Dabbling in Danger

Observing

Adeen

It's only been a week since Tiana has been in treatment and I find myself not thinking of her as much.

Once I realize how carefree and nonchalant I've been throughout a day, I feel bad about not worrying enough for her.

My phone rings and it's a number I don't recognize. I decide to answer, pass the time while waiting for Malina to be out of school.

"Hello?" I answer.

There's rummaging on the line, then a woman's voice.

"Hello, I am Denise with the department of children and young adult social services. Is this Adeen Hutchinson?"

My brow furrows, "yes it is, what can I do for you?"

"Ah, well for now I just have a few questions for you pertaining to the child in your custody."

I cringe at her word choice, child.

"Okay..." I reply.

I haven't heard a word from anyone since Malina moved in.

"Firstly, I'd like to apologize as I have only recently been assigned Malina's case along with fifteen others. The case worker handling them all has been terminated for negligence. Have you had a visit from anyone from the department?"

"Uh no, this is actually my first time hearing from anyone."

"Hm," she doesn't sound too excited about that.

"Again I apologize. Now it is my understanding that Malina has aged up to eighteen?"

"Yes, last month."

The line goes quiet for a few moments.

She lets out a stressful sigh, "I- well. Hm, considering she has been eighteen for a little bit now, she no longer will be in the system. I will need to send you a few documents that just explains that you are aware she has aged out. Now with that, you and your wife may choose to no longer support Malina. If you choose that route please inform us, or have Malina do so and we'll point her in the direction of our sister program, helping aged out young adults."

Her words hang like a water weighted cloud over my head.

I'm almost offended by the woman's suggestion that I feel burdened by Malina. I take a breath and push all emotion aside.

"That won't be necessary, we like having Malina with us."

Surprise coats the woman's throat, "oh, okay. That's great to hear. Well as I said before, a few documents will be coming your way to be signed by either you, your wife and Malina."

"We will do that."

"Have a great day," she says and the line goes dead.

As I put my phone down the school bell shrieks dismissing all the high school children.

Not long after, Malina comes my way. Her curly, poofy hair frames her softly made up face.

She gets in and shuts the door with slight force.

"Hey," she says.

"Hey," I shift the car into gear and pull off before a crowd forms in the road. "How was school?"

She shrugs, "alright I guess. Everyone's blabbering about prom and Gradbash."

I glance at her, she looks pouty.

"You don't look too excited."

She shrugs again, "nothing to be excited about, all my friends are at my old school and none of them even talk to me anymore besides Sasha... All I care about is getting my diploma and being done."

"What you've got a month to go?"

"Month and 15 days, but whose counting" she jokes.

I chuckle once, then I mention the call from Denise.

"I got a call from the social services," I announce.

She looks at me in a flash, worried wouldn't be right to describe the look on her face.

"And?"

"Nothing bad, you're not in trouble... They let me know that you've aged out, no longer in the system."

It takes her a moment to register, then she relaxes.

"Damn, really? What's that mean now, do I report to someone else?"

I shake my head, "just sign some papers they send in the mail..."

I slow to a stop at a four way intersection.

Malina stares out at the cars in front of us.

"So what, do I have to move out now?"

I glance at her again, oingering a couple seconds longer. I can tell she's trying to stay contained.

"Not if you don't want to... I don't want you to."

It's her turn to glance at me, a small smile plays on her lips.

"Thank you, I honestly don't know where I'd go."

I almost start to mention that scrawny boy she was with as a joke, but I don't want to ruin the mood.

"As long as you continue trying in life, I don't mind having you as a housemate."

●●●

The rest of the ride is quiet. Almost as if mother nature was watching over us, it starts to poor down rain as soon as we pull into the garage.

Malina peaks through the blinds.

I take the moment to look her up and down while her back is to me. Intruding thoughts of me approaching her, pressing up against her and kissing her nape come to mind.

"Where the hell did all this rain come from?" she asks.

In response, thunder cracks loudly echoing around the area.

"Adeen?" Her voice shakes me from my daydream.

"What?" I ask, realizing she's facing me now.

"You okay?" She asks slightly concerned.

"Yeah, sorry just had something on my mind. What's up?"

She studies me a second longer, "earlier I was telling you about graduation being in a couple months... Well the school's doing early cap and gown sales, could I go ahead and purchase mine, get it out of the way."

"Oh yeah, of course. Monday I'll get you the money for that."

She nods, "thank you."

"Of course, that all? Need money for Gradbash?"

She shrugs,"doubt I'll go. Like I said, I don't know too many people at this school... Well, guess I'll go up to my room."

"Alright, think of what you want for dinner, unless you're good."

She nods as she walks towards the stairs with her backpack. I again take advantage and watch her ass saunter away.