chapter one// oh my god we're having a teenager!!
'ITS JUST TEN MONTHS
TEN MONTHS SHORT MONTHS
TEN MONTHS IS NOTHING'
...is what 15 year old Evelyn Harris kept repeating to herself as she sat in the back of her social workers car with a sleeping two year old tucked on her lap and her whole life's belongings under the seat below
Ten months until her sixteenth birthday. Ten months until she could apply for emancipation. Ten months until she would finally be free
Rid of the foster system once and for all.
Oh how Evelyn couldn't wait to kiss goodbye to the black trash bags, shitty mattresses and bruises that seemed to always be imprinted on her skin.
But as much as Evelyn was excited to walk away from this broken, good for nothing system she was also sad. Sad for the 3 year old little girl that entered it with so much hope for the future. Sad for the seven year old that would of done anything to have a family like the other kids in her class, and Evelyn was especially sad for the then twelve year old who believed someone finally wanted her
and what a joke that turned out to be
But no one wants a teenager and especially not one with their own kid. Miss Bitch face, her social worker never missed an opportunity to reminder Evelyn of this, as if she didn't already know!!
In ten months it would all be over, she can give Faith the childhood she never got, the one she always dreamed off, one more than shitty mattresses and cold dinners. Just ten months.
But who was Evelyn kidding? Ten months is a long time especially in the life of foster child and nothing ever went her way
she should know this by now!!
"What did you do now?" miss Bitch— sorry, Veronica asked as she unlocked the door to her small, cramped office having not even bothered to help Evelyn carry her 'bag' or Faith up the millions of flights of stairs leading up to the floor
"noth—" she went to reply before she was rudely interrupted by the social worker who rolled her eyes slamming her purse onto the desk, "I haven't got time for your lies today Evelyn. Don't you think my jobs hard enough without you coming along and making it harder? hmm?"
"Do you know how difficult it was for me to convince the Atwells to even consider taking you and your child in? And this is how you repay me, by getting yourself kicked out again?" The woman laughed at her, Evelyn always felt like she was nothing when Veronica would laugh at her like that. she felt so small.
"You'll be lucky if anyone agrees to have you and Fiona for the night"
Faith. She wanted to scream. Her names Faith
"otherwise that couch over there will be your bestfriend tonight" she smirked, gesturing over to the crappy piece of furniture that had given the teenager way too many backaches throughout her short life
The forty- something year old huffed as she slumped down in the office chair sitting at her desk, "Honesty Evelyn I don't know why you just don't give her up to some nice couple who can love her—"
but i love her!!
"—and give her the childhood she deserves. Something you Evelyn can't give her"
Evelyn wasn't stupid. She knew despite how much of a dick Miss Bitch face is, she had valid points. But as selfish as it was Evelyn couldn't give Faith away, she's all she has. She's all she's ever had and all she ever will.
"now shoo I have to sort this mess, your mess out" Veronica spat not even looking up from the phone book as Evelyn quietly walked out of the room
It would be so an understatement to say Maya and Carina Deluca- Bishop were nervous. Fucking terrified would be more fitting. But Maya couldn't afford to add another ten bucks to the swear jar on their kitchen counter, so just nervous will have to do.
Just over two hours ago they'd received a phone call. A very vague phone call, but a phone call nonetheless, from Wicklow Child Services asking, more begging, if they had room for a child for the night and of course they said yes
Well... Carina more screamed it. She had really grown tired of staring at the phone in the morning, on her lunch breaks, in bed and even on the toilet waiting for the phone call that someone needed their love. (It's been a very long seven months since the couple
received their fostering license, don't judge)
so here now they were; walking up the steep steps leading into wicklow DCFS building hand in hand straight towards the reception desk, "Hi" Carina spoke feigning confidence as she spoke to the redhead behind the computer,
"Carina and Maya Deluca- Bishop, we were speaking to Veronica Cani- sorry Castillo on the phone earlier?"
The Italian said, accidentally butchering the social workers surname up in her anxious state. She had but her nails down to the quick on the car ride over. Maya squeezed her hand in reassurance as the receptionist typed away on the computer seemingly bored, "third floor, the first door to your right. Veronica should be waiting for you"
The couple thanked the younger woman as they made their way towards the elevators, passing the waiting area that was unusually full for the late evening, kids sat bemused on the uncomfortable blue chairs and Maya found herself frowning at the sight, they had no where to go
Carina and Maya soon found themselves sat in Veronica's cramped and dusty office, as the woman gathered documents they needed to sign, they felt as if they were 15 years younger and back in the principles office, they didn't like this woman at all and they'd only met a minute ago!!
