Life in Riley's opinion is strange. It started out normal or sort of normal. Riley never had a Dad. From what Grams said, he never wanted to be a father. Mum gave up her rights when Riley was four. Grams never forgave Mum for signing away her parental rights. After she adopted Riley, she took Mum out of her Will. Riley wonders if Mum knows about Grams.
Grams tried the best she could, but considering her age she had it rough trying to raise a kid all over again. Grams had to work as a store clerk. They barely scrapped by, but they made it that is until she got sick. At first, Grams kept working, but after awhile she got too sick and Social Services had to take Riley away. A few weeks later, Grams was admitted into Mercy Hospital and died. Riley got to say goodbye and stuff, but that doesn't mean it didn't suck any less.
"This sucks" Austin mumbled sadly. "I was pretending you weren't leaving, kinda stupid, hu?" the fourth grader shrugs keeping his eyes cast downward.
"No" Riley blinks back tears; Austin's her best friend and partner in crime. He's the only one that's ever been there for her. "I'll visit you, I promise."
Austin looks doubtful. "No, you won't. You're gonna leave and never visit me again like Pops and Cooper" he replied referring to his father and older brother.
Riley has met Austin's father, once during Visitors Day. He was drunk and Austin was so embarrassed, he ran upstairs and wouldn't come out of his bedroom until after dinner. "I'll visit you a lot, Aust" the little girl promised nodding surely.
"When?" he asked sadly, whenever anyone leaves they hardly ever come back; people always leave.
"Soon, I promise" Riley doesn't know when exactly, but she has to visit Austin. He's her best friend and she's his, they can't just stop being friends. The pair have been best friends since the second grade.
"If you don't come by Christmas vacation, I'll visit you instead" Austin promised holding out his hand.
"Deal" Riley shakes it, but on the inside she doesn't believe him. Austin is a good friend, but there's no way he could ever get to Tree Hill on his own.
Fifteen minutes later, Riley stares at the tombstone before her. The flowers are still alive and bright, it's odd cause the flowers don't make Riley any happier. They make her feel even sadder. Riley glances at Natalie hoping she gets the message.
"I'll be in the car" Natalie gets the message and awkwardly walks to the car.
"Hi Grams, it's me. Aust and I got in trouble cause of Nate" Riley feels her lower lip tremble. "I miss you. Mum's been too busy to visit, but I bet she misses you. I promise, I'll do my best to be strong without you. I gotta go now, I love you Grammy" the nine year old reluctantly retreats to Natalie's car.
Riley plays with her thumbs. The car ride has been quiet and uncomfortable. Natalie picked up some fast food on the way, but it still doesn't feel real; Grams being dead and her moving away. Good thing, Nat isn't leaving her. Riley likes Natalie; she's been around since Mum left.
Natalie breaks the uncomfortable silence. "When we get to Tree Hill, we're going to check in with the agency and you'll meet your new social worker, Bevin Mirksy, she's going to take you to the Bakers."
Riley's face falls. "You aren't my social worker anymore. Why? Don't you want me anymore?" she asked weakly, feeling her lower lip tremble.
"Of course, I want to be your social worker, but I can't if I live in another town. I know that's unfair, but there's nothing we can do about it. The good news is, I know Bevin and she's amazing. You're going to love her" Natalie promised nodding firmly.
"I don't care" Riley sulked. Now Natalie's leaving her too, why does everyone always leave her?
Brooke smiles warmly at Jude. He's such a little cutie. She swears, Jude looks exactly like her, but Davis is a mixture of them. Brooke doesn't care if Riley looks like them or not, she has a gut feeling, she's going to love her. It's hard to explain, but Brooke wants to love Riley. The little girl is so enchanting and kind-hearted.
"Are you excited, Mrs. Baker? You get to be a Mama to a nine year old" Julian asked trying to ease his wife's worries with a simple joke.
Brooke glances at the clock; ignoring his question. "They should be here by now, where are they?" she sounds worried.
"Don't worry, they'll be here soon" Julian said knowing in the next ten minutes; Brooke will likely inform authorities and have an Amber Alert going.
