Chapter 12

Orangeheart was waiting for me at the door when we walked in. She jumped up excitedly upon seeing me and rubbed her head against my leg, purring. I reached down and picked up the little kitten.
"So this is Orangeheart" Jenna said, smiling.
"Yeah. Isn't she the cutest?" I asked.
"Absolutely!" Susan said happily.
"How old is she?" Jake asked.
"About a month or so. Her mom died giving birth to her and her three brothers. The owners needed someone to care for her since the toms would be more dominant. So dad got her for me and gave her to me this morning" I explained.
"She definetly seems to like you" John commented.
"She does. I couldn't get her away from the door the entire time you were gone" my dad said, walking into the room.
"Hi dad" I said, smiling.
"Hello Sam. Who are your friends?" He asked.
"I'm John, sir" John said. "This is Jake, Jenna, and Susan" he continued, indicating each person in turn.
"Good to meet you all" my dad responded. "Im going to head up to bed. Try not to stay too late, in case your parents start to worry" he continued, turning and heading upstairs.
Susan flinched and John wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Susan's parents... Abandoned her" Jenna whispered. "She's been in a foster home since birth. The people fostering her now don't even care if she comes home anymore" she explained.
"Oh Susan, I'm sorry" I said, walking over to her. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders in a tight hug. "How about we play with Orangeheart? We can use the new toys we got her" I suggested.
Susan nodded, picking the kitten up again. "Sounds like fun" she said, smiling a sad smile at me.

John, Jake, Susan, and Jenna stayed until about 9, just playing with Orangeheart or talking before leaving. In that time, Susan seemed to forget her sadness.
I crashed on my bed and fell asleep, only to have my usual nightmare.