Welcome to My Life

Sheila woke up with a banging headache.  She woke up to an unfamiliar bedroom, one that she had never thought to ever be in.  It had elegant chiffon curtains and white furniture all around. It took her a minute to replay back the incident that had taken place the night before and a reminder from the pain under the bandage on her left arm. She remembered running away after witnessing a man beat up her foster mother and try to assault herself. She had run to a highway when she discovered the big gash on her arm probably gotten from when she hit her arm on the door frame. She had given up hope and was ready to sleep in the gym or laundry store when a miracle had come her way. Yes, a miracle in form of Derek, the boy she’d just met that day and his family.  She tried to stand up and sit straight but the stabbing pain in her back wouldn’t let her.  Then the door creaked open and she saw David peak through and enter.

“I see you’re up.” He said adding a little smile to punctuate.

“Yeah, thanks for everything, I hardly even know you except your son and somehow Claire-“

“Shhhh.” He sat on the stool beside her bed. “You don’t need to thank me. I just did what any normal person would have done in that situation.”  What was he saying? He wasn’t normal.

She nodded her head and said “Well I was sure I was going to sleep out there, maybe even something worse but I’m glad you found me on time.”

“Yes well I’m glad Derek recognized you. If I may ask, why were you running and where were you running from?”  Sheila gave a deep sigh and seemed to ponder on that question very much. 

“You don’t need to answer it if it’s disturbing.”

“No it’s fine. I was running from a crazy guy who was beating up my foster mother and tried to abduct me.”

David seemed to absorb that “When and how did he try to hurt you and your foster mother? Do you know him from anywhere?”

Sheila shook her head “No I’ve never seen him until last night. I came home from school and my foster mother locked the door on me again so I went to the park for some time. I came how around 7 and saw the door open and heard voices. I went to the kitchen and saw the man beating her up. I think she owed him money or something, and then when they noticed me, he said he was going to take me if she didn’t pay up and I was scared” she seemed to already be visible shaken as she talked “I hit him with a lamp and ran off. I hit my arm on the doorframe that’s why I have the gash.”  David took it all in and sighed. This was more complicated than he thought. He had hoped she’d be a runaway teen who just needed to get home and get a little scolding from her parents. But she didn’t seem to have parents, well responsible ones anyway and she was almost abducted by a crazed psycho who could have done anything to her. This was one troubled girl.

“Ok do you have anyone we could contact?”

“Well my social worker, but she’s out of town for two weeks and I don’t know how to reach her.  Her details were in my foster mother’s house.”

“Any relatives? Family?”

She shook her head “I don’t have any family as far as I’m concerned.” 

“Ok maybe we can swing by and get them.” Sheila looked slightly alarmed. “Don’t worry, I’ll go with you. I’m not asking you to stay there, it’s clearly unsafe. That man could still be there from the look of things.”

“Please can you not call the police, I don’t want them to get involved. They’ll just send me to another place that’ll be worse. They always do. Please don’t call them.”  She begged him.

“It’s ok we’ll call your social worker and she can help us find out what next to do.”   He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze and gave her a friendly smile.

“Now I’m sure you’re hungry so we can go down for breakfast. Derek has been worried about you since last night.” He gave a little grin. Sheila stood up this time with a little more energy and followed him downstairs. Claire’s pajamas were a little fitted on her and a bit short but she was sure that was how they all were.

They got downstairs to meet Derek, Penelope and Mrs. Greenson on the dining table with Mrs. Greenson serving breakfast.

“Oh you must be Sheila. I hope you feel better now. Here, have some tea.” Mrs. Greenson said with her signature smile while pouring tea into a cup. Sheila smiled back a little shyly and rubbed her arm nervously.

“You could sit next to me.” A little friendly voice said. It was Penelope smiling at Sheila with a big toothy smile exposing her, well, growing teeth.

“Claire always sits with me. She shows me how to practice proper table manners sometimes, but she's gone for a book club meeting.” Sheila was a bit surprised. Maybe it was because a four year old could say so many words or maybe because she never pictured Claire Holland as anything but a snotty rich brat. Certainly, not someone who lovingly taught her little sister things or even spent her Saturdays at a book club.  Derek passed her a plate of toast and bacon and said “How is your arm?”

