

The Bus

We walk onto the bus at 6 pm. Since Michelle is here I assign bunks. "Okay bunk assignments. Mitch yours is the second bunk on the bottom near the bathroom, Esther yours is same but across the hall of Mitch. Michelle yours is bottom near the front of the bus next to the bassinets on the right. Mine is same position on the left. Avi will be right above Me. Kirstie is above Michelle, Kevin is above Mitch, and Darien above Esther. Everyone got it?" They nod. I pick up Lilly as she starts crying,which sets Kylie off. Me and Michelle soothe our kids. "Hey Scott can I ask you something?" I look over at her. "Sure Michelle. You can ask me anything." She takes a deep breath. "Why are you helping me so much? I don't deserve it." I look at her with sad eyes. I see everyone staring. "Guys can you give us a moment alone please?" They nod and go to the game room in the back. "I help you Michelle because I see the bruises on your body. I saw the cuts on your wrists and ankles. I know it's hard but will you tell me what all happened. If I have a reason I'll let you move in. Possibly even adopt you." She stares at Kylie then looks at me. "I'm an orphan. I was abused and my parents kicked me out soon as they knew I was pregnant. Kylie's father had been my older brother. He raped me then lied being older my parents believed him. I was kicked out and have been living on the streets. I cut because it eases my pain. I someone accidentally dropped two PTX tickets in my money cup and I got in. I always sang for money." By now she was crying. I pulled her in for a hug and held her. "Thank you for telling me. I need to talk to Mitch about this but I want to adopt you." She looked up at me with hope in her eyes. "You would do that?" I nodded. "Of course. From now on call me dad. You need one. and I may only be 9 years older than you but I'm Kylie's grandpa now." She smiled for the first time in awhile. "Okay Dad." We get ready for bed.