Un-Ordinary Girl: New Start

Chapter 9

At the IHOP, I kept pushing my food around my plate. I had ordered an omelette with a pancake stack with some orange juice. I couldn't get rid of the feeling that something was wrong. The twins didn't seem happy yesterday to get in her vehicle. They didn't seem to want to with her today. That made me feel that something fishy was going on.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong or do we need to see Olivia?" I must have made a face when she said that because she chuckled but then got serious. "What's wrong Katelyn? You've seemed kinda down today." I sighed.

"When I went to pick Jackson up from school yesterday, I saw the twins get in her car but they seemed upset about it. And the entire time I was waiting for Jackson, she kept glaring at me in her rear view mirror. Then again today with the glaring. And not to mention how much the twins didn't want to leave us and how she kept trying to argue with you about the twins being with me! It makes me feel like this is all hopeless."

"She just wants what is best for them like us." Yeah right. Before I could stop myself I rolled my eyes. "Katelyn I'm serious. I know you have a hard time trusting people ever sincere what happened with your mom. I know you see the world differently now. But if she was given the twins to look after by the state, then she can't be a bad or abusive person. I need you to trust me on this."

"I need you to trust me on this when I say that there is something seriously wrong with that household. If you don't believe me then take me home." I crossed my arms with a huff. I can't believe she wasn't listening to me. I didn't like being a bratty child but I was going to be firm about this.

"Sweetie, even if what you are suggesting is indeed true, we would need the twins to come forward about it. Think about your own previous situation. It was clear when we looked throughout your home that you weren't being taken care of properly. And then when we spoke to neighbors, classmates, and school officials, it was clear that you never really told anyone. The Wong's only knew because of all the time you would come to them crying. But you never actually told them anything. Do you really think that they are going to say anything?" I remained quiet.

After that embarrassing speech, she got me a To Go container for the remainder of my food and took me to the mall. "I said to take me home. Why are we here?"

"Well, I remember you saying that Jackson's birthday was this weekend. So I'm taking you out to go get him a present." I felt all the blood drain out of my face. She turned the car off and turned to look at me. She probably saw a look of sheer panic on my face. "What's wrong? Did I get it wrong?"

"No. Its just that." I sighed. "I already got him a gift." She looked at me about to say something more but I cut her off. "I have a job. I have had this job since I was thirteen. Mom had started buying groceries less and less and it finally got to the point that I really didn't have much to bring to lunch with me at school. So I talked to the Wong's and they referred me over to an associate of theirs. He gave me the job under one condition. That was that I keep my grades up. I did exactly that. I would always bring him and the Wong's my progress reports and report cards." I shrugged. "They were the only ones who seemed to care."

" Why haven't you told me or the school this? We could have helped you sooner. Your mom could have been taken away sooner and you could be with your grandma..." I looked at her in rage.

"Are you saying that it is MY fault that my grandmother is dead? Is that what you're saying Ms. Mapp?"

"No! That wasn't..."

"Because if that is, I don't need you to say that. I already know. I have stayed up late many nights thinking that if I had come forward sooner, she would still be alive." I felt myself shaking. Tears were starting to run down my face. "I DON'T NEED THAT STRESS AGAIN!" I unlocked the door and quickly ran away from her. I heard her calling my name but I just kept running. I ignored all of the curious stares and kept running. I ran all the way home. I stripped out of my dress and tore off the tights after kicking off my flats and put on my pajamas. I locked my bedroom door and called Mr. Roberts.

"Hello?"

"Hi Mr. Roberts. I was calling to let you know that I won't be able to make it tonight for my shift."

"What ever is the matter dear? I can hear the sadness in your voice."

"I am just having a bad day and am going to see my shrink."

"Okay. Try and feel better sweet pea." I hung up and cried. I knew that the reason for Nana's death was me. It was all my fault. If I had just said something or had just run away or something. Nana would still be here. I heard a knock on my bedroom door and could smell Jackson. That was why I had locked my bedroom door. He had a copy of my apartment key.

"Go to work Jackson. Ms. Mapp will catch you here again if you don't go. She's going to bring Olivia so just go. I already told Mr. Roberts."

"Are you sure you will be fine by yourself?"

"Just GO!" I felt bad for yelling at him when he did nothing wrong but I didn't want to be around anyone at the moment. After I was sure that he was gone, I went back to crying my eyes out.