Going Under (Philkas)

Prologue

"Mom, mom you have to get better first. Please," I beg quietly.

"I know, baby. I'm trying I promise. You'll be back with me soon, okay? I swear it, Philip," my mom says hurriedly. I force my tears down and hug her. It takes just a few seconds for the social worker to tell me it's time to go.

I pull away from my mother and turn without looking back. That's only going to make it harder to walk away. The social worker gives me a warm smile which I can't help but ignore. She's taking me away from my mother. There's no way I'll let her treat me like a friend.

I get into her oversized SUV and wait for it to warm up. The lady follows suit and I turn away from her, not wanting to look at the woman who's stealing me from my mother.

"Your foster family, they're real nice people. I really think you'll like it down there while your mother gets better. Now, Gabe and Helen have offered for you to stay in their home for as long as needed. It will work like a normal system where you'll be there until you either age out, or until your mother gets better. Do you understand that?" the lady asks.

"Yeah, sure," I mumble.

"Alright so how about we talk about them, huh? Helen is a police officer. Gabe is the town veterinarian. I'm sure you'll like it there. Helen used to live in the city too, you know. Tivoli might be a good change for you, Philip," the worker says. Yeah, right.

"Okay," I say.

"Philip, your mom will get better. But what's best for you right now, is to be in a safe, stable environment. Helen and Gabe can give that to you. As long as you keep yourself out of trouble, you can stay with Helen and Gabe until the situation is sorted out."

"Okay."

The social worker sighs, probably annoyed with me. Sure, I feel bad, but she's taking me from my mother.

I take a deep breath and do my best not to get upset. My mother is all I have and they act like me being away from her is going to help my mental stability. Sure, she's not the best, but she loves me and she takes care of me. There's nothing more I could ask from her.

The rest of the car ride is silent besides the radio. As we enter Tivoli, I do my best not to throw up out the window. This is too much. I didn't even get a say in this. After a few more minutes of riding into town, we pull up to a large house. It's beautiful and is definitely much bigger than what I'm used to.

I watch as two people walk outside. That must be Helen and Gabe. The social worker lady and I get out to greet them. "Helen, Gabe, it's nice to see you again," the social worker says. "This is Philip."

"You too, Marisa. Hi, Philip. I'm Gabe," Gabe says. It's quiet for a moment before Gabe has to nudge Helen to get her to speak.

"Hi, Philip, it's nice to meet you."

"Why don't we go inside?" Gabe suggests. We all nod and walk towards the house. I scan my eyes over everything, searching. I nearly trip over my own feet coming in.

We walk towards the kitchen and I listen as two different voices fill the room. We enter to find two people passing some things around. My eyes fall on the boy and wow. He has blonde hair, beautiful. He's smiling at the older man - probably his dad - and it's an incredibly beautiful smile.

"Philip, this is Lukas and his father Bo Waldenbeck. They brought some things from the farm. Bo, Lukas, this is our foster kid Philip," Helen introduces. Foster kid sounds strange and almost hurtful but I ignore it.

"It's nice to meet you, Philip," Bo says. He sticks his hand out and I shake it, trying to be firm.

"You, too." My voice is much smaller than I'd have liked. I can see Lukas smirking and I do my best not to roll my eyes. I don't even know the kid.

"Well, we'll be on our way. I'm sure Lukas will see you in school tomorrow, Philip. Helen, Gabe." With that, Bo and Lukas leave. I can't help but watch the boy, entranced.

"So how about we begin, yes?" Marisa says. We head into the kitchen and take a seat. "Now, let's discuss the terms of Philip being here."

The whole thing takes about half an hour. When the social worker finally leaves, I'm shown my room. "If you need anything, you can tell us. Do you want anything specific for dinner tonight?" Gabe asks.

"Um, I don't know."

"Well we'll probably end up ordering in because Helen here can't really cook," Gabe says, a slight laugh in his voice.

"Hey! I can cook some things," Helen defends. I can't help but smile at the exchange.

"Chinese?" I suggest quietly.

"Perfect, Chinese it is. Philip, why don't you come show me what you like? You and I can go into town to pick it up," Gabe says. I nod and follow him into his study. He grabs a menu and we walk back outside.

"Yes, yes I'll be down there in a few minutes." Helen is talking on the phone when we walk back in. "I'm sorry, I have to take care of something down at the sheriff's office. I'll be back in time for dinner, I promise." Gabe sighs as Helen hurries out. I don't miss the little flicker in his eyes, like disappointment.

"This happens a lot, huh?" I ask quietly.

"Yeah, a bit. It's just small things, little traffic stops, petty thefts. But she gets really involved in her work, always looking for something new. I think she misses the city is all," Gabe says. I can't stop the warm feeling from flooding within me. He opened up to me and I just got here. It makes me feel welcome.

"I'm sorry," is the only thing I can say.

"Alright well let's stop hanging around. I'm starving." I smile softly and follow Gabe out to his truck.

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This story will contain pieces from the actual show. It will basically follow the same plot line just without the murder investigation getting in the way. (: