My New Home

22: Losing And Winning In A Thin Line (short)

"She's been sexual assaulted under your supervision, this isn't a safe place for her anymore."

The tears stung at the back of my eyes, I couldn't believe I had even more problems to add to my box.

It's a week after confessing my assault and things haven't gotten better, Hank wants Elliott to be punished but his parents think differently.

Sure Hanks a good lawyer and all but the Reed family was loaded and they had money to spare on this, we wouldn't win so what's the point.

Miss. Brandy had showed up ten minutes earlier, she said it was important and private.

I knew it wouldn't be good but, this bad? She's not taking me out of this house is she?

I thought of this home, the people here are my family, I can't just leave her and forget them.

"Brandy no, I love Carrie and we're dealing with everything." Brandy sighed, I didn't give to hear her answer however.

"Hey don't ease drop, it'll just give you more anxiety." Eric said, creeping up behind me.

Eric started coming over more and more after learning about my party encounter.

"I think she's taking me away." I said, he frowned. "She's can't, we're your family." I smile. "I know, I don't want to go."

He pulled me in a hug. "You won't leave us." He said matter-of-factly, I hoped me as right.

Hank and Brandy came out of the kitchen, Hank looking slightly less upset then he was before.

"Hey, Carrie." Brandy said, patting my shoulder. "Are you taking me away?" I ask, she shook her head.

"No but we have to talk about that Elliott kid." She said, taking my hand and taking to a secluded part of the house.

"You honey, I know your hurting but we're back into a corner. We can't take action for what he did, not unless you came back to me."

I was confused, very confused, I didn't want to take action but why would I not be able to take action unless I'm with Miss. Brandy.

"Why?" She took a deep breath. "Well Hank technically is just a babysitter, he's got to adopt you first." I tilted my head, I clearly didn't get what she meant.

"So it's either come live with me and get justice or stay here and have to see him at school."

I, obviously, knew my answer.

I would hate being near Elliott and I would be on edge when I see him but I love the Anderson's and would do anything to stay with them.

I won't be leaving this house, never ever, cause I finally have a real home, way better then any foster home I've lived in.

"I'm not living here, I'm staying with the Anderson's." She looked down, I don't think she liked the answer.

"I miss you, King misses you too." She said, I smiled at King's name. "Hey, you haven't brought him over yet!" I exclaimed.

She shakes her head. "I know, next time, I promise." She took both of my hands. "Does that mean I can stay here?" She nods and I feel happy tears go down my face.

I haven't happy cried in so long, I don't remember the last time I did but I missed the feeling of it.

I missed being so happy that water comes out of my eyes, I hope that's not weird.

*~*~*~*

I have called a meeting of importance with all my friends, I wanted to tell everyone what the outcome of me and Elliott's situation.

I made a texted each and everyone of my friends to met me in the library, I was nervous to see how they'd react, Charlotte the most.

She was so die hard on getting justice for me so I'm worried if she'll blow up and get super mad at the system.

I anxiously waited the whole day until the 9th period bell rang, I booked it to the back section of the library.

I waited for all of two seconds before Charlotte came in, barreling torwad me. "Hey, Char." I said, she gave me a quick hug. "Hey I'm glad you wanted to talk, what's up?"

I bit my lip. "Penny and Delilah are coming too." I decided to tell the girls first then tell Brent in private, it worked better that way.

"Oh okay." She said, settling on the couch. Penny came next then Delilah. "So what's this about?" Penny asked, I gave them a tight-lipped smile.

"I just wanted to tell you guys that I'm not going to do anything about Elliott, I couldn't even if I wanted to." Charlotte furrowed her brow.

"What do you mean?" She snapped, I explain what Miss. Brandy. They were all dumbfounded like me but, after much convincing, got them to calm down.

After that it was time to talk to Brent, I was nervous to see how angry he'd be. "Hey." I said, catching just after he left the lockeroom.

Owen knew what I was doing and promised to wait for me and stall the twins.

"Hey." He said, smiling at me. "Can we talk?" He nods and I take him under a tree, I also explained everything and he wasn't angry like I thought he would be just worried about me.

"Are you okay? I mean that must be tough." I shrug, yeah it will be but I gave amazing people to get me through it.

"I have you to protect me right?" I ask, he tucks a lose strand of hair behind my ear. "You know it." He whispered, it sent shivers down my body.

"I'll see you later!" I said suddenly, pulling away. "Oh yeah okay." He said, I kissed his cheek and ran away.

Like Miss. Brandy always told me there's a thin line between losing and winning and I think I'm still between the line.

I'd like apologise for the short and, admittedly, half assed chapter, the next ones will be better.