Different Is Good

Chapter eleven

Stevie woke up with new found clarity. She knew what she was going to do and was confident her parents would be happy with her decision.
"Good morning," her father greeted her with a kiss on the head as she entered the kitchen

"Good morning, Daddy! I have to talk to you and Mom..."
"Oh?"

"Maybe you should sit down" she said.
"Alright" Jess sits down and Barbara who is preparing breakfast, sat down as well. "Proceed" he said with a gesture.
"I, uh...think I'd like to that home for girls like me...." she said quietly

"Really?" Barbara was taken back
She nodded sadly. "This is a big decision" Jess said.

"I know"
"Are you sure that it's what you want?" Barbara took Stevie's hand in hers
"Yeah, I think that it would be the best thing to do...."

"Have you talked to Lindsey about it?" Jess questioned
"He wouldn't listen to me anyway. He really scared me last night and I think he broke up with me"

"Did he say? I have half a mind to go down there and knock some sense into that boy." Jess growled protectively.

"You will not! Use the other have of that mind of your to think sensibly. This is a sensitive time and we can't make any rash decisions." Barb said. "Now, Tee, have you thought about it? Once you go, it's important that you stay."
"I think that it would be best me...I could go to school and what not."
Barbara smiled sympathetically. "Alright, sweet girl. Your father will call the school and look into your transfer."
Stevie bit her lip and smiled nervously, "Where exactly is the school?"
Barbara looked to Jess, just as nervous as her daughter. "Well...honey, um...Jess, why don't you tell her."
"It's in Texas, just outside of Dallas."
"Texas?! No, that can't be..."

"Now, Stevie, I know you're nervous..."

Stevie looked between her parents, trying to process what she had been told. "I mean, don't they have one closer?"

"Yes, they have a few schools like this all over the country not but this one is the very best. Test scores are high and their after high school college rates are the best in the nation as far as alternative schools go."
"But...Texas? Would you move with me?"

"No, baby. This is something that you have to do on your own. We can't hold your hand now, we want what's best for you and that is to take this opportunity."
"So I'll be alone?"

"No, of course not" Jess said. "Thee are other girls there going through the same thing as you. You won't be alone and they will understand you more than anyone else can. There you will have the normalcy you're looking for. No one will treat you any differently because everyone else will be..." He shifted uncomfortably. "Pregnant, as well."
"How many girls are at the home? Just the four of us?" Stevie asked quietly
"Oh no, honey. Much more than four. There are possibly 20, 30 or more of you coming from all over the country. There are dormitories like at college. This could be a great experience for you and you'd be better prepared for college this way."
"That doesn't sound so bad..." Stevie shrugged softly, still hesitant to go all the way to Texas.

"No it doesn't, we wouldn't send you to a place where we didn't think that you wouldn't thrive."
"Oh I know...I think, I think it still sounds so wonderful. I know Lindsey and I had a falling out but I think I should tell him. He has the right to know. And I should call Robin too...can I do that, you know, before you send me away?" Stevie asked, feeling slightly overwhelmed now that it was all set in motion.
"Anything that you want, baby, we can make it happen."
Jess said, hugging his little girl tightly, "We'll get you sorted out."
"Thank you, daddy" Stevie said, smiling a little.

"If you'd like to see Lindsey, I'd suggest calling first."

"I will."

"Use the hall phone so I can monitor you. If he or his parents disrespect you, I want to know about it."