Battlefield of Changes

Goodbye

In the week I've been trapped in hospital, Mike almost had to leave because of my fall, Ashdene Ridge was closed down, everybody moved to Burnywood, and then everybody came back again.

Carmen had a black eye after some kid from the other home stole all of her things and Tyler apparently got beaten up!

Ryan visited me almost every day. I love him so much.

I got out of Mikes car. I still had a sling and some scars but my leg was fine, turns out it wasn't actually that badly broken to begin with.

Today was the day my foster family were taking me away. I've never even met them.

I walked in to the lobby to see a big banner saying 'WELCOME HOME MARIE' on it and everyone was standing there with smiles on their faces.

The delicious smell of Mai Lee's cooking smacked me in the face and I instantly felt hungry.

"Home?" I questioned, mainly to myself but I think a few people still heard.

"Well you could at least try and look happy about it!" Tyler grunted. "We worked really hard"

"Sorry, but I don't think you needed too" I said looking down.

"Why not?" Asked Billie innocently. I looked around at all the confused faces, staring back at me.

"Mikes sending me away."

"No, it's alright we are back open you're staying here now" Bailey chuckled.

"I'm not. I'm getting fostered."

"Well, that's a good thing, isn't it?" Asked Sasha.

I don't know. Is it a good thing? I mean most people here would kill to be in my shoes right now, but something inside me just doesn't feel right. Up in leaving everything I ow and love behind, to go and live with people I have never met who will now claim to be my parents.

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. Everybody stared silently as Mike opened it, revealing my new foster family.

I'll admit it, they looked nice. The lady had short, blondeish hair that hung by her shoulders. She was wearing jeans and a long sleeved top with a denim jacket. The man, her husband, was wearing almost the same thing just without the denim jacket. They were both smiling as Mike took them into the office.

"I've packed up your things" Mai Lee told me. She then took me into the office to meet my new family.

"This is Jennifer and Stewart Harlow" Mike announced, gesturing towards them.

"Hi" I said quietly. Mike and Mai Lee left so that we could get to know each other. Jennifer pulled out a notebook full of questions. I'm going to be here a while.

"Do you play any instruments"

"I play guitar"

"Do you have any hobbies"

"I like singing and playing"

"Are you vegetarian?"

"No"

"Do you have any allergies"

"No"

And it went on. She's already seen my file for gods sake.

Ryan's POV

"I don't want Marie to go" Harry said.

"Me neither mate" I replied.

"Shall we make her a cake?" Floss asked.

"Don't be stupid there's no time! She is in there with them now and it won't be long before she's gone!" I snapped. Harry looked at me apologetically. He obviously saw how much she means to me, I can't stand the thought of her not being here.

"There must be something we can do!" Floss said.

I couldn't take it. I got up and left the room. I went and sat in the garden where I heard Tracy talking to Mike.

"But it's obvious she doesn't want to go!"

"I know Tracy but she's going today, it's too late"

"No it's not! It's clear nobody wants her to go and it's clear she wants to stay"

"Tracy please. My word is final. And I don't want any more Tracy plans"

"Tracy plans work! Usually!"

Mike then looked down at his watch. "It's time to go" he announced.

So Mike knew she doesn't want to go and he is still making her! I don't believe it!

Marie's POV

"Do you know how to complete basic chores around the house?"

"Yes"

"Do you sleep with the light on, or off?"

"I have a nightlight that I plug in"

Mike opened the door. "It's time" he sighed at me. I walked out the room and picked up my suitcase.

"Do you want me to get that for you love?" Asked Stewart, reaching for it.

"I can do it myself" I snapped. "And don't call me love!"

He looked at Mike who gave him a weird look. I don't want to leave! SOMEONE GET ME OUT OF THIS PLEASE!

I pulled my suitcase into the boot of the car, before turning to face everybody. They were all lined up in a row outside the front door.

I walked along them, one by one, saying my goodbyes.

I just hugged and shook their hands. I don't like goodbyes. Specially when I don't want to go!

I got to Tee. "Never stop doing art. You're really talented" I said, hugging her tightly.

"Never stop playing music" she replied. "And let us know when you're on stage so we can come see our favourite pop superstar!" I sniffed and smiled briefly, before moving on. The next person was Mike.

"Do I have to" I said, as he hugged me.

"I'm sorry. We will miss you you know."

"I'll miss you too. You're like a dad to me Mike"

"Go on, you'll only make me embarrass myself more"

I pulled away, crying my eyes out. The last person in line was Ryan.

I threw my arms round his neck, he put his arms round my waist and held me tight.

"Text me as soon as you get there, and everyday forever?"

"I will. I promise" I pulled away from his chest, still with my arms round him and kissed him.

So warm and passionate and emotional. "I love you" I whispered.

"I love you more" he said as we stood together, swaying slightly with our arms wrapped round each other. Both crying our eyes out.

I never want this moment to end. Not only because I'm holding onto Ryan and never want to let go, but because I know the next moment is something I'm going to regret doing for the rest of my life.

"Marie?" Jennifer said from behind me. I gave Ryan a sad look, before trailing off into the backseat of their tiny car.

I wound the window down and looked out of it, crying as the car slowly moved away. The kids all ran down the driveway shouting goodbye, apart from Ryan, who just ran off inside.