Chapter Two

Flashback 

"Everything will be fine, Gatlin. You'll make new friends at this group home, and it's only temporary." The social worker told me. The very worker who just ripped me out of my home hours previously. My mom was too messed up on drugs to even put up a retaliation. 

Even at only ten years old, I knew the word temporarily, which was based on whether my mom could get her shit together and stop shooting her veins up with drugs. I know the chance of this was slim to none.

All I could do was just give a simple nod. 

My eyes looked over the house, as the car pulled into the driveway. The house was huge, my definition of huge may have been exaggerated though, considering my mom and I lived in a one-bedroom trailer my whole life. She used the bedroom, and I slept on the couch with all my clothes fitted in one box. My one and only toy had plenty of room on the sofa. 

 I see a plump lady with Ginger curly hair standing on the front step. When the social worker and I approached her, I couldn't help but notice her eyes were breathtaking. They were the color of gray, and I don't think I ever saw eyes one shade lighter than black. 

"Gatlin, I am Tara. I am so happy you are here."

"Thanks for inviting me into your home." This was a statement I previously went over with my mom should I ever go into a group home. She always told me that if I appeared to have manners, I would be treated better. My mother grew up in group homes, and her mom was also addicted to drugs. I always wonder why for me she didn't change, that she didn't want better for her one and only son. Maybe the pain was too much for her to handle? But for some reason, her pain was passed down to me, and it multiplied times two.

Tara smiles and opens the door. I walk through it, having no idea what I will see. The house mainly looks happy. The walls are printed with bright colors, and I personally loved all the bright flower decorations. The smell is my favorite part, this house didn't smell like cigarette smoke like my home previously. It smells clean and welcoming. 

 . 

I see three other children lined up. Two older boys, bickering with each other and not paying me any attention. That was okay. I would rather go unnoticed anyway. Then I see the friendliest-looking girl. Her smile reached from ear to ear, and her eyes had that special twinkle. 

"My name is Allie."

"Gatlin."

Allie has light brown hair almost identical to the color of caramel. Her eyes were a perfect shade of green, and the freckles that ran over her nose were adorable. 

"Wow, two freaks of a feather." One of the older boys laughs.

I see her eyes instantly hit the ground. I didn't take a mastermind to realize the boys were bullying her. Her hands shake, and you can tell that she is becoming paranoid. 

"I always got along with freaks better anyway."

Allie smiles. I think I really did find a friend here.