The Foster

part 51

I woke up around 11am. From what I could tell, everyone else was asleep. I put on some blue jeans and a nice sweater. That was going to have to do. Then I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, washed my face, the whole 9 yards. By the time I was all ready, it was time to start waiting on Belle.

She arrived at noon, on the dot. I got into her car and she started driving.

"It's not very far away at all, just a few minutes. Now remember, just be yourself and tell them exactly what you want. Tell them exactly what you have gone through and never lie to them." Belle told me.

"Okay, got it. Are you sure i'll have to talk?" I asked.

"It would help your case tremendously. Since we don't have a lawyer, you are the best option. It will only last about five or ten minutes. You'll do great." Bella said. We turned into a parking lot.

"I've never been to court before." I said nervously.

After waiting for a while, we sat in the court room. Front row. All eyes were on me. It was just us and the judge in the room.

"Camille Rose Mendes. This is quite an informal meeting, I just wanted to discuss a few things with you. You've been in the system since age eleven when your mother passed. No contact from your biological father, and no adoption yet. What do you see in your future?" The judge asked in a deep voice.

"Well, I know that I want to be adopted. Switching from house to house is not fun. My current caretaker is Anna Pyke, and I am really happy there. I'm not sure if she wants to adopt me or if I am positive that I want her to be my forever home, but I know that is the best place for me at the moment." I told him.

"I understand. Have you ever thought about reaching out to your biological father? Our main goal is to reconnect children with their parents." The judge told me.

"What kind of sad doesn't try to contact his own kid? No phone calls, even when I wasn't in foster care. Maybe he doesn't want me, I think it's better off to not know." I said.

"What do you think about college? Do you want to go? Are you going to move away when you turn eighteen?" He questioned.

"I'm not sure about college yet, I haven't made any official plans for my life. Where and who I end up living with will greatly impact that decision." I told him.

"Very well. Have your caseworker call me if you decide anything else about your future. I'll be happy to help. Case dismissed." He got up and left the room.

"You did great! I think he actually wants to help you. Now let's get you home." Belle said.

We went out to her car and she started driving us home.

"Good news by the way. Anna should be coming home any day now! You and Ross will just have to help her out a little bit. For obvious reasons." Belle told me.

"Really? Great! I can't wait to go back home. It's boring at Earls house. I miss Anna and Ross." I told her.

"Boring? Well, we can't have that. How about I take you to the movies? You can even bring Jake along." Belle offered.

"Yes that would be so fun! I'll go get him now." I said.

Once she pulled in, I ran inside to get Jake. He was already dressed and about to open the fridge.

"Wanna come to the movies? Belle will give us a ride." I asked his.

"Heck yeah! Earl, can we go?" Jake asked Earl, who was sitting on the couch.

"Yes. Have fun!" Earl said. He gave Jake a 20$ and then we went out to get in the car.

"Thanks for taking us. Earl gave us some money." I told her.