and then i met you {chim}

Chapter 7

1 Month Later

Author's POV

"Are you ready to go home?" Kimberley asks the fearful eyes of her teenage daughter.

"Yeah, I guess so." Jane responds, really nervous about changing her lifestyle.  Sure, she's been from foster home to foster home, but this is a real home.

This past month has been filled with paperwork, visits, and talking to lawyers for Kimberley and Jane. They have organized a way for Jane to have the opportunity to try living with Kimberley and Cheryl. After a week, if she doesn't like living there, she can go back into the system. If she likes them and the home, she can stay forever.

"Don't sound too excited." Kimberley giggles and wonders what's going on in Jane's mind. She still hasn't had the opportunity to get to fully know her, yet.

"Sorry.  I just..." The teen trails off, still not fully trusting of Kimberley.

"What?" Kimberley lifts Jane's chin, wanting her to tell her how she feels. She wants Jane's trust, but can't seem to gain it.

"I'm just really excited!" Jane lied, knowing Kimberley won't know her actual feelings. She felt bad about not trusting her mother, but she needs time. She has been through a lot and has learned that she can't trust just anyone.

"Well, say goodbye to this place for forever.  I never want you in a place like this again." Kimberley sweetly spoke as she picked up Jane's lightweight bag and stood up from their spot on the bed.  Jane stood up and looked around the room.  It's crazy to her that she hates this place, yet it was her only true home.  It's all shes ever had.

Jane took a deep breath and followed Kimberley back to the front lobby of the care home.  They walked past Karen's office, but Jane stopped them.

"Wait-" Jane stopped Kimberley's footsteps and rushed into Karen's small office.

"Karen?" Jane knocked on the office door and heard Karen telling her to come in.  She walked into the office and went straight into the older woman's arms.

"Thank you for everything you've ever done for me.  You were the one person I could count on." Jane whispered to Karen, holding onto her tighter.  She released the hug and looked at her only friend for the past 15 years.

"I'm only one call away.  Okay?" Karen reassured her, seeing the nerves in the teens eyes.

"Okay." Jane said back, trying to get a hold of her emotions.  She doesn't want to cry on this joyful day.  Jane hasn't yet realized that this is her escape.  That boring and dreadful life she's lived has come to an end.  She's starting anew and it just hasn't hit her yet.

Jane said her final goodbyes, leaving a few people sad.  She was surprised to see a few of the little kids crying and clutching to her legs.  She never knew she had such an impact on them.

"You alright?" Kimberley asked Jane, as they got in the car - who is struggling to keep her tears in.  She doesn't want Kimberley to know that a small part of her will actually miss that place.  Kimberley finds the place dark and terrifying and Jane doesn't want to be judged for finding comfort in it.

"I'm okay.  Are you sure about this?" Jane unwittingly worried about being judged or not fitting in at the Tweedy-Walsh household. 

Jane knows very little about Cheryl.  She's heard her name in some of the conversations between her and Kimberley, but never asked about her.  She knows that Cheryl is Kimberley's wife and is very sweet - according to Kimberley. There was those times at the art show and the coffee shop, but they never spoke to each other.