Raina Jenkins is 16 when she runs away from home. She is adopted by a charity worker and has a better life. But when her real parents pass away and her new family all set to relocate in another country, what will Raina do? And what will happen when...
Hiya, as you know, my name is Raina and I am a bit of a runaway. My parents didn't even make an appeal to find me after I left; the day after my 16th birthday I ran away and fled from that unloving home. I eventually found myself semi/vaguely adopted by a guy who ran a shelter charity for troubled teens called Mike Jenson and his wife, Angelina Jenson. They were a lot nicer than my biological family and supported me in my choice to study a degree in ecology and conservation as well as take a life-guarding course outside of uni, which I loved as it meant I could do more swimming which was a great passion of mine, even if I live in freezing cold England. I had recently finished my degree and decided I would like to work part-time as a lifeguard and part-time conservationist at a local rescue centre. It wasn't well paid but it was fun and I never had a 'normal' day. I mean, where's the fun in that???
It was on one of these abnormal work days where i had the early shift at the centre and then an afternoon shift with the lifeguards in Whitby, when one sad and one amazing thing happened. Things always happen in two's, don't they? Well, the sad thing was only kinda sad but it turned my whole life upside down. It was 18:30 and I had just got home when 'Rewrite the Stars' began to play. I took out my phone and answered it tentatively.
This is Sargent James Stewarts of the North Yorkshire Police Department. I'm afraid we have some distressing news for you. Are you sat down, miss?
Yes. What's wrong?
I regret to inform you that on the 20th July, Mr Edward James Jenkins and Mrs Eliya Louise Jenkins nee Lordes were found dead in their home in Malton.
Dead? They were gone? I was free? I didn't know what to think or feel. Wait 20th, that was three days ago?
Miss, are you ok? Is there anyone we can call for you?
Erm, no its ok. My situation is slightly strange but there are two adults with me now, if you would like to speak to them?
Yes please miss.
I gave the phone to Mike and Angelina as Sebastian (below) came running in, delayed as usual.
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He wagged his tail happily before giving me his lead and leading me to the door. I peeped into the front room and signalled to Angelina that I was nipping out. Her eyes were red but she nodded at me softly. I got a coat and attached Bastien's lead to his collar. We wandered around the neighbourhood before I started to get tired, then we headed home; we'd been out almost 2 hours when we got back. Mike and Angelina had clearly been waiting for us to return as they had angled their chairs towards the door and had one of the many André Rieu CD's play quietly in the background. As I removed Bastien's lead, Mike stood up and came slowly towards me, almost as if I was a rare Amur tiger that shouldn't be startled. You can tell I have a degree in ecology and conservation, can't you?
"Raina, we need to talk properly. They may have all but abandoned you in life but they did include you in their will apparently. Their lawyer will be coming over tomorrow to talk to you as you are legally an adult, but we are ok to be in the meeting if you want us there," I nod, "Ok then. Oh before you head up, we wanted to ask you if you would like to move with us to Australia. You see, Ange has been offered a promotion but she will have to move to Bondi and we thought you might like to come with us. And given everything that's going on ...." he trailed off. I stood there dumbfounded; Angelina came over and hugged me as I began to shake. Oh, didn't I mention? I have quite severe anxiety after living on the streets for almost a year and it causes these attacks. I mumbled a soft yes into her black curls.
As I sat in my room later it suddenly dawned on me. I was moving to Bondi beach and so I could possibly become a lifeguard there. Not just that but the animals in Australia were the best and, in my opinion, the cutest. Take the tree kangaroo for example, yes it does exist look it up if you don't believe me, it is so fricking adorable.
