Strength And Stability

You Can't Tame Me

Axel Bond (Dwayne Johnson) is 36.
Desiree Celine is 15
Kendall Nova (Dwayne's niece) is 15

Axel's POV

3pm

It was another day full of plans and priorities. Today was a little different though. 2 weeks prior, one of my friends who is a social worker had called me, talking about a new girl about 15 years old that had come back once again to the adoption home after purposely flooding the last foster parent's house.

"Axel, I don't know what we're gonna do with her. She can't be tamed. I was wondering since you have experience raising Kendall that you could please, please give a try at raising her? She's 15 already you'd only have 3 years left. If she doesn't find a permanent home she'll be put on the street the day she turns 16," She pleaded.

I sighed. "You're asking me to take on a rebellious child and raise her. I don't know Quinn, this is a lot." I said, scratching my neck.

"I know. But just give her a try and if you can't handle her you can send her back." I smiled. She had just said the magic words. 'Can't handle her'. I never, ever turn down a challenge.

"Okay, I'll do it."

"YES! Dwayne you're the best. I knew I could count on you." I could hear her smiling through the phone.

"Okay just let me know how to sort this out."

"You got it boss." I smirked. Of course I do.

*********

I cruised down the road in my Dodge Ram, listen on to Jason Aldean. His voice was rudely interrupted by the GPS saying, "turn right. You have arrived at your destination."

Brookhill Adoption Center. I took a deep breath and swung down from my truck, my feet promptly hitting the ground. I walked into the office, and Quinn greeted me immediately.

"Hey, I was waiting for you. Desi's this way."

I followed her down the hall into a room sparsely furnished with a table, 3 chairs and a lamp. How sad and boring.

A pretty, petite blonde child slouched in a chair, resting her face on a hand. Her posture screamed attitude, as did her Tupac T-shirt which she paired with black vans and leggings.

"So Desiree, this is your new guardian, Axel Bond. He was very kind to agree to take you, despite your history of..." Quinn paused, trying to find the right word. "..Shenanigans."

Desiree rolled her eyes dismissively.
Me taking the high road as an adult, I extended my hand warmly.

"Hi Desiree, nice to meet you." She looked at my hand and ignored it.

"For one, it's Desi. Two, don't care. I won't be with you for more than I week. I'll make sure of it." She crossed her arms. So did I.

"Things are about to change Desiree." I said.

Quinn smiled knowingly. "I see you're gonna get along great. Let's get going. Your belongings are by the front desk Desi."

I walked out of the room, tailed by a sulking brat. We reached the office and Quinn gave me her bag of belongings.

"I'll carry my own things." Desi snapped. "No, I'll carry it." I smiled tightly.

"Now lets get moving." She then sat, I repeat sat, on the floor. "I'm not going until you give me my stuff!"

I willed my self to stay chill. I crouched down to her level and looked her in the eyes.

"One thing you're going to learn about me Desiree, is that I get what I want. And when I tell someone to do something, I don't get disobeyed. Now we can do this the easy way or hard way. Get up." She acted bored and remained seated.