Chapter 9
Always be dressed for success and prepared for any scenario.
Mom’s words played in my ears as I got ready this morning for meeting my potential new foster parents. I’m so nervous, my leg is bouncing up and down rapidly as I chew on my cuticles. When Ms. Gina told me I had my meeting today, it felt like time stopped.
We went over a few things so that I knew what to expect from everything and the process that would follow afterwards. As long as everything goes great, I’ll be at my new place on Friday.
As I’m sitting at one of the dining tables by the window, I see a special edition black label Lincoln Navigator with blacked out tinted windows pulling in.
I instantly feel my stomach drop. This is it—the moment I’ve been both dreading and hoping for. All I keep thinking is, what happens if they change their minds? I really don’t want to spend my birthday here.
Ms. Gina heads towards the front door, giving me a huge smile. My eyes track her movements, and once she is out of view I look over at the mirror that hangs on the wall so I can see more. The mirror happens to show the door’s entrance area, which allows for the girls to be sneaky and nosey.
Guess that’s me today.
I let out a little chuckle. I see them exchanging words. Then she leads them around the corner and over to the table.
“Aluxis. This is Mr. and Mrs. Sorgetti.” She says.
“I’ll be right over there if you need anything.” Turning and walking over to the office area.
“Hello, Aluxis. It’s so nice to meet you. You can call me Carl and this is Claire.” They each hold out their hands to shake mine.
“Hi. Please call me Lux.” Reaching out to shake their hands.
“It”s nice to finally meet you. We have heard so much about you.” Carl says, giving me a smile.
“I’m excited to meet you as well. Please tell me more about your family.”
I’m feeling more excited to learn more about them. I wonder what it will be like. Do they have other kids? Will I have my own room? Will I still be able to keep my things? There are just so many questions floating through my mind. They seem like such a nice couple.
“Of course. We have been married for twenty years and have three children. We have been providing a safe home for children like you for a little over twelve years.”
“That’s really nice of you. I am really thankful you have decided to take me in until my birthday.”
“Yes, of course. When is your birthday again?” Carl asks.
“Uh, in eight months. I’m sorry, I thought you already would have seen it in my file. I hope it won’t be a problem and cause you to change your mind.” I really fucking hope not. Please don’t let them change their minds.
“Oh, no. Of course not, sweetie. It won’t be a problem at all.” Claire gives me a smile.
“Great.” I can’t keep the smile off my face.
“Dear. We should get going, we have a long drive ahead of us. It was so nice to meet you, Aluxis. We will see you Friday.” They both stand and walk over to Ms. Gina.
“I’ll walk them out and be right back.”
I watch them all head over to the exit and once again, watch through the mirror. They begin talking again as Ms. Gina hands them a blue folder. They open the folder and Mr. Sorgetti pulls out what looks like a brown bag or envelope and hands it to Ms. Gina.
She takes it from him, peering inside and looks up with a huge grin and shakes his hand. Then they turn and head out the door.
I hear that voice again.
“Be careful who you trust, Why do you think the alarm didn’t work?”
What is going on? What just happened.
My heart starts beating rapidly, to the point I can feel it in my ears. My throat starts to feel constricted. Tears start running down my face, making it hard to suck in a breath. The next thing I feel is the rush and burn coming from my stomach and up my throat. Before I can react, I throw up all the contents in my stomach. Then everything goes black.
When I open my eyes, I realize I’m laying down and begin to sit up. I look around and see I’m still in the dining area. I turn my head and see all the girls, including Ms. Gina, staring at me with a mix of worry and fear. I grab the chair and use it to help myself stand.
“I’m okay.” I say aloud.
“Lux, are you sure? You seemed fine and then the next thing I know, you’re on the floor.”
“I’m okay, promise. I just got really hot and lightheaded.”
I look up at Ms. Gina so she can see that I’m okay herself. She just smiles at me and before she can walk over Jojo pushes herself through everyone. She marches over to me and wraps me into a huge hug.
“What the hell Lux. I was ready to punch everyone if they didn’t move out of my way so I could get to you.” Jo says.
I let out a little chuckle. The thought of Jo acting all badass always puts a smile on my face. I just picture her looking like those old school cartoons where they walk up to the bigger person with their chest puffed out only to get scared off.
“I have some shit to tell you.” She turns towards Ms. Gina.
“Maybe she needs some fresh air, can we go outside for a bit?” She asks, “Please.”
“Okay fine but, if you feel like that again I want you to come tell me or the staff right away. Maybe it’s just nerves from the day.” Ms. Gina turns and walks away.
“There’s something I have to tell you, too.” She turns to look at me with her eyebrow raised.