A New Life

The Beginning

I go upstairs to my new room. It's a small room with three mattresses. There's an old guitar in the corner. Two thick sticks piled on top of each other along with a broom on the creaking hardwood floors.

Maybe it's not so bad. It won't be as nice as my old bedroom, but It'll do. Who knows, maybe I'll make some friends?

My name is Cheyenne. I'm fourteen years old. I'm now considered an orphan. Two weeks ago, my father died. He was murdered by a man who he owed debts too. My mother had left us when I was only 1, and so when my father died I had nobody. My grandparents were long gone, and I had no aunts or uncles to rely on. So of course, child services stepped right in to ensure I, a child under 18, had "proper care and supervision " as they told me. I was taken here, to the local orphanage, right outside of Nashville, TN.

Ms. Trace assured me I'll be so happy here, but it seems scary. I really want to go home.

I'm suppose to meet all the girls I share my room with in 10 minutes. They're all downstairs working right now, which Ms. Trace has made clear I'll be doing tomorrow, and the next day, and everyday after that.

I hear a whistle blow, that's our "signal" here. When a whistle blows all girls are to line up downstairs in the main living area. I start heading downstairs.

I line up with all the other girls. Ms. Trace's expression is hard to read. She's looking over at me. I hope she's not gonna yell at me already. I send a real quick prayer up to God as I watch her turn to another girl. I have a feeling It's gonna be a rough life here.