“Fine, thanks. It still stings a bit but it’s fine, thank you.” She answered then took a bit of her bacon and nearly cried with joy. All her life she had never eaten a proper breakfast, all her foster parents always made her eat something ridiculous like beans or steak and it made her sick for the rest of the day or they wouldn’t even feed her, like Miss. Bryan but never a proper healthy meal.

“Is it good?” Derek asked watching her clear half the plate in almost three bites.

“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry I haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon.” She said rather embarrassed.

“No its ok. I just wanted to know if you liked it.” Derek assured.

“Mrs. Greenson is a great cook; she even makes cookies for me if I’m good.” Penelope yelped energetically taking a few spoons of her cereal with her.

“Whoa, Penelope take it easy. You’re going to make a mess the table cloth and I just spread it this morning.” Mrs. Greenson said already cleaning up the mess on her shirt.

“Well.” David said after sipping some tea “You just hurry Sheila, we’ll need to go to your house and find those details.” He took up the morning paper in front of him.

“You’re taking Sheila home already, isn’t that a bit unsafe?” Mrs. Greenson asked.

“No, we just need to get the details of her social worker we so can contact her.” he answered without looking up.

“Um dad can I go?” Derek asked.

“No Derek, I think Sheila and I will do just fine.”   

“But dad I want to help. Besides-.”

“No Derek.” David finally looked up from his paper “No you don’t need to come.”

Derek clenched his fist in protest “If it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t have recognized her and maybe-“

“Maybe Derek could come with us; he wouldn’t be any trouble I’m sure.” Sheila spoke up. Everybody turned their attention to her.

“Besides, if there is any trouble, it wouldn’t hurt to have an extra muscle with us.” She shrugged her shoulder as if she didn’t know what else to say. David looked at both of them for a while then finally said “Ok but be ready, we are leaving soon.”  He stood up and went upstairs.

Sheila also went up and showered then wore some clothes Claire had lent her when she came back from her book club meeting. She seemed more relaxed than she had been last night when Sheila first came but she still couldn’t still believe there was a stranger in her house. Penelope seemed to be the one most at peace with Sheila. She talked to her and hung around her room all the while. She even wanted to tag along but David had said the longest No in history.

“So who would have thought that we would meet again much less like this?”  Derek asked her when they were in the garage waiting for David who had forgotten his wallet upstairs.

“Yeah well believe me, I’m the least likely person who could have thought so.” Sheila said leaning on the hood of the Mercedes. The Hollands clearly had a taste for expensive things.

“Well I’m sure your Mom will be surprised when she comes back.” Derek’s eyes turned stormy “My mom passed away three years ago.”

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know I should never have brought it up.”

“It’s ok. Besides I have to move on right?” he said with a slight grin. David came and announced he found his wallet and that they could start going. Sheila sat in front so she could give directions.

It took them half an hour to reach there. David began to wonder how Sheila ran all the way. Good thing they found her. It was another side of town he had never seen before. There were houses with paint peeling off, barefoot children playing with an empty tin can, men playing poker outside on a torn up couch. It was a side of LA he had never seen but knew existed somewhere. Even Derek seemed a bit shaken. When they stopped at a traffic light and two men with tattoos and piercings approached he griped the steering a bit tighter and locked doors. He almost sped off with relief when Sheila caught on immediately and seemed to give him a look that clearly said “It’s ok don’t be scared.” She didn’t seem so fazed about anything. She was obviously used to it and saw it every day. Goodness, nobody should ever have to face such a thing especially not a child like Sheila.

After what seemed like eternity, Sheila finally said “This is the place, we can stop here.” When they got to what looked more like tool shed than a house. David parked at the safest looking place and unbuckled his seatbelt to come out. When they were all out of the car, Sheila jogged up and rang the doorbell.  There was no answer so she rang again. By that time some tough looking men in tattoos who were close by kept looking at David’s car and admiring his expensive suit. Then, Derek just moved closer and held on to Sheila’s hand. He seemed to regret coming. After the third ring, a tall lady in her mid-thirties with too much make up and a bathrobe came out.  This must have been Sheila’s foster mother, immediately her eyes fell on Sheila they were filled with disgust.  

“What are you doing back here? I thought you went away for good.”  She said dispassionately.

Sheila curled her lip at her. Obviously they were never close. “Relax; I came to get Veronica’s details and maybe a few of my stuff.”

