"What?" I tried to process the information. I really did. But my brain just couldn't understand it.

"I'm adopting you Max." Pat said with the biggest smile I have ever seen on her face.

"Your....what....why...now.....you!" My heart was racing a thousand miles an hour. Was this really happening? Was this supposed to be some fucked up joke?

Pat started giggling at my moment of shock. "Yes Max. I'm adopting you. Unless you'd like to keep trying for another family. I'd unders-"

"NO!" I couldn't let her finish that sentence. I didn't want to try for another family, I didn't want to wait around for someone that wasn't going to show up. Patty was it. Not just cause she was the only one wanting to adopt me. But because, no one would ever measure up to her. I wanted Patty, and I was so relieved that she wanted me. " But what about....what about your husband, and your kids? What if they don't like me?" The thought came flying out before I even had time to process it.

What if they didn't like me? I don't want to get a taste of happiness and then have to come back to hell just because one of her kids or worse her husband doesn't like me.

"Oh please Ben has always wanted too meet you. It wasn't just me that got you and Tyler those phones, Ben has also been pitching in on your soccer. He knows just about everything. When I brought making you apart of the family he was all for it. I asked all the girls and they are all for having another sister. Claire loves hearing stories about you. And the boy's were excited to have a girl their age that they can tease. Everyone's on board Max, I talked to the whole pack. Everyone's on board."

I couldn't believe it. This was all to good to be true, there had to be a catch, a punch line, something!

"But do you want this Max? Do you really want to become apart of a family? I know we talked a lot about you leaving here when you turned 18. And we can still work towards that goal if you want. This is all up to you too. You can come meet the family, and if you don't feel it's a great fit, then I'd understand and I'll bring you back."

I watched her closely. Her hands folded in a professional way, her eyes sincere and serious at the same time. Her body tense as she awaited my answer. She didn't try to rush me. She meant every word she said. This decision was truly up to me.

I tried to ignore the warm fuzzy feeling that was building up in my chest, cracking my developing cage. But I couldn't. I don't know what this feeling is. But I already know that I didn't want it to go away. Just like I know I didn't want to ever have to leave Pat.

"What do you think Max?" I could tell she was just as anxious as I was.

I looked her over once more. I knew she wasn't lying about her talking with her family.And I knew that she would care for me as if I was her own. She was already a mother to me. And even though I have never met anyone from her family. I didn't know for sure if something were to happen between me and one of her kids that she would truly stick with me. But I had to trust that she wouldn't just drop me to the side once she was done with me. I wanted a chance to be apart of a real family, and if I didn't like it I'd just have Pat bring me back.

I didn't want to be 18 wondering the streets wondering what a family would of been like. This was my only chance to experience what a home would really be like. And I had to take it. No matter how scared I was. I had to do this.

"When do we leave?" I breathed.

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After filling out four hours worth of paperwork, a hot as hell thirty minute drive in her 2003 Chevy Malibu and another three hours waiting for the court, I was finally adopted. And I couldn't be more nervous. Walking back towards Patty's car, I couldn't take my eyes off the official document in my hand. The one document that I thought I'd never see let alone hold.

"We can frame it if you'd like." I glanced up at Patty, my eyes filled with salt water that I refused to let spill over.

Feeling the tightness in my throat, I just nodded. I would love to have this framed, and if I get sent back, whether it be my choice or one of my newest siblings; I'd at least know that someone wanted me. Even if it was just for a little while.

After the court hearing, Patty brought me back to 'Mrs.Littles home for Lonely Kids', to get my stuff and say my goodbyes. There were still a few kids who were here that I've known for a couple years. Some I even used to care for while stuck in foster homes, where the 'parents' only cared about the paycheck.

At just sixteen years old, I knew what a baby wanted based off their cry. I memorized how much of what medicine to give someone based on their age and weight. And not to pat myself on the back, but I was able to help all the small ones I cared for with their homework. The only thing that I never learned, was when protecting them went to far. Lets just say, I've got a record.

As I was walking towards the kids 12 and under area, I felt a small jostle from behind. Stopping in my tracks, I looked down.

"Hey Maxy!" Ian's big blue eyes smiled up at me.

Getting down on his level, I unwrapped his arms from around my leg and pulled him into a tight hug. "Hey buddy. How've you been?"

I met Ian in my twelfth foster home. He was only two then, and he was brand new to the system. Same age I was. He used to cry every night for his mother and our useless foster parents did absolutely nothing to try and calm him down. I tried to keep my distance though. Not wanting to get attached to something I knew wasn't going to last much longer. Especially with how much Mr.Jamerson drank. I would of ended up back in the system by months end.

However, Patty told me his story, about how he was left on a random door step, just like I was. I took him under my wing. And now, at the annoying age of 9 I still consider him as my own. Ian was the first kid I took care of. I protected him from everything I could.

Through out the years, we've both been through multiple homes and most abusive. I protected him when I could, but I sadly wasn't always with him. In fact, when Ian was four I ran into him here due to a re-homing issue for myself. And when I saw him, I completely lost it. His right eye was black and swollen shut, he had bruises up and down his arms, his wrist was in a white plaster cast and I later found out he had a fractured rib.

After I saw that I demanded Patty keep me with him until he was adopted. She did her best, and we stayed together for a year or two. But when I caught our foster mother becoming more familiar with Ian than I liked, I was arrested for assault and placed in another foster home the following week.

