Kylie's POV:
Carla keeps coming to visit me. I don't know what this woman wants from me. For some reason, she keeps spoiling me. I already have the blanket from her. Initially, I gave it to Nicole and Annie. Then I took it back. It had candies drawn on it. Two days ago, she came to visit me. This time, the gifts were only for me. I got a new hoodie and hair ties. Also, I got a small basket with food. Mostly, it was filled with biscuits and chocolate candies. I ate everything because it was delicious. Well, I shared with the girls. The next time Carla comes, I will tell her to stop. It makes me feel bad. I receive many things, while the girls have nothing. I appreciate what she does, but it's not right. Maybe I have to give her a chance. She doesn't look that bad. Hopefully, if I decide to go with her, she won't change her attitude. I don't want this to happen again. There is a chance that she is what I need, but I don't want to have high hopes. It will take more than a couple of presents for her to prove to me that she is different. Honestly, up to now, she was the only woman close to my taste. I mean, I liked everything she gave me. Maybe her dream is to have kids. I wonder why she didn't want a younger one. It's easier to teach him your way. I am stubborn sometimes. Well, if she wants me, she has to deal with it. I won't make her life easy. If this woman cares about me, she will do everything possible to keep me. That is all I want to see. I mean that someone cares about me. I haven't received proper care. From any of the families who tried to adopt me. At least, not what I expected. Probably I want too much. Not every family adopts a kid to love it. There are always motives behind this. That's why I stopped trusting people. I hope that Carla is not like the rest. Otherwise, she can forget about me.
It's the weekend. I don't have any plans. The girls want to spend the day outside, but I am not in the mood. It's like I want to lay in bed all day. I'm not sick, but I don't want to get up. I have to do it if I want to eat breakfast. I don't even want this. For some reason, I feel like I don't have enough energy. I haven't done anything. Last night I went to bed early. Hopefully, I won't get sick. That is the last thing I want to happen.
The girls walked outside to eat. I pulled out my headphones. That is the only thing I can do. I feel weird. As a song was playing, I felt something in my stomach. I quickly ran to the bathroom and threw up. That is for my dinner from last night. Maybe I am sick. I need to call Brenda or Angela, but I can't get up. I can't stay up for a long time. Soon the girls came back. They brought a bag. I believe it contains food. I can smell it from here. The problem is that I'm not hungry.
- Kylie. Are you here? - Annie asked
- I'm in the bathroom.
- Why are you lying down? Is everything ok?
- I think I am sick.
- What? How?
- I don't know.
- We brought you some food. You can eat it later. - Nicole said
- Thank you, girls. I threw up my dinner from last night.
- I will call Brenda. - Annie said and left
- How are you feeling? Well, apart from the obvious.
- I don't know. I don't feel sick, but not good either. I can't stay up for a long time.
- I'm sure soon you will be ok.
- I hope so.
Nicole and I talked for a while. I threw up one more time. I don't think I will eat today. Soon, Brenda came with the nurse. She checked on me and said I was sick. She gave me some medicines to take. I'm not a big fan of this, but I will do it. I drank two with a bit of water. The nurse told me to eat something even if I threw it up later. Some food will be in my stomach for a while. The girls wanted to stay with me, but I didn't let them. The weather is nice. They deserve to spend some time outside. I put on my headphones again and laid in bed. That is the only thing I can do. I am a bit hungry, but I'm scared I might throw up. Well, I can't stay hungry all day. I have to eat something. I took the food Nicole and Annie brought me.
I got bored lying in bed, so I tried to get up. It was a bit hard, but I managed to do it. I still can't stay up too long. I will try to go out. I don't want to be inside all day. Somehow, I managed to go outside. I went to sit under a tree. I feel tired. Here is not the place to sleep. Well, I feel like I will give in. Soon, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Carla. She is the last person I want to see today. Can't she go home and come again tomorrow? I guess not.
- Hey, Kylie. How are you? You look pale.
- Can't you go home? I don't want to see anyone today.
- I brought you some food. Do you want to eat?
- No. Go away. Really. I don't have the energy to fight with you.
- I don't want us to fight.
- It's the weekend. Go and spend time with your husband. Please, leave me alone.
- But I want to be with you. Is it that bad?
- Please.
At that moment, I felt it again. I quickly got up and went throw up behind a bush. When I came back, Carla was gone. At least she decided to listen to me this time. I walked into my room. I can't stay outside. I laid down and fell asleep. After some time, I felt something wet on my head. It was like a napkin. I looked up to see Carla. I thought she had gone home. I was about to remove the wet thing, but she didn't let me.
- That is for your temperature. The coldness will make it get low a bit.
- Why are you doing all of this? Why do you take care of me? I am no one.
- I already have told you. Kylie, I like you. Even if you don't want to come with me, I want to take care of you. I will never do anything you don't like.
- Why? I am not your kid.
- So? Do you have to be my biological kid so I can care for you? All I want is to be nice to you. Do I want too much?
- No. I'm sorry. I don't feel well today.
- That's why I left. I bought some things which can help you feel better. I might not be a nurse, but I know what can help.
- Thank you. After all, you are the first person who does this.
- I know what you think about me, but I am not like the rest. I won't hurt you, Kylie. I promise.
- Thanks. What is that in the bag?
- I bought you lunch. Do you want to eat?
- Yes. I am a bit hungry.
- Here you go. It was hot when I bought it, but it probably cooled down.
- It's ok.
