Life in Philly was boring, well at least for me. I have no friends. Everyone in my group home are either too old for me or too young. Plus, I don't like them that much. I'm kind of an outcast because I was the last one to join the home. I remember that day like it was yesterday. The first and last day Ms. Ester ever said something to me without a curse word.
September 14, 2000
"This is the room you'll be staying in, with Nisha."
"Hi, Gianna."
"Hi, I'm Nisha."
"Okay, so, put your stuff in these drawers and get settled in."
Wow, I think I like this home group. It's quite different from the last one. And it doesn't smell like mildew in here.
I put my clothes in the drawers and sat on the bed. Across from my bed, there was another the bed in the room so I figured there was another person in here. Nisha's bed was perpendicular from mine. The top of her bed was at the foot of mine. The room was pink, well rather a dirty pink. The paint was old and chipping in some places. The floor was wooden and stained, oh and it creeked a lot. The dressers were tattered and dusty, but how can I complain. This was the best I've came across so far. Plus, I got nothing to gain or lose. But what I really liked about the room was it had a window. I never had a window and I was right next to my bed. It wasn't much to look at outside but I was happy.
"Oh, look we got another random."
I looked across the room and three girls were standing in the doorway. I later learned that their names were Tessa, Danisha, and Abigail. And I learned they were three mean bitches.
"Excuse me but you on my bed." The girl named Abigail said. She was short with a strong Hispanic accent. She wore a high ponytail that came down to the side her face. She had big gold earrings. The biggest I've ever seen.
" But Ms. Ester said this was my be-."
"Did I ask you what Ms. Ester said!" she snapped.
I just stared at her and she stared at me. Her eyes were burning holes in mine. I eventually got up and walked over to the other bed and sat down. The bed made a screeching noise. It was lending forward, almost as if two legs of it were broken. It was wobbling and unsturdy. I felt like I was going to fall so I jumped up in panic.
Laughter.
Danisha and Tessa were laughing hysterically, pointing at me. Laughing.
Abigail plopped down on her new bed and rubbed her fingers across its soft surface. As she did it she smiled at me and let out a loud laugh, joining Danisha and Tessa.
I felt my ears turn hot. I just got robbed of my bed and I haven't even been in this group home for more than 15 minutes.
"Stop laughing at this little girl." Nisha yelled. "Damn, she just got here. Get the fuck outta of my room!"
"Damn, Nisha calm down." said Abigail whipping tears from her eyes. She got up and walked out of the room, following her, Danisha and Tessa did the same.
" You okay girl? Nisha asked me.
"Ummm.. yeah. Thanks."
"You gotta to learn how to stick up for yourself girl. The world gone eat you up. You can't be lettin people step all over you like that!"
"COME EAT!" Ms. Ester yelled from a far.
Nisha looked at me and I looked at her.
" You understand what I'm saying?" She asked.
"Yeah."
"Well, okay, let's go eat."
I walked out of the room behind Nisha. My head hung low.
