Wanting to belong..

Eliana..

Barbara: your birthdays coming up days away

Eliana: hmm Friday the big 18 huh .. don't worry ill have my things packed and be gone by 10 am

barbara: honey I'm not kicking you out ok but 18 is the age and I get a lot of requests to take in kids I wish i could give you a longer stay I do

Eliana: no I understand its the way the system works barb .. I wasn't adopted and I'm turning 18 im outgrowing the system .. now I'm an adult and free I guess

she sighed and sat down across from her

Eliana: your the best foster mom I've ever had the longest one I've stayed at .. thank you for everything you've done for me

Eliana was 3 when she entered the foster care system .. she thought she was dropped off at the police station because her mother couldn't take care of her...

she grew up moving from home to home in a system that truly never cared for her .. she was abused and bullied and ever shown the love she deserved

she moved into her last foster home at the age of 15 convinced she would never find a forever family .. she found one in the streets...

the gang became her family she learned how to hustle how to deal how to rob .. she wasn't your typical homegirl

barbara: don't thank me you had gone threw a lot by the time you got to me I did my best to give you a normal life .. but I wish you were leaving with at least a diploma

she had dropped out her junior year

Eliana: it's just a piece of paper to me honestly ill be ok I been saving

barbara: you have to leave your work address so I can visit you catch up sometime

Eliana: yea haha ill leave you my new number we can keep in contact like that

she got up and hugged her

barbara: your a strong girl that's been threw a lot in life and overcome a lot too .. i know for a fact you'll be ok

she side smiled

eliana: thank you .. but can i ask you for one birthday gift?

barbara: sure what is it?

eliana: if you could find me any information on my birth mom or dad i don't care i would appreciate it

barbara: ill talk to nancy shes been your case worker for a bit she should have something saved

eliana: thanks

she went to get dressed for the day and left

joker: alright so whats the plan for the day?

eliana: i don't care what we do as long as it involved money

jose: all we been doing is working this shit cant we get drunk or high for once?

eliana: we can do that later i rather be making money

joker: huera you ok? why you trying to make so much cash?

the homies called her huera for her light-skinned complexion with her light brown eyes .. she didnt speak much Spanish but she knew she was Mexican.

she sighed

eliana: i turn 18 Friday .. meaning im growing out of the system i gotta pack my shit into a trash bags one last time and leave on my own

jose: and go where? be homeless?

joker: i thought your foster mom was chill?

eliana: she is but its the way it goes so that's why i been working my ass off hustling I've saved all my money to get a motel room for a bit