How I Changed

A New Guest

It was a typical day. Everyone woke up at 8:00 a.m. in order to prepare for to go eat. We all gathered in the dining room, and lined up to be served a practical breakfast: a stack of pancakes with syrup.

There were about twenty kids (including myself) in the foster home. I ate my breakfast slowly as I observed everyone else, and listened to their conversations.

"Katie told me you were bossy," Miranda said to Catherine.

"It doesn't matter, I told you the Katie and I aren't friends anymore," Catherine replied.

After that conversation boarded me, I turned my attention toward a group of boys in high school.

"I'm thinking of asking Kayla out on a date," one of them said.

"You can't do that, you know dating is strictly prohibited in foster homes," one replied.

That conversation also boarded me, but I did wonder if he was going to ask Kayla out. He probably would, plenty of kids have a secret boyfriend or girlfriend and get away with it.

"April? Are you finished?" The owner of the home, Mrs. Waken, asked me.

I nodded and handed her my plate. Everyone knew the only time I opened my mouth was to eat, drink, or yawn. I wanted to keep it that way.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Waken walked into the room with a boy next to her. He was carrying a trash bag in his right hand.

"I'd like everyone to meet Shane. He has never been in a foster home before, so please make him feel as welcome as possible," She announced loud and clear.

Shane was fairly tall, and thin. He had shaggy brown hair, tan skin, and dark green eyes. He looked like he belonged in a movie nominated for an Oscar.

I knew that I couldn't get close to him, I couldn't get attached. It would violate my rules, and like that guy said, it is strictly prohibited to date in foster homes.