“Hi, you must Miss. Bryan. I’m David Holland.” David stretched out his hand to her but she looked at it like it was some expensive insect that was going to bite her. He cleared his throat “We found her last night on the highway. I suppose you knew she was gone.”   But she completely ignored him and faced Sheila again. “My, my Sheila. It’s not even up to 12 hours and you’ve already secured rich folks in your hands. You always amaze me. I hope you keep them this time.” She said leaning on the door frame.

“Look can I just get my stuff? I don’t have time for you anymore and I’m glad.” Sheila said slightly louder than normal. She shrugged and Sheila just stormed past her and went inside.

“I’m sorry but do you have any information about Sheila’s folks.” Derek asked her.

But she actually snorted “I only know she has a mother and a sister. All of them are simply trouble. Sheila’s more trouble than you think, boy. That thing I said about rich folks I’m serious. She is a serious-.”

“But how long has she been with you?” David asked.

“2 months. I’m glad she’s finally going. That girl has done nothing but interrupt my business.” David was contemplating on asking whether to ask her what ‘business’ it was or not when Sheila came down with a file in hand and a brown bag that looked like it was once used for travelling but now lived in an abandoned closet.

“I’ve got it.” She said then Derek collected the bag from her and started going to the car. He was obviously happy to leave the stares of the tough looking men.

“Well hope you’re happy Sheila. You get to ruin someone else’s life like you always do. Good luck.” She said with a little smirk on her face.

“You were already ruined before I met you, Karen. You always treated me like dirt and I’m glad I’ll never see you again.” Sheila said fiercely.

“Hope your psychotic family get’s you like they always-“

“Ok we’ll be on our way.” David said quickly putting his hand on Sheila’s shoulder and motioning her to the car. If he let them, those two would obviously get into a fight and I could get ugly. He wondered how Sheila had stayed with this woman; the state didn’t do great at all. This woman treated her so badly but he was glad Sheila was out of there. 

     David spoke up while they were safely in the car when he saw Sheila look down a bit gloomy. “Hey, don’t listen to what she said; you’re not ruining anybody’s life.”

“Thank you but how could you know that? You only met me last night and you don’t even know me. How could you help me?” she looked up at him.

“Well I do know that you are a good person. You could have punched her back there and gotten angry but as a good person you just defended yourself from her ugly words. And believe me; I’m sure I took a lot of self control.”

She giggled at that “Well maybe you’re right but I always ruin everything around me. I have a bad vibe around people.”

“You don’t ruin anything. The 12 hours you’ve been at the house you haven’t ruined anything.” David assured her.

“And take it from someone who knows what ruin is.” Derek added from the back.

“Besides.”  David said “You being here maybe the best thing that’s ever happened to us.”  That brought a toothy smile to Sheila’s face.  

“And craziest.” She added. She was right he was crazy. Crazy for just meeting a girl and less than 24 hours telling her that she’s family already. But there was something about her, something that made him want to know her, but not in a stupid or perverted way. Like she was sent to him or something, he didn’t know. But what he knew was that he wanted to find out more about her. She was already getting along with Derek. They talked all the way and David was very sure that his son didn’t talk to anyone like this. When they got home and went inside, they met Claire on the couch with her cell phone and Penelope playing with her shapes set on the floor beside Claire. Penelope looked up and ran to her dad while Claire barely acknowledged Sheila. David went inside his study for a while so Sheila sat on the couch with Derek who kept flipping the channels.

“Oh um thanks for the clothes loan Claire.” Sheila thanked. But Claire just nodded her head; she was obviously into whatever she was doing with her phone.

 “Everybody, come round I have something I want to tell you.” David said when he came out from his study and sat down on a couch. Claire sat up after giving her cell phone one last look while Penelope went and sat on her daddy’s lap.

David took a deep breath before saying “I want everybody to make Sheila feel welcome because she may have to stay with us for a while.” Claire looked shocked but Derek seemed happy and Penelope seemed excited but Sheila was pretty sure if David had said they would be moving to a zoo, Penelope would still be excited. Everything excited four year olds.

“But dad-“Claire began to protest but her father cut her mid-way.

