Chapter 1

Running

Carlie POV

I threw my last sweater into the bag grabbed my clothes and went to the bathroom to change. I made sure the doors were locked and I wore my yellow leggings. I've been searching so long for jeans that wouldn't fall but considering that I practically don't eat for some time even the smallest size is too big for me and they simply fall from my hips. In my modest collection of clothes I have only one pair of jeans that miraculously fit me.

I know what you think, but I don't starve myself it's just that pretty much every foster family don't care enough to feed me and I won't touch anything by myself. I was in many foster homes and I have learned a long time ago that without clear permission I can't touch anything. Otherwise there will be consequences, and I will not bear more screams and hitting than I need to. This foster home is by far the worst of all I've ever come across.

Just thinking about what has been going on for the past month is overwhelming me, and I can't help awakening fear in me once again. I've never felt more relieved about coming back to the system.

I quickly dressed in a black oversize sweater white coat, and returned to the living room if I could call it that. I wore my hat, a scarf and dressed up my favorite boots on small heels. I grabbed my phone and put in my pocket, put on my black backpack and gloves, took the bag and of course Betty my tired guitar and went out to wait on the small porch.

( A/N Okay so to see this outfit go to my profile I explained there everything this outfit number is 1.1 :3)

Thankfully I didn't encounter Phil on my way. After about an hour I saw familiar black jeep pulling on the driveway. I didn't lose a moment standing. I quickly picked up my things and get myself to the car next to Annie. With my bag and Betty on the back I let out a sign relieved. Annie has been taking care of me for two years now and she's one of two people who really cares about me right now and about finding a good foster home for me.

I've lost hope for that long time ago. Annie, however, believes that she will succeed to find a family that is simply good and will love me. I'm not stupid and I know most of the kids in the system are very lucky to find such family once. Two times? It's impossible.

You have one chance and I've already had my one chance with Maggie four years ago. Don't get me wrong, I would never exchange my time with her for anything in the world. Maggie is one of the few people in my life who really loved me for who I am. She showed me what is good and what is bad witch I should never experience.

Mag was a petite brunette in her thirties who wanted to have children but couldn't. She was very patient and helped me a lot to overcome many of my fears. At the time I was scared to even speak without a direct question or permission.

Her home was the only one that I could really call home with a clear conscience. It was she who awakened my passion for music and encouraged me to learn. Before death, she made me promise that I never give up my passion because she claimed that I have talent for it. Yeah ... I don't agree with the talent part but I promised her anyway because the music is what keeps me going. Whatever happens, music just doesn't judge and lets you express all your emotions and everything that is going on inside you. That is why I love it so much.

Shortly after I came to live with Maggie she learned she has leukemia. Once again life showed me it's true face. She was the closest person that I had to a mom and I have a huge respect and admiration for her. Even with such bad prognosis she didn't give up she fight to the very end and had hope that never left her even when things got really bad.

After her death I was devastated. I didn't speak to anyone for months unless I had to and I did nothing other than what I had to also. After a year I came back to music and it made me feel like Maggie was still with me in some way. One month after her death her lawyer found me.

It turned out that she set up an account with a huge amount of money for me and left her house for me too. However, the house will be handed over after my 18th birthday and the account has monthly limits till I'm eighteen. It's too much for me in my opinion but I know she wanted me to have it she wouldn't give it to me otherwise. So I kept it but I use the money only if I have to only exception is my love to sweaters from time to time.

Returning to the present. I locked my seatbelt and send Annie a small smile. I breathed a huge sign when Phil's house vanished from view. Only now I feel the full relief knowing I will never have to return to this place that made me somewhat calm.

"This time we go straight to another family Carlie. Honey I have a really good feeling about them I know that I repeat myself here but this time will be different, I know it Car." She looked at me with a smile and I could clearly see hope in her eyes.

"Mhm. Okay, Annie. "I nodded slightly and couldn't do anything about the sign that came with my words. It's not like I doesn't want to believe her I just heard it too many times and every time it's the same. I just can not afford to hope again because in a month maximum two I will be in the same place that I am now. Still… seeing sadness in her eyes, I decided to at least pretend to be curious. So I asked "Who are they?"

"Carlisle and Esme Cullen. I payed them a visit yesterday after call from Phil. They recently applied for adoption. They have seven adopted children already: Edward, Bella, Reneesme, Jasper and Rosalie are twins, Emmett and Alice. Carlisle is a doctor and Esme stays home with children. I've met them all and they seem really nice and loving couple sweety."

"Łoa! It's a lot of kids, what are they opening a kindergarten or something?" I asked half joking and half serious. Most couples take care of as many children as possible because it means more money every month.

Annie looked at me warily " Carl... " I raised my hands up in surrender. I got my glasses and my favorite book "Pride and Prejudice" from my backpack and started reading. I don't know how long we were driving but at some point Annie sighed and looked at me before she turned her gaze back on the road. I knew she wanted to say something so I put my book and glasses back in my backpack and payed my whole attention to her.

" Please honey at least try to give them a chance they seemed really excited about your arrival. Who knows maybe there will be someone who loves sweaters as much as you. "She winked at me with a slight smile playing on her lips.

I put hand on my chest where my heart is dramatically gasping the air and looked at her in shock "How can you! Nobody loves my kids more than I do! " I didn't even finish before blonde burst out laughing stopping car at the same time in front of big light house, or should I say a castle?

I love sweaters and I wear only sweaters. What nobody even Annie know is why I don't wear anything else. What would I tell her? "Hey Annie I wear them because I feel safe and sound in them, and only they cover my scars and my lack of food for the past four years? " In fact she knows about my "adventures" in foster homes but there's no need for her to actually see it on my body. It would only upset her.

I'm covered with all sorts of scars. From the chest and arms through my stomach to legs. Only my shoulders and collarbone are free from them as well as my face besides one small scar from early childhood on my left cheek. (A / N I myself have not so big scar on the left cheek However, for the love of God it is not caused by abuse!) Some are from the glass some after the cut that my torturers made. Recovering from my thoughts, I still quietly giggled with Annie before she left the car.

Hi! It will be very nice for me to know what you think! :3 I have almost finished the next chapter and I think I'll update it tonight or tomorrow I'm tried to make sure there are no misspellings if there are I'm sorry! English is not my first language so please be patient whit me

~~ Basia