Solitary Confinement

The Trip Back Home

Harsh beams of bright lights streamed through the dusty white shades hanging in front of the windows. My eyes stung as those unwanted beams made their way to my eyes, waking me from my peaceful sleep. My head pounded, causing me to clutch my head underneath my hands. As I sat up, a knock sounded on the door of my old room at this foster home.

Already knowing the drill, I yelled out, "Come on in Charlotte!"

Charlotte's face popped out from the other side of the door, smile dressing her face. Her cheery disposition and dimples left me chuckling in amusement. She made her way towards the shades at the window and pulled them all of the way up, laughing to herself. Just like old times.

"Just like old times, huh?" She glanced in my direction and flashed a wink towards my way.

"Funny, I was just thinking that to myself." My lips pulled back into a grin and I sat upright. We both sat there in silence for a while, letting reality finally sink in. "I'm going to have to go back pretty soon. Aren't I?"

"Sadly, yes. At Least let her explain everything to you. She deserves that much."

Again, Charlotte proved to be right.

"I'm going to miss you Charlotte. Thank you for everything."

I made my way towards her and wrapped her in a hug. I could live with this, knowing that this chapter of my life had ended and a new one was beginning

The rocks beneath the tires of my car crackled as I pulled back into the Miller's driveway. My heart raced as I opened up the front door, the chandelier still in place high above the foyer. I felt awkward not knocking before I entered, but it is my home too now. Tip toeing up to my room, I came to a surprise as I entered through the doorway. Maria laid there on my bed, snoring away. Well, this is a little strange. Now what? She must have heard my footsteps when I entered my room because moments later she woke from her dose. Sitting up, Maria rubbed her eyes in an attempt to wipe the drowsiness from her face.

"Uh, hi," my awkward response left my mouth. I waved towards her direction, not knowing what else to do or say.

"Oh, thank goodness you're back. We were worried sick!" Maria launched herself toward me and wrapped her arms around me in a hug. It was tight, but warm. Still feeling awkward, I left a few pats on her back as I let her hold me with tears running down my back from her eyes.

"I'm fine. Just needed to clear my head. I went to Cloverfield to talk to Charlotte," I replied to her worrisome.

"Uh. I know. She called me late last night to let me know." She shook her head while she spoke. Of course she did. Internally, I rolled my eyes in half annoyance.

"Can we maybe talk?" I finally let out, almost rushed.

Maria sent a gentle smile towards my way and let out a quiet, but audible breath.

"Of course we can."

We both made our way down the hall and to the top of the stairs when gentle cries sounded from a room nearby. Maria looked my way apologetically, but I nodded back towards her in understanding. Seconds later she came back, Emberly sitting atop her hip with silent tears falling down her cheeks. Poor girl, probably thought her mamma left her. How ironic.

Down in the living room, I made myself comfortable on the couch, wiping my hands of the sweat that began to appear. Of course I had been nervous. How could I not be? Maria quietly shushed the whines from Emberly. I still felt a feeling of envy every time I'd seen the two interact. She seemed to be a good mother to her, but why couldn't she have been that for me?