"I've been great! Guess who won the school spelling bee?" Ian held his head up high and gave a prideful smile.

Trying my best not to laugh, I looked at him and all his cuteness with confusion. "Who?"

His smile dropped and he gave me a 'like duh' face. "ME!"

I faked shocked. "You!? No way. I don't believe it."

"Well you should. Cause it's true sister. Even got the blue ribbon." He crossed his little arms and gave a proud smile.

Giving up I picked him up into my arms and started jumping. "I'm so proud of you!" Ian's laughter filled my ear as I pressed him to my chest.

Putting him down, I ruffled his blonde hair. "I really am proud of you buddy. Keep up the hard work okay."

Ian gave me two thumbs up. "You got it."

"Hey, do you know where Tyler is by chance?" I asked, remembering my mission.

"Oh, he left already. Went to his new foster family."

"Oh." Disappointment and longing flushed through me. Out of everyone here I wanted to say goodbye too, Tyler was at the top of the list. And to hear that I missed him by only a few hours, stung like a bitch.

" He did tell me that if I saw you I'm supposed to say congratulations." Ian smiled.

"Really?" Was he congratulating me on being adopted? How did he find out?

"Yup. Said he's happy for you." Looking somewhere behind me, Ian smiled. "Hey Max, I got to go okay."

"But Ian I-"

With one quick last hug, Ian sprinted off towards his friends. "See you later!" He waved before disappearing out the side

"I hope so." I murmured.

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After saying my fair wells to the few people I knew that were stuck here, Patty and I walked out the doors of 'Mrs.Littles home for Lonely Kids' together. My book bag and a small duffel bag held all my belongings.

Though I wouldn't be needing my school supplies, since I'm transferring to the school near Patty's house, I wasn't going to throw everything away just yet. Cause who knows, I might be coming back.

Walking towards the ugly brown 2003 Chevy Malibu that Patty drives, I started to dread the ride to her house. Without working AC, we were gonna cook in the 90 degree weather that the abnormally warm May brought with it.

Just as I was reaching for the handle on the ugly ass car, Patty laughed. "You don't think I actually drive that car do you?"

I looked up at her as she smiled brightly and continued to the next row of cars. "Yeah." This was the only car I've ever seen her drive.

"Not in this weather I don't. Especially when I'm not working."

Running to catch up with her I asked, "That's the only car I've ever seen you drive."

Patty nodded, "It doesn't stand out and it has room for when I need to pick up kids."

"What do you mean?" I adjusted the strap of the duffel bag on my shoulder.

"Well, I normally drive a coup and it's not the most efficient when I need to transport a child under the age of 12. And because of the life that I've been so lucky to have, driving an older car, helps me not to stand out as much."

"Help you to not stand out?"

Instead of answering, Patty came to a complete stop and a high pitched beep came from the yellow car to our left.

Pat's car was the coolest car ever! I'm not kidding when I say that it was a Lambo! Like how much does her job pay? I have always wanted a Lambo. I wouldn't get a yellow Lambo like Pat. I would get a teal and black one. But that's just me. Or a crouch rocket. That would be awesome. but I could never afford it.

After about 30 minutes of driving, we finally turned down a dirt road. It was so hard to see cause of all the tree's that surrounded it. But some how she saw it. Then again, It is the way to her house.....hopefully.

After another 10 minutes of driving down the dirt road. We came upon a big fucking house! (Look at picture. Not going to describe it.)

My mouth dropped. I have never seen a house this big. Hell I have never seen a building like this before. Living in run down home after run down home. You began to appreciate the beautiful things in life. And let me tell you. This is one of those things.

"You really live here?" I ask as I stared open mouthed out the window of the car.

"Hahaha. Yes Max. I do. And now. So do you." I looked at her like she had frown three more heads.

"I live here?" There is no way life could be this good. There has to be a catch.

"Yes Max. This is now your home. You are welcome to go anywhere you want. As long as you knock if you want to go into someones room. But besides that everything here is yours. We have a pool in the back with a diving board and slides, Soccer field and basketball court, game room, living room, movie room. And probably your favorite part. We have a kitchen that is open 24/7. And if you want something, just write it down on the list, and we will get it for you."

I just stared at her.

Yup there is no way I live here. I probably have to work to pay her for rent.

"There is one thing though." I knew it!

"You do have to go to school."

Yup and there's the catch. GOD! Can't I just get a job?

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"Well before anyone gets back from school or in Ben's case work. Let me show you to your room."

After we parked the Lambo, and got all my stuff, which was just a big and heavy teal blanket with black spots all over it, that Tyler got me for my 10th birthday. And some clothes. Which most of them had holes in anyway. And then the T neckless that Tyler got for me for my 12th birthday after I got him a M neckless for his 13th birthday. Lets just say most the stuff I have is because of Tyler. He is always looking out for me. And I know for a fact that I am going to miss that big guy.

As we walked up a set of stairs, and down many hallways, with many many doors. We finally came to a stop at the end of a hallway where one white door stood by itself.

"This is your room. And if you don't like it we can paint it teal or whatever you want ok. I had Hannah pick out the colors, and I asked for teal. But you know. It's Hannah and she thinks she knows what everyone likes so. Here goes nothing." Pat laughed to herself, and opened the door.

I almost fainted at the sight before me.