"Thank you both for coming in such short notice" The woman in front of the two smiled,
"it's no problem at all actually, we're quite excited. It's been a long seven months since we got our license, we're so ready to start our family" Maya smiled back
"Well I hate to burst your bubble, but this case isn't the start of your white picket fence. Far from it actually" the woman laughed mockingly, " don't worry though, I'll have Evelyn out our your hair as soon as a spot in the group home opens up"
"excuse me?" Maya wanted to ask, but Carinas pleading eye from the chair next to her stopped her from raging at the social worker, so instead she settled for a fake smile that didn't scream... I want to punch you
After a few more snide comments, Veronica finally found the paperwork and slide it around to face the couple, "if you could just sign here and here, you'll be good to go"
Carina nodded her hands shaking, this is actually happening, as she took the pen of the Hispanic woman writing her signature on the dotted line,
"could you tell us about her, Evelyn. Any allergies, anything we might need to know?" The Italian asked, as she passed the pen over to her wife. Veronica hadn't let anything slip about the child they will be fostering. Well, other than her name and a few other choice words Carina would rather not think about
"I haven't got a spare file with me right now, but I'll be sure to have someone send one over to you as soon as possible" the woman smiled, clearly annoyed by the question. She just wanted the couple and Evelyn gone, her husband and sons were at home waiting on her, "She's fifteen-"
Fifteen.
Oh my god we're having a teenager!!, a voice screamed inside both women's heads. God, if maya wasn't nervous already she was now.
Looking after a child? No problem, that's simple. But a teenager? Maya was way out of her league and she knew it. They came with mood swings and ... and horny teen boys!! Oh god don't get maya stated on the boys—
as if hearing mayas swirling thoughts Carina squeezed her wife's thigh in comfort as Veronica continued to speak not noticing the blondes anxious state
"—well and that's it" the women smiled purposefully forgetting about the two year toddler in the other room, oh well they'll find out soon anyways
Carina internally rolled her eyes at the social worker , all they could give them was that Evelyn was fifteen?
Ridicola!!
"follow me and I'll bring you to her"
walking hand in hand, the married couple followed Veronica down the long. corridor before stopping in front of a door with the some cringe, suppose to be motivational quote stuck to it.
Maya doubted it did anything to ease the foster children worries and anxiety. It seemed more condescending than anything
Beside the door were two glass windows looking into the room probably so the social workers here could keep an eye on the kids in it. The room was small, posters covering the paint chipping the walls and some donated second hand toys spilled across the room
Looking through the window, unable to control themselves Carina and Maya spotted two figures in the corner, a teenager probably Evelyn crouched down beside a smaller child, a toddler presumably waiting on her own placement sat at a small orange table colouring
Oh how wrong they were
The sight before them was cute and their hearts filled with immediate love at the first glance at their future daughter playing with the little girl, nothing like the 'monster' Veronica had been describing. It wasn't like like Carina was surprised, the social worker didn't seem to be the most honest nor caring person in the world
The couple were broke out of their trance as Veronica opened the door, the couple nervously following suit. Mayas hand shook even in the hold of her wife's
"Evelyn" the woman called out harshly and Maya swore she saw the fifteen year old flinch as she dropped the crayon onto the table, unmoving from her crouched spot from beside the toddler
Now that the couple looked closer, Evelyn and the small blonde looked an awful lot alike— the same button nose, curly blonde hair and sparkling blue green eyes
noticing the two unfamiliar people in the room the toddler dropped her own crayon and climbed onto Evelyn's lap wrapping her small arms around the teens neck as she hid her face on her chest
"momma who dat" the girl nervously whispered but Carina and Maya were still able to her. Faith didn't have a great perception at sound. Veronica rolled her eyes
The couple shared a look, one full with confusion and concern. How the hell did a fifteen year old have a child and more importantly why didn't Veronica mention it?
