Part I: PartingChapter 1: ThursdayChapter 2: Intermission Chapter 3: Responsibility Part II: Conditional LoveChapter 4: SalvageChapter 5: Compomise Chapter 6: Appearances Chapter 7: Steadfast Chapter 8: Scorecard Chapter 9: Middle Chapter 10: Haunting Part III: The ReckoningChapter 11: DeparturesChapter 12: Endurance Chapter 13: Letters Chapter 14: Contrition Chapter 15: Waning Chapter 16: Intervening Chapter 17: Detour Chapter 18: Reunion Chapter 19: Exclusive Chapter 20: Gifts Chapter 21: Pennance Part IV: The Third EventChapter 22: ConfidenceChapter 23: Priorities Chapter 24: Dichotomies Chapter 25: Questions Chapter 26: Inattentiveness Chapter 27: Impetuous Chapter 28: Caged Chapter 29: Secrets Chapter 30: Family Chapter 31: Unfulfilled Chapter 32: Drowning Chapter 33: Persistence Chapter 34: Falling Chapter 35: Promises |
Chapter 17: DetourDr. Boston and Christine pulled up outside of the Caudill’s home. It’s serene stance behind the front yard hardly prepared Christine and Dr. Boston for what they were about to encounter.They rang the doorbell and the door was almost promptly answered. “Oh Amy, I'm so glad to see you! Christine, how nice of you to come by, Jessica is upstairs in her room, why don't you run up there and see how she is?” gushed Mrs. Caudill as the door opened. Dr. Boston nodded to Christine and she headed to the stairs as Dr. Boston followed Mrs. Caudill into the living room. After Christine had climbed the stairs, Mrs. Caudill sunk into the couch seemingly exhausted. “She's locked herself up there for days, leaving only for school and dinner. I never should have left her with Paul.” Mrs. Caudill was almost in tears. It contrasted her evening gown, which she was wearing. Where does she think she’s going? Wondered Amy. “Don't worry about that, I hardly think that is the problem.” Assured Dr. Boston. “Do you know what is? A boy? Her test scores perhaps? Paul is certain that Jessica is just giving us more signs that she’s unfit for normal social living.” “No, while she was staying with us, she received a letter from her mother.” Explained Dr. Boston. “Oh is that all?” she sounded more irritated than relieved. “All of this drama because her mother wrote her a letter?” “Has anyone told you about her mother?” inquired Dr. Boston. “No, I thought she was just incapable of taking care of Jessica. I didn't think it would really matter. We were only going to keep Jessica until the state thought we could adopt a child. And now, since our four months are up, Jessica is going back to the state. She never gave us any peace. I’m quite sure she is as relieved to be leaving us.” Nancy seemed relieved and was relaxed thinking about her future. “Jessica has been in countless homes for the past few years.” Pointed out Dr. Boston. “I've understood that the situations never really worked out. I honestly am not surprised. She has some attitude problems that need to be adjusted.” Nancy shrugged and sat back. “Some have, but some actually wanted to adopt Jessica. But her mother has blocked every adoption.” Informed Dr. Boston trying to appeal to Nancy’s sensibilities, which, by the minute, were becoming more and more vague.. “Obviously Jessica takes after her mother.” Nancy was tired of hearing both sides of Jessica’s coin. Jessica was no longer her concern and was going elsewhere to be a problem child. “I take after no one.” The voice was terse. “Jessica! How long have you been standing there?” Nancy stood and turned in surprise. “Long enough.” Jessie’s tone was flat and bold. She didn’t have anything to really loose in getting into a fight with Nancy now. Christine stood behind Jessie quietly. “Jessie, where are you going?” Asked Christine hoping to change the subject. Jessie was seething. “I don't know.” She turned and scowled, leaning up against the wall. “What do you mean?” Asked Dr. Boston gently. “Ask Mrs. Caudill. Not that it is her fault, we all dig our own graves.” Jessie replied. Dr. Boston was shocked, without asking, though, she knew exactly what Jessie was talking about. Jessie was going back to the state to be shoved around in various homes again. “Do you have all of your things?” asked Mrs. Caudill. “Yes I do.” Dr. Boston saw the same two duffel bags that Jessie had brought with her to her house when she was under the impression that she was already returning to the state's custody. “Christine, would you like one of my business cards to let Jessie write to you?” Christine nodded. “I don't think there is anything we need to say Nancy. Thank you for having us over. Christine, we have to pick up the twins.” Dr. Boston wrote her home phone number on the back of her business card before handing it over to Jessie. “If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to call us Jessie.” She said on her way out. “It will be all right Jessie.” She promised not knowing exactly what could be done. “Whatever.” Jessie was still bitter, having to leave and go to a group home. A black car pulled up into the driveway, and an adult got out of the car, but Jessie brushed past the small group around the door and into the car. For as much as she wanted to be upset, she couldn't. She was a wanderer, doomed to live out of her duffle bags. She didn’t want to give Mrs. Caudill the benefit of her tears, or feel Christine’s sympathy. Neither of them understood the isolation if they even cared. Jessie’s dreams of being emancipated were quickly fading, and the road to her own life was suddenly doused in fog. That’s not true, Christine cares. She reminded herself, allowing her one bit of happiness. Jessie berated herself for allowing herself to become vulnerable, allowing her attachment to the concept of a friend in her life. Whether or not Christine ever remembered her, was arbitrary, Jessie let someone know her limitations, and in this life, Jessie wasn’t allowed to be human. When she came to the brick building that would be her home for the rest of her life, Jessie didn't know whether she wanted to cry or ignore the entire event. She was shuffled away with the paperwork and then she set up her bed and closet. She was going to be the oldest person in the room. All the little kids in the wing she was going to stay with were nine or ten. Jessie thought about the entire situation in distaste, but at least she wasn't going to have to move anywhere any more. She was given a place to stay. And more than ever, she didn't care where it was. Later that night, when lights were out and all the little kids in the room were tucked in sleeping, Jessie found the silence that broke her down. Away from everything she had gotten attached to-her former school, her budding friendship with Christine, she missed it all even the difficult Caudills. At least it meant that she was there and not here. Jessie stared at the ceiling flooded with a single emergency light from the door. If this wasn’t being condemned, Jessie didn’t know what was.
Posted 200311.30-RHM |