Chapter 5 Jade #2
While she’s gone, I take the time alone with Charlotte to reassure her that I’ll come to see her no matter where we go, and she can always call on me if she needs me.
I let her know that if anything is off about where she goes, I would take her away in an instant.
It takes a while, but by the time Clair reenters the room, Charlotte has agreed to try the foster home, and that’s a victory if ever I saw one.
Clair approaches us and retakes her spot on the floor, despite her skirt and heels.
“So Charlotte, have you decided what you want to do?” Clair is wonderful with kids.
She makes sure to make Charlotte feel like she is in control of her choices no matter what she is asking.
She had done so with all the girls. Most of them had never had that kind of power over their own lives, at least not recently.
It went a long way in helping them decide to give these places a try.
At the end of the day, there wasn’t much else for them if they didn’t go, other than to sit here in the station, but even that was temporary.
No, they needed to go, but having them decide for themselves helped make it easier.
“I’ll go on one condition….” Her little voice is strong for probably the first time all night, and I can’t fight the grin that tugs at my lips. I know she’s going to be just fine. Clair nods, waiting for Charlotte to continue.
“I want Jade to be able to come and see me still.” As soon as the words are out of her mouth, she turns to me, and I can see the question in her eyes, as if asking me if that’s okay. As if I could ever say no to her.
I nod, and she smiles at me as if I’m her hero. If only I deserved that title, but I don’t dare rain on her parade.
“I’m sure we can arrange that, dear,” Clair tells her as she stands and offers Charlotte her hand, “I’m glad you offered to give this a try. I think I’ve found the perfect family for you. They’re here and ready to meet you. Would you like to meet them?”
The color drains from Charlotte's face, but Clair doesn’t push her.
I stand, resting my hand on Charlotte's shoulder, and when our eyes meet, I see the fear that shines in them. I move my hand down to interlock our fingers, squeezing gently to let her know I’m here. After a moment, she squeezes back.
“Together?” I ask her, and just like that, some of the fear is gone.
The couple Clair had for Charlotte really does seem perfect.
We sat with them for about a half hour before Charlotte opened up a little bit and talked to them.
After that, it was clear they would all be fine, but I stayed just in case she needed me.
After another twenty minutes, they were ready to head out.
Charlotte was so excited she was actually bouncing around at the idea of her own room, going to school, and having friends.
I’d never seen her so happy, and watching her get to experience life like a regular kid again brings a smile to my face.
When they go to leave, I’m almost sad, but I remind myself this is a good thing.
Charlotte deserves a normal life, or as close as she can get to one after what she’s been through.
She takes her foster mother's hand and makes it all the way to the door before she stops dead. The next thing I know, she’s slamming into me, her tiny arms wrapping around my waist, and her face buried in my stomach.
I wrap her in my arms as she looks up at me, tears swimming in her eyes, but this time, she doesn't seem sad, “I love you, Jade.”
I quickly wipe away a stray tear that slides down my cheek without permission and clear my throat, caught off guard by her display of affection. “I’ll see you soon,” I tell her, wrapping her up in a hug before letting her run back to her new foster parents.
With them gone it leaves just me and Clair in the lobby. I haven’t seen any of the other officers wandering around. I wonder if it’s because of the late hour or if they stayed away knowing they made the other girls uncomfortable. Either way, it doesn’t matter much to me.
“Thank you for all your help, Jade. I’m not sure most of those girls would have gone so easily if you hadn’t been here to reassure them. They’re lucky to have you,” Clair tells me as she blows on her fresh cup of coffee.
“They deserve better than what they were given. I’m just happy they get the chance to be free,” I tell her as I stand and stretch, my body protesting.
Looking out the front glass sliding door lets me know it’s almost night again.
No wonder I’m so tired and sore. Spending that much time on the floor can’t be good for anyone's back.
I start for the door. I’m unsure where I’m going, but I know I’ll figure something out. I always do, though I can’t go far with my promise to visit Charlotte.
Clair calls out to me, causing me to pause just before the exit.
She walks over to me, and once again, I’m caught off guard by the genuine concern in her gaze. “Where will you go, Jade?”
I shrug again because I don’t know, but I’m okay with that as long as the girls are safe. I can figure out the rest as I go.
“How would you like to come home with me?” Her question catches me entirely off guard, and I have to work to close my mouth as it hangs open in shock.
“What?” I ask her because clearly, I must have heard her wrong, right?
A smile lights her face, but she still repeats herself for my sake.
“I asked my husband, and he agreed. You’ve been taking care of these girls for so long, and you're right, they deserve better, but the same can be said for you. Unfortunately, you were right about us being unable to place you without us knowing your age, but that doesn’t stop us from letting you come stay with us.
” She nods her head as she talks, her smile so genuine, as if encouraging me to say yes.
“So what do you say? Stay with us. It could be just until you get on your feet, or you could stay permanently. It’s up to you, Jade.”