Page 37 of Tony

Wondering what the young woman wanted, she immediately texted her reply back indicating that she was on her way. As she drove across town, she called Simon to see if he knew what was going on.

“I received a message from her social worker that she was being returned back to her home,” he answered.

“Well, I’m heading there now, so I’ll see if she needs something.”

Betina met her at the door of the foster home before she had a chance to ring the doorbell.

“Hey, sweetie,” she greeted. “What’s going on?”

Betina ushered her into the den as the foster mother smiled before leaving the room to give them privacy.

Sitting on the comfortable sofa, Sherrie smiled encouragingly hoping that Betina would open up more about what was on her mind.

“I’m going back,” she said, her words filled with pain.

“Yes, I heard about that. How do you feel about moving back in with your mom and stepdad?”

“He’s not my stepdad,” Betina stated emphatically.

“I’m sorry, you’re right. But how do you feel about moving back in with them?” Sherrie prodded again.

Betina’s arms crossed her middle as her eyes darted to the side. Sherrie recognized evasive posturing and tried to put the girl at ease.

“I’m sure it will seem strange to go back after being here.”

Betina’s gaze came back to Sherrie’s face and she asked haltingly, “Can…I call you? If I ever…need you?”

“Of course, you can. Honey, I’ll still be your CASA worker until the courts decide that I’m not needed but even if I wasn’t, you can call me anytime.”

The relief on the teen’s face was visible, sparking suspicion in Sherrie’s mind. “Do you have a specific reason for not wanting to be around your ste- um, mom’s boyfriend?”

“No,” Betina bit out quickly.

Too quickly,thought Sherrie, suspicions continuing.

“Are you sure?”

“We’re good. I just don’t like him, that’s all.”

“Betina, has he ever tried?—”

“No, never,” she said shaking her head. “I just don’t like him.”

Not wanting to break the tenuous trust that they had, Sherrie did not question her further. “Well, if you ever need me, you just call or text.”

Receiving the first smile of the day, she was relieved that Betina had reached out. With a heartfelt hug, she drove back to her house, her mind filled with thoughts of the young teen.

* * *

Marcella sat looking at her boyfriend as he ate dinner. She usually kept quiet because that was the way he wanted it, but she risked his anger anyway.

“You know Betina comes back tomorrow?” she spoke hesitantly.

“Not stupid woman. Of course I know,” he grunted between mouthfuls. “She best stay in school and do what she’s supposed to do from now on, if she knows what’s good for her.”

“She’s a good girl,” Marcella defended. “She always does good in school.”

“Umh,” he grunted again. Finishing his meal, his chair scraped across the floor as he pushed himself up. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he moved into the small living room flipping on the TV.

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