"Julian, what if something's happened? You know how sometimes terrible things happen to us and..." Brooke trailed off worriedly.
Julian pulls his wife into a hug. "Nothing bad's going to happen" his lips promptly meet hers. He hopes nothing bad will happen. Tree Hill may be different, but it's the closest thing he's ever had to home.
Brooke looks up at him. "I love you, you know that?" she asked gently pushing back his brown hair.
"Nice to know, since I love you right back" Julian replied as he kisses his beautiful wife once again.
Natalie smiles warmly at Bevin. Riley has her eyes cast towards her ratty sneakers; she doesn't want Nat to leave her. It'll just mean that another person in her life has given up on her. "Riley, this is your new social worker Bevin Mirsky" Natalie gently pushes the nine year old forward.
Riley looks up shyly. "Hi" she murmured feeling embarrassed.
Bevin smiles at the little girl. She's so adorable, soft brown curls and enchanting blue eyes. Her eyes are full of life and wonderment. However, they also hold wisdom; Bevin wonders what her life was like in Charlotte. She read the file, but files aren't always what they seem.
"I can understand you're nervousness. I wish we met under better circumstances, but nonetheless it's really awesome to meet you, Riley" Bevin stated, Riley nods politely.
Natalie bends down on one knee to look Riley in the eye. "You've been extremely brave about all that's happened. Are you sure you're ready to live with the Bakers?" Natalie asked; knowing she shouldn't get too attached, but Riley is different.
Riley doesn't dare say, she should've offered up that suggestion yesterday. "I think I'll be okay" she stated coldly, purposely glaring at her former social worker. This isn't fair, why does Nat have to leave.
"You will, you'll be okay" Natalie gently ruffles her curls. Riley pulls away, not wanting Natalie to touch her. Nat's abandoning her. She's just like everyone else in her life. "I'll keep an eye out for a letter or email about how you're doing" the social worker added trying not to sound hurt.
"I wouldn't" Riley advised smartly.
Bevin blinks; surprised by the child's rapid mood change. She isn't sure, if she should scold the nine year old or let the attitude ride out. "Riley, I know you feel like I'm abandoning you, but I'm not. I'll always be in your life" Natalie explained in a gentle soothing tone.
Riley doesn't answer. "I think we should talk in my office. Riley, hon could you wait while we talk?" Bevin doesn't wait for a reply and leaves with Natalie in tow.
The nine year old waits another minute, before scoping out the courthouse. It's not the type of social worker place she expected. Really, it's the opposite, more boring and less babyish. Riley remembers bits and pieces of a time when she had to go to a court room with Grams for Mum. She takes a seat on the long staircase, deeply considering making a run for it. No, she can't run. Grams didn't mind how she behaved, but she did care about her well-being and being a street kid is suicide.
"What's going on with her, Natalie?" Bevin demanded getting straight to the point. "One minute, she's fine and the next…she's demonic" Bevin raises her eyebrows giving her old friend a knowing look.
Natalie sighs; she should've seen this coming. Of course, Riley resents her. "Riley's mother abandoned her when she was four, her grandmother died seven months ago and now she feels like I'm leaving her" she shakes her head, sadly.
Bevin's confused. "You aren't leaving her. The Bakers are the best and you know she deserves the best" the blonde answered crinkling her nose up.
"I know that Bev. Riley thinks I'm abandoning her, but she doesn't understand that I'm doing what I think is best for her" Natalie admitted causing Bevin to nod, suddenly understanding.
"You were smart to put her with Brooke and Julian" Bevin said remembering Brooke's fierce protectiveness over others in high school. "They're absolutely perfect and Brooke totes deserves revenge for the crap she did in high school."
Natalie smiles in agreement. "I'm going to leave again, but this time, I'll have to be quick about it" she coached herself aloud. She has to rip this band-aid off and let the wound receive some sunlight.
Both women step outside Bevin's office and glance at the cluster of chairs; unoccupied and empty. Bevin is the first out the door. She sees Riley sitting nonchalantly on the court steps with an impish grin.
