"Hello Jake . How are you today?" My social worker walked into the hospital room where I've been staying in for some time now . Doug Duncan was only five and a half feet tall . Six inches taller than me, but his personality felt stronger than his stature . "Are you feeling all better and ready to get out of here?"
I shrugged . Not sure what to say . I'm alive, so good? But also my mom is being tried for attempted murder, so how good can I really be?
AdvertisementMr . Duncan stared at me, and I just stared back . Finally he just continues, like my lack of replies don't bother him . "We found a home to place you in . It's a single family with four kids of their own . We have already prepped the parents on your situation and they know to not allow your mother to contact you . " I clenched my fists at the thought of ever seeing her again . "As for the case against your mother, her lawyer has her pleading not guilty on the basis of having a mental breakdown . "
I turned away . I didn't really want to hear about her . Someone like that had no place in my life .
"I won't lie to you . It's going to a long, hard case . We do have a restraining order in place and she has no way to make bail without money or family to help . " He paused . "You're fourteen now, so I think you're old enough to know that we are looking for who your dad might be . "
I looked up at him and he looked at me . They didn't even know who my dad was? Did they even know I have a brother? Should I mention it? No . I shouldn't . They left me before, so it would only make sense that they wouldn't want me now . What's the point .
Mr . Duncan waited patiently as I looked at him . Maybe he thought I had something to say or some kind of insight on where to search . I just didn't care, so I looked away once more .
"Okay then . . . we'll hit the road once you're all packed up . "
I walked over and grabbed a backpack from a chair . I was already told last night to be ready to leave with Mr . Duncan so it's not a big surprise . Some friends from middle school came by with a few clothing items and my baseball glove . They didn't bring the bat . Last I heard, it was being held as evidence . Not like I wanted it back .
Mr . Duncan watched me put the bag on my shoulder and then gestured for me to follow him out . "Once you get settled and all the paperwork is processed, the state will issue a check for the family to help you get some necessities . So even though it might seem like you don't have a lot now, it'll change in time . "
I followed him out to his car, a clean, but obviously older, four door sedan . I got in the front passenger seat and placed my bag at my feet . Mr . Duncan got in on his side and started up the car .
"The Atkins will be the ones to take you in . They live more up north, still on the coast . It'll be a nice change, I'm sure . " He spoke as he drove, filling up the silence with small talk . "The Atkins are a great family . Very kind and easy to get along with . Their kids are all in high school . We'll be able to send you to the same one for now, until we find your father and then we'll see how it goes from there . "
Mr . Duncan prattled on as I watched the scenery fly by . He seemed like a nice guy in his young thirties; helping the helpless and changing lives . Hopefully he could help me change mine too .
Chapter end
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