Chapter 4 c4

I wish I'd been prepared for what was to come.

The foster home we were placed in was quite a distance from our home, but I assume that was the point. There was no way for us to just retreat to safety. Furthermore, even if our mother did return, she would be unable to get us.

while I recall, we rode in a dark vehicle while child services took us there. The concern on Avery's face told me as much. The wind was rustling the trees outside, and the sky was a dull gray. People were out and about despite the fact that leaves were scattering the streets and walkways. No sunshine could be seen. It was as dark outside as it was in the automobile.

When I got out of the vehicle, I saw a well kept home with large windows and a welcome mat. The sign was blue and white, and the walls were painted white. They probably put flowers up against the wall to make it appear nicer. This site was beautiful, but I was hoping to avoid being here. To be honest, all I wanted to do was go home to Avery and watch TV.

Avery latched onto my sleeve as I looked out the window and saw curious children peering down at us.

Avery moaned, "I don't like this Alex," as she stood behind me.

Ms. Jane tried to soothe us, saying, "You'll be okay, boys." Was this really necessary? I mean, I understood that she was just doing her job, but still.

"Take me and Avery back to our house; we're leaving. Thankfully, our family now includes a mother. I let out an angry shout that brought the children's heads back to the window sills.

"Yeah, we have a mom," Avery assured me.

"Alex, you know as well as I do that it wasn't safe for you and your wife to live there. She talked softly, caressing my shoulder as she spoke, and I felt a sense of serenity wash over me.

A frail elderly lady with white hair and spectacles walked in via the open front door. She looked at Avery and me like we were inanimate things.

To ask, "Are these the new guys?" Ms. Jane nodded in response to her questions. A large group of children filed out the front doors a few minutes later. There didn't seem to be anybody about Avery's age among them. Everybody there seemed really mature. Avery's hold on my arm tightened as the lads positioned themselves behind the lady.

"These folks are locals, and they'll become some of your closest pals." She lowered her voice and talked to us at eye level.

My response of "no shit" shocked the other youngsters, with the exception of Avery, who burst out laughing.

You did it again, he squealed, his laughter escaping him.

The elderly lady stood there, gaping in disbelief. As Avery and I had a good chuckle, a sly smile spread over my face.

You're not supposed to have conversations with Alex types. Ms. Jane, taken aback by my outburst, snapped. They shouldn't have been surprised, now that I think about it. They have every right to be upset; you took their child away from them.

I told her angrily, "You're not my mom, so don't speak to me like you are." Back then, I was limited in my ability to fully convey my emotions. As a rule, I never excelled at it.

I told the two ladies in front of me, "I'm not going in there." To prevent either of them from grabbing us, I placed one arm over Avery.

A youngster in the rear called out, "Come on dude, it's not that bad," and I turned around to listen.

I shouted, "I just want to go home," and Avery and I began to cautiously retreat from the people who had gathered in front of us.

"This is your home now," Ms. Jane said with a mournful face.

If they want to remain out here, then let them. As she entered the premises, the elderly lady sneered. We were left standing in the yard with Ms. Jane after the children had followed her inside.

In tears, I pleaded, "I can't stay here," my arms around Avery.

As she got into her vehicle, she said, "You can, you just don't want to."

Avery pleaded with her, "Don't leave us," so I turned to him.

We just need each other, I said, staring at her as she shook her head in dismay. As I watched her automobile go down the road, a sense of abandonment washed over me.

Ultimately, I decided to remain a resident in the residence. We had already left Avery out in the cold a couple of nights before, and I couldn't risk him getting ill again. If Avery hadn't been with me, I never would have gone in there, but it was my responsibility to look after him.

The elderly lady was seated in what looked like an office at the end of the rickety corridor. Avery's strong grip on my hand bolstered my stance.

My name is Josephine, and because of your behavior outdoors, you'll be staying in your room for the next two days. That kind of behavior is not acceptable in this environment. Her tone was icy and devoid of any feeling as she talked.

Josephine called out, "Derek," and an older lad than me entered in the room within seconds.

She glared at Derek angrily and said, "Derek, take Avery and Alex to their room and lock them in it" before Avery and I were led upstairs.

The inside of the home has the same muted tones as the outside. It was obvious that this was an ancient home, with its broken walls and creaking floorboards. The flowers within were still alive, while those outside had withered and died. Claw marks scratched into the wooden stair rails were evidence of previous vandalism. I don't care to know what kinds of stains were on the walls.

A black man, Derek sported brown peepers. He was tall and lanky, yet he had the air of an athlete. Probably all the time he spends on his feet serving the skank in the basement. He was dressed in a soiled grey shirt and dark denim.

As Avery and I made our way down the corridor, the children began to emerge from their rooms.

"Don't make a mess in here or I'll kick your ass," Derek scowled and ushered us in with a shove.

After saying, "Look at this kid's hair," Derek grabbed my hair and dragged me into the corridor.

"Alex!" Even when Avery yelled for help, nobody paid him any mind.

Someone said, "Who has hair like that, you freak" A youngster remarked angrily as they all passed judgment on me. I had white hair. It was white before today, but I now wish it hadn't always been.

They were trying to stir me up by asking, "Does your Mom have hair like that?" Derek had a firm hold on the crown of my head, and I was paralyzed.

I said, "Shut the fuck up" and tried to kick him, but he only tugged harder on my hair.

Derek shouted, "Stop fucking squirming," and threw me on the floor.

Derek said sharply, "You're such a loser," and the other person concurred.

My brother says, "Leave him alone!" An angry Avery smashed a vase over Derek's head and yelled at him. Before Derek dropped to the ground, everyone gazed at Avery in disbelief. Incredulity filled my gaze.

The words "uh oh" came out of Avery's mouth, but a grin broke out on his face. All the youngsters clustered around Derek, seemingly speechless.

The youngsters yelled, "Get into your room," thus shutting us up. Both Avery and I had been knocked unconscious by the unexpected push. I was lying on the floor, watching Avery stroke his head as he sat there. My face lit up in a broad grin as he glanced across at me.

"I can't believe you did that," I said to the floor with a smile.

"It just smashed everywhere," Avery mused, shaking his head.

I got off the ground with a sigh and said, "I think we're going to be punished for a week."

Maybe, but it was still awesome, right?" In agreement, Avery nodded.

As I lay in bed, I agreed, "Yeah, it was worth it.