Fletcher Lewis Hale gazed out the tinted glass window of the black BMW X5 A his social worker was driving. The care was a 2003 model and he hated everything about it, especially the tan, leather interior lining the car. The car was courtesy of his old foster parents, the Stewarts, because even though he had been pulled from the home, they still loved him. They were a rich family, but the good kind of rich. The people who don’t flaunt their money around and instead choose to give to charities and foster kids who need loving homes. He had been living there ever since his parents had died, always told that he was ‘one of the lucky ones in the system’ because he got put into such a great and loving home. He wasn’t the only one that they had fostered either. While he was there, a 12 year old named Danny came and left, a 4 year old named Dedee came and left, and a 7 year old named Callie came, but didn’t leave. It had just been Callie and Fletcher for 4 years now and then she finally got word of an adopter that they would take her. Hale had been very happy for her, but a little sad that she was leaving as she had kind-of grown on her. She left 3 days before Hale was pulled from the house.
Now, Hale was 17 years old and as charming as ever. He was always friendly to others, maybe adding a bit of sarcasm or cockiness to the conversation. His social worker, Ted, had been with him on the whole journey and during that time, he had become a good friend of Hale’s, which was also unusual. Even with the age difference, he was more like a brother than a social worker and for that, he was grateful. He looked away from the window and directed his attention to Ted as he started to speak. ”So Hale, you should know that you aren’t going to be the only foster kid here. I’m sure you’ll do fine with others, considering Callie and all, but I just want you to be aware. Also, I know that you won’t be unkind, but make sure that you are extra careful in this home because it is very important.” He kept looking into the backseat through the rearview mirror at Hale. Hale gave him a charming smile and glanced at Ted.
”How many others are there?” He asked him curiously. Hale would be fine, he knew he would. He would just have to get a feel for the other kids’ routines and make sure he would be able to hide his elemental control. He didn’t take his eyes off of Ted as he patiently waited for an answer.
”Well, I can’t be certain, but I think there may be 4 others. At least.” Ted said as he looked forward, his dark skin gleaming in the sunlight shining through the windshield. He quickly reached up and flipped his sunglasses on. ”We’re here.” They pulled into a long dirt driveway lined with beautiful flowers. As they kept going, an elegant house emerged from the hollows of the woods. It was beautiful, with its numerous windows and light-eggshell exterior walls.
”Woah.” He said. The house was huge! They parked the sleek car in front of the front door and got out. Hale reached back inside and grabbed a black suitcase and duffel to match. Ted held his two guitar cases and his laptop case, though how he did it, Hale didn’t know. Hale turned behind him before his side door shut and said, ”Come here, boy!” A white German Shepard jumped out of the car and raced up to Hale.
”You have no idea how lucky you are that you’re allowed to keep him here. He may be a good dog, but not many fosters will tolerate pers.” Hale just rolled his eyes because he knew he would never leave him behind, no matter what. They walked up to the door and Hale knocked on the door three times. A woman answered the door with a smile on her face. She swung the door wide, introduced herself, and asked Hale’s name.
”Oh! I’m Fletcher Hale, but I go by Hale.” He smiled warmly at her. ”Thank you so much for having me and letting us stay here. I can’t thank you enough.” He let go of his suitcase handle to pat his dog on the head.
”It’s my pleasure. I’ll show you to your room after you get all of your things inside.” Ms. Morse said with a small smile. She grabbed the handle of his suitcase and rolled it inside. Hale took one of the guitar cases from Ted, shouldered his duffel bag, and stepped inside the house. Ted said he was going to go back to the car to grab his amp and Hale nodded. ”Come on, Rocky.” Hale called his dog into the house and then looked back. Ted brought in his amp and other guitar case and said goodbye to Hale. Then he turned to Ms. Morse. ”Okay, so what’s first?” He asked.
”Your room, of course!” She smiled and turned, wheeling his suitcase behind her and taking a guitar case, also. He had the remaining duffel, guitar case, and amp, not to mention his dog. Rocky followed behind him happily, sniffing everywhere. He was led a short ways to the third room on the left. ”This will be your room here. I hope you enjoy it.” Hale opened the door and stepped inside.
The room’s walls were all plain except for the blue paint color on them. There was a bed with a patterned comforter folded over and plenty of pillows on it. He paced in and set down his bag, amp, and guitar case and then took the other things from Ms. Morse and set them by the bed. ”Thanks again. I really appreciate it.” He said again and then he patted his dog again. ”Rocky and I can’t thank you enough.” Ms. Morse nodded and left the room. Hale unpacked quickly and then looked over at Rocky. ”Hey, boy. You want to go explore? Do ya? Come on then!” He smiled at the dog and then raced out of the room and back down the hall. Hale stumbled into the kitchen, laughing, as he went. He stopped short when he saw another person sitting at the counter. ”Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize anyone else was here.” He said as the dog sat down next to him.