Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

Lakelynn

A t fourteen years old, I’ve been passed over many times. But today, it’s a new day. A new family. And this time I’m determined to make it work. The Rylees are my fifth family, and I don’t want to see the sixth. Because they have a few other children around my age, I’m hopeful this family will keep me longer than the others. I’ll do my best to make sure it happens.

As I’m shown around my new home, I mentally repeat the rules and what’s expected of me. The next morning, wanting to make a good impression, I wake up early without being coaxed by Mrs. Rylee. She praises me for it as she hands me a brand-new dress for church.

“Hurry along, Sierra ,” Mrs. Rylee says to my roommate. “You know the routine. You could learn a thing or two from Lakelynn.”

She touches my cheek in affection before leaving the room. I smile proudly. It disappears as I glance at Sierra, who is scowling at me. She’s been scowling at me since I arrived yesterday. I don’t blame her. It’s not easy welcoming a new foster sister into the fold. She probably feels I’ll try to shove her out.

It’s a common thing with foster families. They compare the children often, but I’m hoping we’ll learn to share this family as she does with the other kids. I want us all to be happy here.

When Sierra begins getting dressed, I do the same. I step in front of the mirror, twisting and turning. My new dress makes me feel pretty. It’s beige with ruffles and puffy quarter sleeves. I’ve never had anything brand-new bought just for me, only hand-me-downs.

I push my blonde hair back and tie it into a ponytail. Living with strangers should be scary, but after living in the orphanage and then being thrown from one home to another, I’m used to being with new people. This couple seems nice; I’m looking forward to the future with them and what it’ll bring.

Sierra rolls her eyes at my giddiness, but I ignore her. I won’t let her ruin my good mood. We leave the room and meet a few boys our age in the foyer.

“Look at you, pretty girl,” Mr. Rylee says as he and his wife join us. His smile spreads as wide as his face and it crinkles at the sides. “You’ll be the talk of the town.” He nudges me teasingly. “All the boys will be chasing you in no time. I’ll have to beat them off with a stick.”

I giggle. No one has ever cared enough to compliment me before. I think my luck is strong in this house.

“Time to go!” Mrs. Rylee announces, clapping her hands. “Let’s hurry. We don’t want to be late.”

We pile out of the house and head over to church.

During the service, I listen as they talk and sing songs cheerfully. I haven’t felt so content in a long time. As I sit with my new family, a sense of belonging fills me.

We have lunch in a different room inside the church after service. It’s noisy—in a good way—with long tables and delicious homemade food. After we’ve eaten, we head home.

For the rest of the day, we play outside, have dinner, and watch TV until bedtime. It feels like a real family.

Mrs. Rylee leaves for work an hour after we’ve lain down. I hear her car drive off. Sierra snores softly in the next bed. I’m almost asleep when I hear the door creak open. I stiffen, but keep my eyes closed.

Footsteps creep closer to my bed. Mr. Rylee’s cologne hits me at the same time as his hovering shadow. I feel his breath on me as he watches me. He pushes my hair back with his fingertips.

He’s probably checking on us. Making sure we’re okay. It’s good that he cares.

But he stays and stays. I wonder if I should open my eyes, but something in my gut tells me to keep them closed.

I hear his breathing getting faster. My heart pounds in my chest as fear grips me. I want to believe he’d never do anything to harm us, but my gut is screaming something different. People can act nice even when they hate you. I’ve learned that the hard way.

Mr. And Mrs. Rylee haven’t given me a reason not to trust them. They’ve been extra kind to me, but it’s only been one day.

I move around to change my position, and Mr. Rylee leaves the room quickly. I release a heavy breath. He didn’t do anything bad, but I’m now contemplating how safe I am here. Deciding to keep my wits about me, I sleep lightly, preparing for the worst. No matter what, these are the cards I was dealt, and I refuse to go back into the system.

I have to make this work.

So I do what I do best: I try to survive.