Fostered

Chapter Eighteen

My new parents are great. We've warmed up to each other nicely. And they've grown accustomed to my habits rather quickly. On Friday nights, they don't turn on the alarm system anymore. They trust me to return every time, but they don't like being woken up by the blaring siren that goes off when I open my window. After the third or fourth time, I think they caught on that I wasn't just opening the window to get a breeze coming through my bedroom. So, now, they just know to leave it off and that I'll be in my bed by the time they wake up.

I pull a sweatshirt over my head and tip toe across the floor. Yeah, they know that I sneak out, but I still like to be stealthy about it. I'm actually not even sure if I can classify it as "sneaking out" now that I think of it. I shrug my shoulders and unlatch my window, pushing it open and then unfastening the clamps on the screen. I toss the screen outside and hoist myself through the window. Once I'm outside, I shut the window and fit the frame back into its spot. Then, I make my way toward the garage on the other side of the house.

The Heflins have been incredibly generous every step of the way. When we set up my room, they helped me to paint it. Thank God, too, because without the help it would've turned out looking like a disaster. I picked a nice shade of dark blue. It makes it easier for me to fall asleep. I also picked out some dark furniture to go along nicely with the walls. I couldn't be happier with the way it looks. Aside from my kickass bedroom, I was even surprised with a car. It's not new, but it's new to me. Plus, it runs like a dream. And my driving skills impressed everyone. I mean, I didn't exactly mention the part where I frequently drove the McKinnons' Jeep, but... Little details.

I slip into the garage through the outside door and unlock my car. It's just a little gray Scion. I'm growing pretty fond of it. I start her up and pull out of the garage, driving down the street. I head toward the highway and begin the painstaking drive to Lakeside Beach Park. Every night that I drive this, it feels like I'm going to puke from the anticipation of getting to see Calla. I don't see her every day anymore. It's harder this way, but we're managing. I sing loudly to distract myself as I speed along the highway.

When I arrive, I pull onto the gravel parking lot and notice that Calla's car is already parked. I get out of the car and hurry toward the edge of the water. Aside from the sound of the little waves lapping against the sand, it's silent. I venture a little further down the sand and look around. Normally, she's pretty close to where we park. I stuff my hands into the pockets of my sweatshirt and furrow my brow.

"Calla?" I call out.

No response.

I huff and turn around, only to be scared shitless by the sight of Calla wearing a stupid grin, "Hiya, Sloan!"

"You little shit," I say, pushing her away.

She giggles and steps back toward me, wrapping her arms around my waist, "Oh, come on. I couldn't resist."

"Uh huh." I roll my eyes and can't resist hugging her back.

She takes a deep breath through her nose, rubbing her cheek against my chest, "I missed you."

"I missed you too," I reply, planting a kiss on the top of her hair.

She offers me her hand and I take it, beginning to walk along the shoreline. She strolls beside me and looks down at the moonlight bouncing off of the ripples on the water's surface. I give her hand a squeeze.

"How was your week?" I inquire as we amble along.

Calla shrugs, "It was alright. It feels like the week goes by so slow when I'm waiting to see you."

"I agree," I nod, "At least you have school to distract you."

"Well, you have online school. How has that been?"