The teen didn't make eye contact with the couple that she assumed would be fostering her. she sat unmoving from her crouched spot on the floor where she comforted the toddler. Her toddler on her lap, whispering words incoherent to the the other three adults in the room as she ran her hand up and down lovingly on her daughters back
such a stark contrast to the picture lovely Veronica had painted them just a few moments ago
But then again, can they really be surprised? The social worker coincidentally 'forgot' to tell the couple of the toddler—
"—Evelyn don't be so damn rude and introduce yourself to the couple who kindly agreed to take you in for the night" the social worker spat at the blonde teen and maya knew if it wasn't for the power the she-devil held she would of soccer punched her right then and there
They could barley make out the sorry the girl whispered as she carefully placed the toddler back on the chair at the table before moving to stand up as she practically shook. But she didnt move an inch from the tiny child
For the first time maya and carina were able to properly look at the girl. She was tiny. Way too small for a girl of her age. The sweater she was wearing basically drowned her, her jeans were worn out and the off brand converse she was wearing were barley holding on by a thread. Literally, they were covered in tape where the Italian assumed were holes.
Oh and that look in her eyes.
Maya knows that look all too well
"Im Evelyn" the girl spoke barley above a whisper faking the smallest smile she could muster, but it was enough to pull at the young couples heart strings,
"hi bambina Im carina and this, this is my wife Maya"
the teenager just nodded in response, awkwardly shifting on her feet desperately praying for this to be over already. just ten more months she internally whispered to herself, ten more months
"and who is this tesoró?" the Italian asked noticing the girls discomfort, turning her attention towards the toddler at the bending down to meet her height. The blonde toddler looked up to her mother seemingly asking for permission to which she hesitantly nodded moving closer to the child incase they tried something
"I Faith" the little blonde smiled proudly, "wow that's such a pretty name, how old are you, Faith?" Maya asked tuning in to the conversation, crouching down beside her wife
" 'oo" she said holding up three of her chubby baby fingers, Carina laughed gently moving one of Faiths fingers down, while mayas heart fell, she's two. Which would've made Evelyn thirteen, thirteen and a mother, how the hell—
"—well now that the introductions are done I'll let you be on your way, you've got a long and tiring drive ahead of you" Veronica gave a tight lipped, fake smile not even waiting for a reply as she headed for the door, "I'll be in touch in the next day or two"
Communicating silently with her wife, Maya stood from her spot turning around to walk after the woman, "actually could we talk for a minute? Outside. Please?" She requested trying her best to be polite, while Veronica tried her best to not roll her eyes at the firefighter
Great. The teen thought, they already don't want me. This has got to be a new record and she for sure thought nothing would beat being returned just two hours after being fostered at just seven years old. Guess she was wrong like always, maybe there is some truth to the social workers cold words
"of course, if you'll follow me",she said as they both waked out of the room leaving Evelyn, Faith and Carina alone, as of things weren't already awkward enough!!
Evelyn Harris was sure nothing could be worse than the smell of her now former foster mothers breath but god was she wrong.
Okay. Fine. Maybe she was exaggerating just a tad but the awkward small talk the Italian woman was throwing towards her as they waited for Maya to return was so painful,
and that coupled with the fear the brunette could at any minute prounce at her or Faith now that Veronica had left the room, done wonders for her self diagnosed anxiety. Thank you for that Carina!!
"do you mind if I sit there?" the woman asked the toddler cautiously pointing to the seat facing her, as Evelyn subconsciously moved closer to the tiny blonde who enthusiastically nodded her head at the Italian so excited to make a new friend
"That's a beautiful picture" she smiled at the girls scribbles of what looked to be cake?, aliens? Carina had no idea
" 'ank it's me and momma at 'ark" Faith answered lifting her picture to show the woman
"you are very talented" she grinned trying desperately to not coo at the toddlers cuteness, "you can sit back down bella, if you want" Carina gestured to the chair Evelyn was previously sat on as she noticed how uncomfortable she was. God, Carina couldn't even begin to imagine how scary this whole thing is for her, being passed from home to home like she was nothing
Evelyn sat on the seat scared of the repercussions if she didn't listen as Faith crawled into her lap immediately, nestling her head on her chest, " I's hungry"
"okay, but you gotta move so momma can get your bag" Evelyn whispered softly kissing the side of her head before she attempted to sit Faith back done onto her own chair
"no move. Comfy" She said snuggling further into that teen "Iknow you are baby but I can't reach it from here", Evelyn replied trying to move the child off of her, but she wasn't budging
"I'll get it for you bambina" Carina smiled placing her hand on the teens shoulder as she tensed up, but the slight touch was enough to make the girl flinch and send the Italian woman into panic mode worrying she'd scared her as she quickly apologised.