 “I called Sheila’s social worker and she said that she can’t come right away but she would make it on Wednesday. She also said the only solution is either Sheila goes to the shelter or she stays with us. And I don’t want her to go there because I don’t think it is a place for any child so-“

“-She’ll stay with us.” Derek completed. David nodded his head and continued “Now I want us all to be nice to her and treat her like family for as long as she has to stay with us and nobody should act in anyway mean towards her understand?” everyone gave a nod. Even though Claire obviously didn’t concur she nodded anyway. Penelope jumped off her father’s lap and ran to Sheila “We’ll be best friends and I’ll always play with you forever and ever.”

“Dad said make her feel welcome not scare her.” Derek said to Penelope.

“It’s ok I’ll always play with you too.” Sheila said smiling at Penelope.

“Ok since that’s established you can go about your business.” He stood up. Claire stood up too and went upstairs. Sheila sighed to herself.

“Hey.” Derek said almost startling her “She doesn’t hate you.”

“But I’m not exactly her favorite person.” Sheila said facing him.

“Claire’s just dramatic sometimes. I’m sure she’s just a little mad that she might have to share her stuff.” Derek said reassuringly to Sheila.  She felt a bit better and nodded “Ok.” Derek stood up and said “I need to do something. I’ll be back soon.” And with that he went upstairs to do whatever it was. Penelope faced her attention to Sheila and started playing I spy till she fell asleep on Sheila’s lap. As Sheila felt the little girl’s heart beating against her leg, she felt for the first time in her life, safe.

The next day David announced during breakfast that he was taking Sheila shopping since she didn’t have any decent clothes apart from a few t-shirts and 2 pairs of jeans she brought from Miss. Bryan’s house. Penelope immediately wanted to go but David said “Uh uh. We’ll have to peel you of the walls if we take you along, so no.” Mrs. Greenson chuckled at the ‘peeling of the wall’ part. Maybe because she experienced that every day. Claire said she had a tummy ache didn’t feel like going out but Sheila was sure she just didn’t want to be around her. Derek said he had a school project and needed to get it done before Monday so he couldn’t go. 

“That’s funny I thought everybody wouldn’t mind a shopping trip.” David said his mouth twitching slightly while they drove.

“Maybe they’ve shopped enough. Especially Claire.”  They went to Beverly Centre in Downtown L.A. when Sheila came out of the car, she was a little surprised. She had never in her life been to such an expensive place before all her life it was only Goodwill and flea markets she got her clothes from. It was the sort of place that could pass by and think “I wish I could come here someday.” But wouldn’t ever. Now, she could.

David noticed her reaction and chuckled saying “Come on, if you don’t come now all the good stuff will be gone. She followed sheepishly and they both walked to XXI Forever. An exotic fragrance filled her nose, a rack of clothes on all the sides seemed to greet her and invite her to pick them. The Asian sales girl at the desk smiled at both of them and said “Welcome to would you like some assistance?”

“Oh no. if we do we’ll call you thank you.” David replied. Sheila just walked past the clothing racks slowly, as if someone was going to jump out and call the hoax.

“You can pick out anything you like, don’t worry.” David assured her. She walked forward to one of the racks and picked out a nice yellow silk dress with black ribbons and a trimmed edge. David walked to her and asked “Do you like that?” she nodded then looked at the price. $67! That was too much.

“Sorry, no it’s too expensive.” Sheila said to David. But he just chuckled and said “its fine, don’t worry I brought you here and I knew exactly how the prices would be.”

“Really? But it’s very expensive.” She showed him the tag. But he just shrugged and said “Don’t worry, pick whatever you want.” Sheila sighed and looked through the rack again. They shopped for almost an hour. When they were done, there were a lot of bags to carry and another guy who worked at the store helped them carry it to the car.

“Ok.” David said when he finally closed the trunk and tipped the man. “That was some shopping, you must be tired. Why don’t we stroll to one of the shops and get some pizza?” Sheila nodded and said “Thank you, I’d love some.” They went to Sbarro Pizzeria. They ordered a large pepperoni for both of them, sat to dig in.

“So Sheila” David said taking a bite out of his slice “How long have you been in foster care?”

“Um since I was 7. The state took me and my sister away from my mom because she was unable to take care of us.” She replied also taking a bite.

“You have a sister?” David said surprised. “Yes, she’s older than me. By now she should be 17. Derek’s age.”

“Do you ever miss her?” Sheila sighed “Well my family’s a little, well, dangerous as some people like to insinuate but I think sometimes it’s best we stay away.”