Gifted Freaks

Chapter 1

"It was so nice to meet you, Rosie! Mr. Daniels and I will definitely be discussing you staying with us! " Mrs. Daniels Said sweetly. She gave me a bright smile that filled me with hope. Maybe they'd be the people to see past my problems and wouldn't kick me out after one of my 'anxiety' attacks. "Absolutely! In fact, I think it would be a good idea to talk to Ms. Conners about the last details," Mr. Daniels said to me and his wife. "Thank you so much for even considering it!" I told them excitingly.

The couple walked out of my counselor's office to meet her in the hall where she was waiting. I could just barely make out what they were saying to Ms.Conners.

"You're seriously telling me that this is the same girl with the pyromania problem?" Mr. Daniels said in a confused tone, "I just can't believe it!" 

"It's the truth. She's gotten kicked out of several homes for incidences involving fire." Ms.Conners told the couple. As always I was getting worried when she said that.

"But she's so sweet! How is it even possible that this girl could be capable of those things?" Mrs. Daniels argued.

"From what she's explained, and the state she's in when found in one of these situations,  it happens when she has an anxiety attack," Ms.Conners answered.

Hearing my counselor explain my 'attacks' was always my least favorite part of trying to find a new home, but I knew it was better they were prepared.

"I still don't believe that she would do that on her own, " Mr. Daniels said, "Are we sure she doesn't have any friends that talk her into it?" 

"To be perfectly honest, she doesn't have any friends period," Ms.Conners words were like a punch in the gut, "It seems that the people at her school found out about her problems and have ostracized her. 

It was true. Nobody at my school spoke to me unless they were yelling horrible things. For other teens, summer is about hanging with friends and having a good time. For me, it meant not having to speak to anyone l didn't have to. But school was starting again in a few weeks and senior year would be a lot easier if l had a place to go home to every day. 

"Haven't you tried changing schools?" Mrs. Daniels asked.

"We have. This is the last school in the county. I asked her if she wanted to find one elsewhere but she said that we shouldn't bother. It seems that the homes effect her more than the schools." Ms.Conners answered, "She really is one of the sweetest kids l have ever met and it's shame that she feels the need to express her emotions in such a negative way." 

"Well, hopefully, we'll be able to help her find better outlets," Mr.Daniels said.

The couple really seemed set on bringing me in, which l was thankful for. It was a while since l had a long-term home. I had spent most of the summer jumping from one weekend home to the next, and occasionally I stayed up at a Walmart because no one was available. Most people don't want to bring me in because of my attacks and my age. Everyone seems to stop caring you when you're almost an adult. I would much rather live on my own but my 'attacks' make it hard to keep a job. Luckily all of the places I've worked think that it was just a machine malfunction, but l always quit right after because going back to places I've almost destroyed makes things worse.

The Daniels said their goodbyes to Ms.Conners and went home. My counselor came back into her office and sat down at her desk.

"How do you think it went?" I asked her nervously.

She sat back in her chair and smiled, "I think it went really well. They seem to like you a lot."

"You think they'll let me stay with them?" I sat up in my seat. Ms.Conners always seems to know when someone is going to take me in even before they know.

"Yes, I do. But I don't know if they'd be as willing after one of your attacks.'' She looked worried.

"you know I never mean to do anything," I couldn't look her in the eyes.

"I know, kid. You just need to find better coping skills and get a handle on your anxiety." I didn't want to see the sad look l knew was on her face. 

"I try really hard to keep it together, I really do. It just always explodes out of me." I couldn't bring myself to tell her everything. There are just some things not even a counselor would understand.

"You'll get it eventually. I believe in you, Rosie." She always made sure to tell me that whenever l needed to accomplish something, she knew that sometimes it wasn't possible to believe in yourself.

"thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you." I finally managed to my eyes off the floor and look at her. 

"Honestly, I think you would've figured it out on your own. But it wouldn't have been as easy to find homes," she gave me one of her lighthearted smirks that meant it was okay to relax. I released the tension in my shoulders that I didn't even realize I had and smiled.

"Speaking of which, I sadly haven't found a weekend place for you yet. Do you have a backup plan?" She asked.

"Yeah, I got it covered," I lied. I had nowhere to stay for the night but I didn't want to admit that I would be hanging out at Walmart all night.

"Oh really?" She said suspiciously, "Mind sharing your plans?"

"I would but I gotta run." I got up pretending to have a text from someone to meet. I knew she was aware of my lack of friends but she never pushed me on the matter too much.

"I'll let you know as soon as I have an answer from the Daniels." She told me.

"Thanks," I left and started walking across town towards the school. 

There were woods behind the school so deep that some might even consider it a forest. I spent most of my time there exploring and making structures out of fallen trees and branches. I had made several forts and cozy little places to hang out. Occasionally, when I didn't have a place to stay and didn't feel like going to Walmart I would sleep in one of the forts I built. I knew it wasn't a good idea because of the animals all around, but those woods were the closest thing that felt like a home to me. I never had an 'attack' in them, I don't think I would be able to handle burning an entire forest down, especially this one. 

I sat on a makeshift seat I had in one of my forts, it was just a broken bucket that was stuffed with an old pillow. I couldn't help feeling incredibly lonely and sad. I just wanted to normal, I just wanted friends, I just wanted a home and a family, but I knew that wasn't possible. I was going to be alone forever, and I just had to accept it.

After about three hours of sadness and self-hatred l got a phone call from Ms.Conners.

"The Daniels just finished their paperwork and would love for you to come stay with them," she said happily. I was filled with excitement.

"Are you serious? When are they wanting me to come?" A smile beamed across my face.

"They're ready tonight if you are. Of course, that means you might have to change your plans," she said knowing I lied.

"My plans can be changed easily." I kept it up.

"Sure, kid. Bring your stuff to my office when you can," we said our goodbyes and grabbed my bags. I had left them there that morning before the appointment with the Daniels. I didn't have a lot, just a small bag filled with my toiletries and phone charger, and a bigger bag with a week's worth of clothes. with both of them slung over my shoulders I started my way to the office, nervous but hopeful.