Bevin runs a hand through her hair. No, she has to at least scold the nine year old a little bit for this. "Riley O'Connor, I thought I told you to stay in my office" Bevin marches over to her; hands on her hips. Natalie quickly makes an exit feeling Riley's blue eyes studying her every move.
Riley continues watching Natalie ignoring Bevin. "She's really leaving" Riley whispered her voice breaking.
"Next time, please do as I say and stay in my office" Bevin repeated softly and not as firmly as before.
The nine year old blinks, realizing she should defend herself. "You didn't say to stay in your office, you just said to wait. I waited outside your office" the enchanting young girl smirks causing Bevin's brow to wrinkle.
"Let's get your things and head for the Bakers" Bevin runs a hand through her hair and lifts Riley's suitcases.
Riley, not wanting to lose her prized possessions, has no choice, but to follow her new social worker.
Quinn watches her son in the corner. Over the past few weeks, he's been acting out more and more. At first, she and Clay thought it was because he wanted more attention, but now they think he's testing them. Testing to see how far he can push them. Quinn's at her wits end. Last week, he put gum in Bianca Flynn's hair and almost got suspended.
"Alright, your times out, Log-man" Quinn informed him taking his hands in hers.
Logan looks up at her with those brown eyes of his. "What's going on with you? Last week you put gum in Bianca's hair and now you're throwing tantrums" Quinn asked worriedly. Logan seemed fine a few months ago.
"I'll be good, Mom" the little boy blinks up at her, the picture of innocence. Quinn resists the urge to roll her eyes, he's said that line several times over the past few weeks.
"That's not what I want" Quinn gives him a reproving look. "Well yeah I want you to behave, but I want to know what's going on with you."
"Nothing" Logan scowled. Honestly, nothing's going on with him. He juts wants to see how far he can push his parents.
"Bud, is this a plea for attention?" his mother asked, pleading for an answer. She and Clay really want to know what's gotten into their little guy.
"No!" Logan stamps his foot.
Quinn shakes her head. "What's going on, then?" she demanded finally having enough of beating around the bush.
"Didn't you hear me? I said nothing!" the six year old shouted ripping his hands from hers and pushing a flower pot off of the table.
Quinn gasps. "Logan, go to your room and don't come out until I say so" she ordered sending him on his way with a stinging smack to his behind.
Logan turns and looks at his mother in shock. Mom's never done that before. Of course, sometimes it's joking and stuff, but she's never done it hard enough to sting. Quinn looks down at her hand and instantly feels guilty. Logan runs upstairs and slams the door behind him. Quinn cringes at the sound, oh shit…
Bevin pulls up at the large, mansion-like home of Brooke and Julian Baker. Riley glances over the window; stunned. She didn't think the Bakers were poor, but she defidently didn't think they were rich.
"Wow, they're rich" Riley's eyes are wide with shock. She's never known anybody rich before, in Charlotte, she lived on the poor side of town. Austin used to live with his father in a run down shack.
Bevin glances down at her. "Riley, it's impolite to talk about money, please don't" she advised knowing on Brooke and Julian's red door.
"Why? If someone's rich, don't they want other people to say it? So they'll remember they're rich too?" Riley questioned.
Thankfully, Bevin can't answer her because Julian opens the door. "Hi, Riley you're right on time" Julian lied; they were supposed to come half an hour ago. He was actually starting to worry, Brooke was manic.
"Did you know your rich?" Riley blurted causing Bevin's eyes to widen in shock, she specifically told her not to mention that.
Julian laughs, "I did not" he sounds amused. "You guys can come in."
"You're house is a million times bigger than mine and Grams" Riley blurted looking around, this house is a castle. But, what is she doing here? She's no Princess. Maybe, she's like Cinderella cept' with brothers instead of sisters, which might not be that bad. Riley's used to cleaning; she did it when she lived with Grams.
Brooke quickly walks into the hall. "Welcome home!" she said bouncing with excitement as she gives Riley a hug.
