Chapter Text
The sun beats down too warm for a spring day. Scrabbling on the smooth stucco I try to dig the toes of my shoes in the much smaller than I thought gaps. Suddenly my right foot lurches out from under me. As I strain my arms to keep from falling I hear a skittering sound. Looking over my shoulder I see a broken piece of orange stucco slide down the slanted roof, under the overhang I hear the door open. Before I can even blink I hear the sharp crack of a stucco shard clocking someone on the skull. I wince and rush down to find a phone to call 911.
"I've had enough of her. She could have killed Orson or herself. This reckless behavior is exactly why you have not been able to permanently place her. You are lucky we don't sue," There's a pause in the ranting as the speaker regains her composure, "Normally Orson and I can handle irresponsible children. We have been at this for a long time, but that injury is too much. Five stitches and a minor concussion,". I shrink down against the scratchy fabric lining the back of the chair. The door to the social worker's office is thrown back and my previous guardian Mrs. Tipton storms out without a glance my way. Slowly I get up and go in to have my turn with the social worker. Ms. Wilt has been on my case since I first entered the system six years ago. When I walk in she looks exhausted.
Rubbing her forehead with one hand she focuses on me and says, "Jade Ann May, what am I going to do with you?". I start to speak but she stops me. " Why do you insist on these parkour experiments? Usually you just hurt yourself, but now do you see the damage it causes? Do you want the Smiths to cancel your monthly visitations? Once they hear about this, you'll be considered a worse influence to your brother than before. I want to help you. But between this and how closed off you act to prospective parents I am out of ideas. It's almost like you want to be alone,". Fingering the hole in my hoodie pocket I remain quiet. Not daring to tell her the truth, why I can't stand the idea of adoption. I know what she'll say “I can't keep dreaming of things I have no control over”. To let go of the idea that I can convince my dad it's safe to take me and my brother back. "As of now I will have to scramble to find a temporary home that can take you," she continues. I nod understanding." I hope though you won't be climbing this new house,". I nod again, but from the look she's giving me I can tell she doesn't believe I meant it. Which is fine because I didn't.