Like that, I started eating. The food is delicious. I don't know why Carla does these things for me, but I appreciate it. Maybe she is not that bad. I ate the whole food. Let's hope it won't come out. I want some of it to stay in my stomach. Later, I laid down again. I don't have the energy to stay up. I don't know for how long I will feel like that.
- Why don't you take a nap? It might make you feel better.
- Will you be here when I wake up?
- Do you want me to be here?
- Yes.
- Ok, then. I will stay here.
- Thank you. I appreciate everything you have done for me. You are a good woman.
- Said from you it means a lot. Take a rest now. We can talk later.
I quickly fell asleep. I couldn't keep my eyes open for long. I need to give her a chance. This time I might have luck if this is the type of person she is. She has treated me the best of all the families that tried to adopt me, and I am not even in her house.
I woke up and checked my phone. I slept for an hour and a half. I looked around, but there was no sign of Carla. Now I feel stupid. Why did I think she would stay with me? It feels like I was wrong about her.
- Oh, hey. You woke up.
- Carla? I thought you left.
- Why would I do it? I always keep my promises. I said I wouldn't leave, and I am still here.
- Thank you for that.
- You're welcome. Do you need anything?
- No. I'm fine. The nap helped a bit.
- Maybe a hug?
- I won't deny one.
- No problem. Here you go. - she said and gave me one
Why this feels good? A couple of weeks ago, I didn't know this woman existed. Now she is here, helping me and acting like my mom. It's not the same, but she puts a lot of effort into me. I talked with her for a while. It feels nice to have a good listener. She left for dinner but said she would come tomorrow to check on me. She doesn't need to do it, but I want to see her again. I finally got up and went to eat my dinner.
- Hey, how are you? - Nicole asked
- I'm fine.
- This woman cares about you a lot.
- I know.
- No, I am serious. She never got up from your bed. She did it only once. It was because she needed the bathroom. The way she was looking at you said it all. Kylie, this woman wants you to be with her so badly. She is ready to do everything for you. Please give her a chance. She deserves it. I know you don't want to get adopted again. She is not like the rest. You will have luck with her.
- Nicole is right. This time, you found a piece of gold. Please don't lose it because you might never see it again. - Annie said
- Thanks, girls. I will think about this.
- I wish someone could take care of me. I mean, the way she does for you. That is amazing.
- I'm sure your time will come soon, Annie. All you have to do is to be patient.
- As you can see, I am. I would love it if I could go to my parents. Sadly, that is impossible.
- I'm sorry about that.
- It's ok. I am over it. After all, it's not the end of the world. At least mine are alive.
- Annie! - Nicole said
- I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. It slipped out of my mouth.
- You are so dumb.
- Hey, it's ok. You two don't have to argue about this. - I said
- I didn't want to offend you.
- Don't worry. I don't care about this anymore.
- Are you sure?
- I can't do anything to bring them back. I have to move on.
- No matter how often you say it, I won't believe it. - Nicole said
- Why?
- Can I borrow your headphones?
- What? No!
- See? You will never be able to let go of them completely. It's good if you want to try with this woman, but you need to let go of the past. Otherwise, it will always haunt you.
- I agree with Nicole here. We know it's hard for you, but you should move on. It's not healthy to stay in the past.
- Can I decide this myself?
- We only say this as friends. The final decision is yours.
- Thank you. Now, if you excuse me, I want to eat.
- At least you are in a good mood.
- I have always been.
- Except for this morning.
- I don't want to talk about this.
- We won't say anything. - Annie said and winked at me
The girls and I talked during dinner. Maybe they are right. I have to move on and give Carla a chance. She is not perfect, but no one is. I will talk with Brenda and Angela about that.
After dinner, I went to find them. Usually, they go to check on the younger kids before bed. Andy needs someone to tell him a bedtime story. I feel bad for him, but I can't do anything to help him. I went to Brenda and Angela's office. They always go there before bed. Let's say they need to check if everything is ok.
- Kylie, hi. I didn't expect to see you here. - Angela said
- Hey. Do you have a minute? I need to talk with you about something.
- Did something happen?
- No, everything is fine.
- Then what is the problem?
- What do you know about this woman, Carla?
- You liked her, didn't you?
- Not really, but she was good to me.
- Kylie, Carla is not like the other families. If she wanted to, she could've made you go with her. As you can see, she is patient. I think you have to give her a chance.
- What if something horrible happens again? I don't want to go through the same things.
- I understand, but I don't think it will. She is a good woman and will take care of you. Don't worry. Brenda and I are on your side.
- Hey, Kylie. - Brenda said
- Hi.
- Carla wants you home and is ready to do everything for you. We talked with her at the fair. The woman feels bad for you. That's why she takes care of you. All she wants is to make you feel happy again. She won't hurt you. I promise.
- I hope so.
- Does this mean you want to give her a chance? - Brenda asked
- I will think about this. When I decide, I will tell you.
- Ok, we'll wait for your answer.
I talked with Angela and Brenda before bed. Everyone keeps telling me the same. I guess I have to try and see what happens. It can't get worse. That happened with the last family. Maybe this time, I will have luck. I can't be sure about this. Well, I hope for the best. I am tired of people treating me like an object. They only see me as something valuable. None of them cared about me. Carla seems different. She is not my mom, but she tried her best. That's why I want to give her a chance. I will never trust anyone else again if she doesn't use it. That is the last time. I hope that everything will be different. I don't want the same story to repeat.