Splinters: Part One

Part One | 1

Mrs. Armstrong told us she'd be back in a short moment but for the time being, Melissa and I should talk to each other.

"So," Melissa said, rubbing her hands on her pants. It was obvious she was as nervous as I was. "What do you like to do, Brayden?"

I thought for a moment. Nothing came up. "I don't know. There's not much to do here."

She nodded, confused, and then shot at me again. "What's your favorite color?"

I smiled, looking at my hands. "Green."

"That's my favorite color, too," she said. I glanced at her, noticing her smile widely.

I smiled back, half-heartedly.

She leaned forward again, looking into my eyes, her eyebrows creasing. She opened her mouth to speak something, but was interrupted when Mrs. Armstrong had entered the room again.

"Alright, Melissa. You wrote that you live in Rhode Island?"

Melissa nodded slowly and then turned to me, giving me a gentle grin. "Yes, I live in Barrington, Rhode Island with my family. We have five bedrooms and then mine and my husband's. Brayden would have a room of his own, the third biggest room."

I stared at her, lowered my eyes and swallowed. It felt as if she wanted that to get my attention. I was about to reply, but Mrs. Armstrong had beat me to it.

"And you wrote that he'd attend a charter school?"

Melissa inhaled. "There's a private charter high school just ten minutes away. That's where he'd go."

Mrs. Armstrong nodded. "And five daughters?"

Melissa seemed to be taken aback for a moment, and then slowly nodded. "Yes, we have five girls." She turned her head to me, like she were waiting for me to approve.

Mrs. Armstrong's eyes widened. "Your file didn't mention you're a foster-"

Melissa shook her head. "Oh, I'm not. Those girls are my children."

Mrs. Armstrong seemed confused. "You're aware Brayden is fifteen, right? Are you sure you're comfortable with this kind of change in the household?" If there's one thing about Mrs. Armstrong, she's not afraid to tell it like it is. 

Melissa kept her eyes on me. "I'm sure."

I pressed my lips together and looked at Melissa, not sure if this was going to hold out very long. Mrs. Armstrong's shock was valid. Why would she want a teenage son when she has five daughters? The place sounds crowded as it is. 

"Well what do you think, Brayden?"

I snapped my head towards Mrs. Armstrong. I gulped, before looking back down and playing with my hands. I didn't know. I'd gone from house to house in my entire lifetime. None of them worked out. None of the families made me feel truly wanted. None of them wanted me enough. Or maybe it was me. Maybe it was me who didn't want them enough.

So why Melissa?

Melissa glanced at Mrs. Armstrong. "Is Brayden allergic to anything?"

Mrs. Armstrong sighed. "Dandelions."

"Well it's a good thing I'm not a big fan of them." Melissa added hopefully.

"Melissa has made arrangements for you to stay there for the night, but if you're not comfortable..."

I didn't answer. Instead, I shrugged.

Mrs. Armstrong pressed her lips together and shook her head, turning to Melissa. "Will your husband be meeting Brayden as well?"