Page 128 of Finish Line

“It can’t be worse than Ashland. Let’s get this over with.” I slide out of the car.

I thought I would never have to do this again. I shake my head. What happens if this place is worse than Ashland?

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

SHELBY

We walk to the front door, and Mrs. Abney hits a buzzer to be let in.

A guy in scrubs opens the door for us. I’m hit with floral-smelling bleach. I hate to tell you people, but it still smells like bleach, bleach soaked in your grandmother’s perfume.

It’s worse than the smell of regular bleach, and I have a sneezing fit.

“I’m Mrs. Abney, and I have Shelby Winters,” she says.

The orderly steps aside, letting us in before closing the door. “Yes, this way, please.” He shuffles down a hallway with offices lining both sides.

He stops at one about halfway down. “Mr. June will help you.” He turns and shuffles away.

We step into the office.

An average looking man with brown hair looks up from behind a desk. “Hi, I’m Mr. June. What can I help you with?”

Mrs. Abney fills him in as I look around the room.

Kids drawings cover one wall. I hope they’re from his kids and not from kids in here. I’ve never been in a group home with young kids. I spot a photo behind him on the bookcase. Good, it’s his family.

“I’m sorry for your loss, Shelby.” Mr. June draws my attention back to him.

“Hmm… Thanks.” I run my hand down my jeans.

“Shelby is an old pro at this. This isn’t her first group home,” Mrs. Abney says.

I snort. That’s nothing to be proud of.

“That’s good. Welcome to Milestones Academy. Our rules here might be a bit different from other places. One, we don’t allow outside clothes. Everyone wears the same outfit: khaki pants, a blue top, and white tennis shoes. We believe fighting over clothes won’t happen if everyone dresses the same.”

He turns the page in his manual. “The building has three floors. The offices and cafeteria are on the bottom floor. We have people to cook the food, but the kids serve and clean the kitchen. The first floor also has a TV room with couches and chairs.

“The second floor is for females, and the top floor is for males. Males aren’t permitted on the female floor, and females aren’t allowed on the male floor. You and five others will have a designated time in the morning to shower. If you miss your time, you won’t shower that day.”

He goes on and on, and I zone out, paying enough attention to catch the important details. It’s not like I’ll be here long.

At least, I hope not.

“So, if you follow those rules, everything will be fine.” He smiles. “Do you have any questions?”

He mentioned something about transferring me to the school here. “I took my GED, but I’m still waiting for the results.”

“I’ll investigate your scores. If you give me your phone and any personal items, I’ll put them in this bag and lock them in the safe.”

I try to play it off like I don’t have one, but Mrs. Abney looks at me with a raised eyebrow, her gaze dropping to my chest. I guess she was paying better attention than I realized.

I reach into my shirt and remove my phone. “Can I tell my family I won’t have a phone here? Please, I don’t want them to be worried.”

“They aren’t your family, Shelby,” Mrs. Abney says. “You wanted to stay with them, but they aren’t legally your dad or brother. You don’t have any family, anymore.”

I grind my teeth together. “Yes, I do. I have my uncle and cousin. And those guys might not have the same blood as me, but they’re my family in every way that matters.”

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