Dammit, sei proprio una Carina idioto, she mentally cursed herself. This was one of the first things they taught at the foster class her and maya had to take; never touch a foster kid without their permission
Im already failing at being a mama she thought. Great job Carina!!
"I am so sorry bellina, I didn't mean to—" Carina said guilty at making the teen flinch, but also feeling concerned on why a slight touch scared her so much. What the hell happened to the girl?
"It's fine" Evelyn replied her eyes downward, running her hand up and down Faiths back as the girl started to get hasty.
Right, the bag. Carina grabbed the strawberry short cake backpack from the corner of the room, it was sat beside a small doll housed where she assumed Faith had been playing at earlier. Sitting back down she opened the tiny bag looking for something to soothe the little girls stomach, finding a little apple fruit pouch and a tiny plastic bag filled with gold fish she gently handed them to Evelyn being mindful not to touch her this time.
Thank you, the blonde teen said almost in a whisper
"what do you want Fifi, pouch or fishes?" Fifi, that's cute. " 'ishes pease" she said holding her tiny chubby hand out as Evelyn opened the bag handing them to her, "want share momma?"
"no I'm okay baby" Evelyn smiled putting the fruit pouch back into faiths bag and zipping it,
" 'Rina?" the toddler asked turning her attention to the Italian who watched the the two with complete endearment. Dio, she couldn't wait to take them home and make them part of her and Mayas family
Smiling widely that the little girl thought of her she shook her head, "no thank you tersoró, thank you for asking though". Shoving more goldfish crackers into her mouth Faith smiled back, " 'elcome"
The door at the centre of the room opened quietly revealing Maya with a toddler car seat in her left hand leaving Evelyn shocked. Normally her foster parents would make Faith sit on her lap, if they could even afford a car that is. More often than not they couldn't or they just weren't allowed in it.
Wait. They still wanted her? Eveyln thought for sure after seeing Faith they'd run for the hills. Most people did
"ready to go?" she asked smiling at the trio sat at the table, trying desperately to hold in her laugh at Carina sat on the chair obviously meant for little people. She looked huge sat on it and if she wasn't so distracted by the sight of her future family sat together Maya would have snapped a picture to capture the moment
"Si, let's go home" Carina agreed standing up, Evelyn following suit with Faith rested on her hip, trying not to frown at the use of the word home, something that had always seemed so far out of reach to her but so simple to others, something that she'd always wanted.
Stop. she scolded herself, this is only temporary, it's not real.
"Do you need help with that? Want me to carry something for you?" Maya asked seeing Evelyn struggle to hold Faith while slinging the backpack round her shoulder. "No it's fine"
It was only then the couple noticed the black trash bag sat at the teenagers feet that presumably held all of her belongings. Maya could practically feel the blood boil inside of her at the thought of Evelyn and other kids like her carting their stuff around in a bag. So fucking inhumane
"are — are you sure bambina?" Carina asked again wanting the teen to accept their help, "We've got extra hands",
picking up the trash bag she shook her head, "it's fine, I've got it" she replied, a lot more harsher than she'd anticipated
"sorry— it's not even that heavy. I can manage" She said regretfully, stepping back slightly. Please don't hit me, please not in front of faith—
"Let's go home. Hmm?" Maya suggested seeing the fear that flashed Evelyn's eyes after she's snapped at them. She didn't blame her for shouting, if you could even call it that, she'd been through a lot of course she'd be overwhelmed
"Si let's go home" Carina repeated again, slipping her hand into her wifes, as the trio including Faith walked out of the DFCS office and into the car park where the Evelyn guessed was her new foster parents car.
Home, she said into herself but no matter how many times she tried she could never feel worthy of it, of having a home.
a note from the author <3
Thank you for reading the first chapter of to build a home.
question—How do you think Evelyn has a two year old child at fifteen? Also, what does Faith call Maya and carina?
Requests from what you'd like to see in this story are always open& I'll try my best to include them all!!
Thank you for reading<33