The Foster

part 3

(monday morning)

When I woke up, I didn't have anything to do. Everyone else was still asleep. Including Fluff the dog who is cuddled up with me right now.

I walked over to my desk and got out my sketchbooks. I was just doodling around until I heard a knock at my door. It cracked open to reveal Anna.

"Hey, the kids should be up soon. Wanna get ready to go shopping?" She asked.

"Sure thing. Ill just be a second." I said as she left.

"Kids, time for school! Rise and shine!" I heard her yell. It was followed by some moans and groans.

I got up and got dressed. I didn't have many belongings so I usually got ready very quickly. I brushed out my hair and walked into the kitchen.

"Since today is their last day of school, i'm making breakfast. French toast and eggs." Anna said.

"Ooh. I love french toast." I said as I sat down at the table.

The two little ones ran in and sat on either side of me. Bella scooted her chair a bit closer to mine.

"Bella, I seeyou have a new friend." Anna said and smiled.

"She's nicer than Ross!" Bella laughed. Just then, Ross walked in.

"Who's nicer than Ross?" He asked and sat down across from me.

"Oh, nobody." Bella smiled at me.

"So, here's the plan. Ross will take you two to school. After school, we're gonna clean house and get all of our chores done because tomorrow, we're having a cook out, remember? The family will be coming and you can each invite one friend. Anyways, everyone hurry. You have to leave in 10 minutes. Same for us, Camille." Anna said.

While we were shopping, I picked out a lot of clothes. Anna even got some for herself. It was easy being myself around her because she was so young. We got groceries and we're on our way home.

"So, how long have you had the kids?" I asked in the car.

"Well, the two little ones i've had for about three months. Ross has been staying with me for about a year now. The first child I had was a baby, even before Ross came along. Ross was a huge help once he came because he would make dinner or watch the baby while I made dinner. The baby ended up leaving after he was with me for almost two years. Just before I got the two little ones. But anyways, tell me about you. What's your story?" She asked.

"Well, I have been in the foster system since I was 11. I've been in a few different houses but the last one was the only long term placement. I thought they were going to adopt me..." I said and stared out at the road.

"And they didn't? Why is that?" Anna asked softly.

"Well, they told me that it was because they couldn't afford to adopt me. But they were like my family! The only people I had... I told them I would get a job." I explained.

"Hey, it's okay. You have us now." She smiled.

"And I appreciate it. That reminds me, do you have a house phone? I really need to call my friend." I said.

"Oh of course. You can call her when we get home." Anna said. "Actually, you can even invite her to the cook out if you'd like."

"Really? Oh my gosh that would be so great, thank you!" I said.

When we got home, I took the phone to my room and dialed her number.

"Hello? Who is this?" Gracie said.