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.

should at least knew some information about this lady

I was

can't really blame

two years, she

of the rare ones that actually listened when you tried to explain what was happening in the foster

purposefully try to put

dim-kee), here take

me trying to hand

"Don't you need this?"

I watched her confused.

copy's back at

the file for

do I

couldn't hurt knowing about the people I'm about to

to Colorado Springs will be open for boarding in 20

you, A social worker was going to pick up from the airport, but Mrs.MacDymke insisted it be her that brought you to the house.There

go stand in the line for

come back, I

Cassy rushed out.

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

mom died, and

way

of my

or belongings with you anymore.But I did

I forgot that Mrs.

night after she caught me writing in

for it! I had just thought

quickly opened it, flipping through the pages for the only thing that made this journal worth

along the old, dirty pages I finally saw

Tears flooded my vision.

a photograph of my mother and I from when I was

the last thing I

"Thank you."

up Cassy, fighting

"It's no problem, Mia."

smiled wholeheartedly

until gate A18 to Colorado

boomed through the airport

"I better get going,"

my voice cracked

care of

my

take care of

my seat on the plane I'm

to Colorado takes about four and a half to five

and this window are going to