Remembering Phyllis Walker
Author's notes: This story is inspired by my second pair of parents Mama and Papa Meincke, the sweetest couple in the world. Plus I'm working on a research paper about foster care so it fits. I'm finished with everything but the epilogue, but I'm still nitpicking so keep a look out for more updates. Let me know how I'm doing.
Prologue
"Come on in, baby," the woman said to a 5 year old boy as she opened the door to the house. Her name was Phyllis Walker and she was his new foster mother. It didn't seem like a likely match since she was a black woman and he was white, but she was sweet enough and was more than willing to take him in when she heard his story. They entered the house and the first thing the boy noticed was the noise of many children laughing and talking. "We're going in the den to meet everybody. They're all in here."
The two of them walked into the next room where the talking and laughter got louder. The boy scanned the room and noticed that there were about 7 kids of all colors and ages playing some type of game. In the midst of all the children was a tall black man he assumed was the father who was laughing along with them. The woman cleared her throat and the noise ceased as all eyes were focused on her. "Boys and girls, we have a new member of the family. This is Darien Shields and I expect ya'll to make him feel right at home."
All the children murmured hellos and smiled at him, but Darien didn't pay attention. The man approached him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Darien," he said holding out his hand to him. "My name's Darryl, but you can call me Papa."
"You're not my dad," Darien muttered.
"Excuse me?" Darryl asked. "I couldn't hear you, son."
"I'm not your son!" Darien yelled. "And none of you are my family so leave me alone!" He ran up the stairs as everyone stared after him in shock. Darien made it upstairs and ran into the nearest bedroom. He slammed the door shut and fell onto the bed crying. After a few minutes, he heard the door open and footsteps coming towards him.
"I don't allow closed doors in my house," he heard Phyllis say as she sat on the end of the bed. "Why'd you run away like that? There's a whole bunch of people downstairs waiting to meet and love on you."
"I don't wanna meet them," Darien mumbled in the pillow.
"Come here, honey," Phyllis said pulling him up into a hug as he continued crying. "I know you miss your parents, but you can't keep other people out of your life."
"But I don't wanna forget them," Darien sniffled.
"They'll always be in your heart," she said ruffling his hair. "Papa and I don't wanna replace your parents, but we just wanna give you the love they wanted to give you plus extra." Darien rested in Phyllis' embrace quietly. "And don't you dare think for a moment your life isn't worth anything. God don't make junk and He has a purpose for your life."
"Ok Mrs. Walker," Darien said softly. "I guess I'll say hi to everybody."
Phyllis smiled at him. "That's the spirit," she said wiping his tears away. "I just know they'll love you. And please don't call me Mrs. Walker. Call me anything but Mrs. Walker." They stood up together and headed downstairs where a buzzing noise sounded.