Mated With Five Boys

"When you can no longer think of a reason to continue, you must think of a reason to start over." - Linda Poindexter

”Okay, here's your plane ticket.It's a one way, nonstop flight."

Cassy, my social worker, said handing me the ticket.

"Wait, I'm traveling by myself? Is that even legal?" l asked confused.

"You're 17 Mia, in a few months, you'll be 18.It's not illegal for you to ride ona plane by yourself"

She explained to me.

"Where am I going exactly?"

I asked her, looking down at the piece of paper.

I've been in and out fosters homes for the past ten years and never had I have to fly on a plane before.

"Colorado."She smiled lightly.

"COLORADO?"I practically yelled, shocked.

That's halfway across the country! "Why am I being shipped off to Colorado?"

I continue, looking up at Cassy.

Silently praying she'll reconsider.

"There are plenty of foster homes here, in Manhattan,’ I argued, not giving her a chance to speak.

"You'll be going to a great home Mia,’ She looked down at me sadly.

What am I? Some kind of homeless dog? I don't care about going to a "great home’ I just wanted to go somewhere I wouldn't get beat for breaking some impossible rule that a foster person had set.

"Yeah, that's what you said the day before you put me in the Rockwell's house."

I laughed sarcastically.

The sad expression on her face instantly made me regret what I said.

I might not be able to control how people treat me, but I could control the way I treat them.

And honestly, if I set out just to hurt others, how does that make me any better than the Rockwells' or any other crude person? "Look, Mia, I'm sorry.

I don't have very much say as to where you're placed, however, all things considered, the house you're going to is for kids your age.

The woman you're going to has never been in jail, nor have any of the kids been reported with cuts or bruises."

She said trying to convince me that this family would be different from all the rest.

"What's her name?"

I sighed in defeat.

information about this lady

much useless, I was

really blame

two years, she has been

that actually listened when you tried to explain what was happening in

purposefully try to put

(mac dim-kee),

to hand over the

"Don't you need this?"

I watched her confused.

copy's back at the

the file for me

do

the people I'm

A18 to Colorado Springs will be open for boarding in 20 minutes, A

airport, but Mrs.MacDymke insisted it be

walk away and go stand

come back, I

Cassy rushed out.

around and watched as she pulled out an old brown, leathered

died, and I was placed in

was a way

some of my deepest and darkest

have any clothes or belongings with you anymore.But I did find your journal in Martha

I forgot that Mrs.

me one night

everywhere for it! I had just thought she had thrown it

opened it, flipping through the pages for the only thing that made

the old, dirty pages I finally

Tears flooded my vision.

my mother and I from when I was

the last thing I had of

"Thank you."

Cassy, fighting the tears

"It's no problem, Mia."

smiled wholeheartedly at

gate A18

announcement boomed through the airport speakers,

"I better get going,"

my voice cracked

of

my head and

take care of

on the plane I'm pleased to see I have

a nonstop flight from New York to Colorado takes about four and a half

are going to be