The Rule Breaker (YoungWritersShortStory Entry)

Part 3- Their Daughter

I go home early for the first time in my life.

Disabled kids are really disturbing. And when did I even start making promises?

I enter our seemingly empty house. The usual covered dinner Jill made for me was already on the dining table. I ignore it. I decide to go straight to my room, but then I hear whispered talking. I creep silently toward my foster parents' room where the voices are coming from. They may be thinking of some way now to get rid of me. It's better to be informed if anything is coming my way.

"Arden is getting worse. She refuses to go to school; she goes home late; and she drinks and smokes," I hear Jill say.

"Her teachers say that she's involved in a gang and her friends are bad influences. Her grades are worse than flunked too. We were always there to give her guidance and provide her needs, so what seems to be the problem?" William exclaimed.

"But still, we must find a way to help our daughter, William. She needs us," Jill sobbed.

Jill's crying... and it is because she cares for me?

"I know, Jill, I know. But it is not up to us to make the decisions, it's up to Arden. We must simply continue to love her and care for her as our daughter," William tells Jill as she continues to sob.

I feel my feet froze on the floor. They're talking about me all right, but not in the way I thought. Do they really care for me that much? I'm not even their real daughter!

I never really listen to them because it's my Rule No. 2: It's easier to disobey than to comply.

I feel my feet taking me back to the dining room. I don't really know what to think or feel now.

I notice my covered dinner on the table. I silently eat the dinner.

They do care. I think it won't hurt to call them 'Mom' and 'Dad' sometimes.