Hope is a scary thing for anyone in the Foster system. Jude and his sister Callie never knew when they would find their forever home but they have both lost hope in finding one. After my sister saved me from our last foster home she was sent away to juvie. I have not seen her in two and half years and I don't know why she never found me. Since our separation I can say my life was thrown into a whirlwind or sorts. I was removed from that home and placed into another home that was worst then the one before. Within the next year I was transferred in four other homes until I came in contact with Maria Stevens. Bill told me this is my last chance to stay in a home if I get kicked out I would be placed into a Group Home. So now you know the short but true story of my life and why I'm now stuck in San Diego.
The present
The next thing I knew Bill entered the room but strangely he was not alone. Hi my name is Maria Stevens and it's nice to meet you Jude. I turned around and I saw the woman who I would be living with for 3 more years if lucky. She was a skinny but fit young lady probably in her late thirties with blonde hair. Bill looked at me and said "Jude your being talked to do not be rude." Oh sorry... It's nice to meet you and sorry I just got distracted. Maria said "It perfectly alright. What were you thinking about?" For some reason I started twitching at her question, my nerves was getting to me. "I was wondering how long I would be staying with you until you get bored with me or figure out I'm too much trouble." Maria face went blank but changed with in a second to a face I have not seen in many years compassion. Jude you are not trash, God put you here for a reason you're not worthless. You have a purpose you just got to figure it out. A smile appeared on my face something that rarely ever happens. With those words she wrapped her arm around me and said "Let's go home and get you settled. As we walked out of the building something in me told me that my life would change but for the better or worst.
The next four hours I spent on the road with my new foster mom. It was strange I was actually able to talk to her. I don't know if she was secretly judging me but it didn't feel that way. Maria asked me many questions from my favorite color which was blue to my favorite movie which was stand by Me. I told her everything she asked until she asked me a question which caused me to be mute. Maria turned to me and said "Jude I got a question and be honest are you gay?" The only thing I could do was turn away and stare out the window and watch the blur of buildings fly by. After what seemed like a century went by I was finally able to turn around and face her. Maria just looked at me and was patently waiting on my answer. I prayed that my voice would not crack and I knew I would have to lie. No I'm not gay and that's when I saw her smile a brightly. Maria said "okay." For the rest of the ride we rode in silence until we pulled up to a giant house made of concrete and surprising no metal bars on the window. When I left her car my mouth was wide open all I could say was "do you really live here?" Maria just giggled at my reaction. Yes but my sister and her son also live with us. US? Oh are you married too? No kid but this is your home too so it's us. The Journey Begins
Before we could reach the first steps Maria was tackled by another woman who at first glance could easily be told that was her sister. Welcome back Maria and who is this? "My name is Jude and it's nice to meet you." Aren't you very polite my name is Heather and welcome to your new home? These women both differently treated me different from my last foster home. Oh Heather where my handsome nephew? "He is at soccer practice and won't be home till late" said Heather. While the two women made a couple more minutes of small talk. I went and gathered my back pack and followed them in to their house. I know she said this was our house but I'm not about to fall into false hope that easy. When I entered the home I had to do a double take. I thought the outside of the house was impressive but the inside was grand. Heather said "come on Jude let me show you around and then we can get you unpacked. Every room in the house was filled with trophies and pictures of family. However I could not find a single picture of my new foster brother. So the only thing I Knew about him was he plays soccer and he was defiantly a jock from all the trophies. Maria sooned called me into the living room which had a fire place and a massive TV. So Jude what do you think about your new home? I don't know if it was her smile or her sweet personality but I could only smile at her. Well Jude why don't I show you to your room and you can get some sleep. Thank you and it was good meeting you Heather. You too kido and I will see you in the morning. As I followed Maria to my new room she told me I would have to share a room with Connor. I entered my new room and I was not surprised when I saw even more trophies and posters of sports heroes. Maria Handed me a plain white shirt and some basketball short both which was to bug for me. Sorry Jude but you're going to have to borrow Connors until we go buy you some clothes. After I changed into my foster brother cloths I turned the lights off and just stared at the ceiling.