Page 12 of Fighting the Odds

“Do you mind if I explain, Mrs. Jenkins?”

“No, of course not. I’ll let you tell her and then go check on the situation that was just brought to my attention. Is that okay, Sierra?” I nod and she stands, leaving the room, shutting the door behind her.

“What do you have to explain?” I ask.

“As you know, I adopted all the boys.”

“They told me.” Reaching forward, I take a tissue from the box and wipe my nose.

“Well, before I adopted them, I became licensed to be a foster parent. When we heard what happened to you, John and I came here this morning to see how we could assist. While they transition my license here and approve his application, they have given us the ability to take you in on an emergency basis.” He smiles softly at me.

“What about Sam?” She’s who I’m concerned about, not me.

He lets out a deep breath and I know what's about to come can’t be good.

Chapter 6

Sierra

“Ican’t take both of you, Sierra. In any other situation, I could, but until your allegations are proven to be unfounded, the two of you can’t live together. I’m so sorry.” My heart drops at his words. His eyes are glassy and I know if it were possible, me and Sam would walk hand in hand into his home.

“Take Sam.” It’s a no brainer. She deserves to be in a safe home and she knows them. The only downfall is Colton being there, but I know that Braxton and Zander won’t let him be cruel to her.

“Sierra—"

“No, Mr. Stevenson, while I appreciate that you’d take me in, I want you to take Sam. I’ll be eighteen soon. Once I am, then I can be on my own. I can make it in a foster home for the two months I have left. If I know Sam is in a home where she is cared for and safe, I can make it.” He reaches out and takes my hand in his.

“You really are a good sister, Sierra. When they explained about the charges, I told them I had the opportunity to be around both you and your sister. Both John and I gave a statement to how you cared for her as well as voicing our concern that the allegation was false.”

“Thank you. Will you please tell Sam I love her and don’t lose hope? Let her know I won’t stop fighting until I’m able to see her again.” I’m trying to stay strong. The only thing allowing me to do that is knowing Sam is going to be safe.

“I will.” He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “She’ll be taken care of and loved. Sierra, I’m going to try to help in any way I can to make sure the two of you are back together.”

He sits there, holding my hand as we’re surrounded in silence. Something is nagging at me and I don’t know why, but I need to know.

Clearing my throat, I speak up. “Mr. Stevenson, why are you doing this?”

His eyes drift to mine. He doesn’t say anything at first and I’m debating if I should ask again when he speaks.

“You’re a good girl, Sierra. It’s obvious how much you care about your sister and I’d be a fool to not see the impact you’ve had on my boys.”

His boys. Guess he doesn’t know Colton hates me. I’m sure Braxton and Zander do as well after yesterday. They’re probably thinking everything Wes said is true.

“Is foster care bad? Are there more bad homes than good?”

He lets out a deep sigh. My stomach quivers, bile rising as I think horrible thoughts about the home I’m going to be placed in.

“I always wanted...” His voice falters as he finds the words to answer my question. “The boys know, but I was also in the foster care system. My mother was an addict and eventually I was taken from her. She had no other family and my father wasn’t listed on my birth certificate, so I had nowhere to go. Like you and Sam, I was placed in a foster home. I’m not going to lie, it was horrible. They were only in it for the money and treated us as if we were servants. If we disobeyed, we were punished.” He takes a deep breath and reaches up to swipe away a stray tear.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me.”

He just shakes his head at me, then forces a smile on his face.

“No, I want to. I was lucky; my second foster family adopted me. So, as much as I hate to say it, Sierra, no, not all homes are good. But believe me, I’m going to do everything in my power to help you.”

We sit quietly, the sound of the clock ticking on the wall the only sound in the room. I’m not sure where Mrs. Jenkins went, and what’s taking her so long.

“Mr. Stevenson, why haven’t you asked who did this to me? You haven’t even brought it up.” I turn in my seat so I can face him, his hand still holding onto mine. He’s never let it go.

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