Much to everyone's surprise, Riley accepts the hug. Brooke's hugs remind her of Mum's except Brooke smells nicer and doesn't look weird. The adults lead the little girl into the kitchen, where they sit and talk. "Bevin, how are things going with Skills?" Brooke pours her a cup of coffee.
Riley listens silently, wondering who the hell Skills is. "Amazing, he's great and Nate loves him" Bevin laughed taking a sip, cringing at the taste, but not willing to tell one of her oldest friend's the truth.
"What about with Tim? Does he get to see Nate some?" Julian wondered. He's only met Tim, once and the guy didn't seem like father material. But, people change; kids tend to have that affect.
"I hate his guts, but Nate misses him a lot" Bevin admitted sadly; Nate really does want to see his father more often, but Tim has to work a lot to make ends meat.
Brooke nods; compassionately. "Tough times, Nate is welcome here anytime. You know that right?" she asked as Bevin nods.
"Thank you, I might take you up on that offer soon. I have to get going, I'll come by in a few weeks to do a home study, but I hope I'll see you guys later" Bevin gently taps Riley on the back, before making an exit.
Riley looks over at the Bakers, guarded, yet mildly interested. Brooke runs a hand through her hair wondering what they should do now. "Are you hungry? Would you like something to drink?" Julian suggested worriedly.
"Okay" Riley nods chewing nervously on her lower lip.
Julian tugs open the fridge. "We have milk, water, apple juice, orange juice" he informed the youngster, glancing back expectantly.
"Apple juice, please."
The couple watches Riley drink. The nine year old quickly casts her eyes downward feeling embarrassed, nobody's ever done that before. Brooke's cheeks redden clearly embarrassed and glances away. "Would you like to see your room?" Brooke asked trying to brighten the mood.
Riley nods and takes the juice with her upstairs. "Your room is down the hall from ours and the boys' bedroom is close to yours" Brooke offered opening her foster daughter's bedroom door.
Riley's mouth fall open in shock. She only has about three suitcases; her room is too big for anything she has. Her new bedroom is a funky purple color with a double sized bed with a green comforter. There's a walk-in closet, a T.V., and an Apple computer perched on top of the desk.
"Is this all for me?" Riley asked taking a step back, unsurely. Grams never let her have things like this. She deemed it too expensive and silly for a child to have such possessions.
"Of course, goofball, I know it's a little much, but we couldn't help ourselves. I hope you like it" Brooke gently pushes her forward.
"I don't know…Grams doesn't like for me to have stuff like this. You should take it back, so you can save money" Riley advised chewing on her lower lip, withdrawing blood.
"Don't do that" Julian said, not meaning to sound firm.
Riley stops chewing on her lower lip. "We aren't going to give any of this back, but if you want, we can wait on giving you the computer" the foster father bends down on one knee.
"It was a lot of money."
"You don't need to worry about money. We'll do that, okay?" Julian lifts up her chin so they have eye contact.
"I guess" the nine year old answered unsurely.
Julian nods, that's good enough. "This is the biggest room I've ever seen" Riley whispered, walking around incredulously.
Her old house was one story and had two bedrooms; Grams and Riley's. Sometimes, Riley used to sneak into Grams bedroom to make sure she was still alive; most nights she didn't sleep.
Brooke blinks wondering about Riley's past. "Well this is your room now; do you want me to help you unpack?" Brooke offered tucking a strand of hair behind the child's ear.
"Not yet" Riley doesn't want to unpack her things, then it'll feel like she doesn't live in Charlotte anymore.
Julian clears his throat. "We're having a barbecue tonight; our family and friends are coming to meet you" he explained taking a deep breath.
"When can I meet my new foster…brothers?" Riley has secretly been wondering about her little brothers.
"They're taking a nap, but they'll be awake in time for your party" the foster mother glances at Julian who smiles. He thought there would be some sibling rivalry or something. Guess he was wrong.
"Awesome" Riley agreed, "Can I be alone for awhile? I need to…think and stuff."
Her foster parents nod and exit the bedroom. Riley inhales and sits down on the bed, maybe this won't be like Cinderella. Riley looks around with a smile thinking; she might as well start having fun before they decide she's bad and kick her out.