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"We can't say that Clair is your guardian and register you because you're still technically in Ms. Selders' care but she's…"'
"Still in the Looney bin, ya" I said numbly, I can't catch a break
"But the good news is, since Mr. Selders is dead and his wife is-"
"A wacko" I stated
"You can become registered but only if you become-"
"Adopted" I said, still numb
I couldn't be adopted. I didn't want what happened to my parents to happen to another family and that was the other issue another family. I never knew my birth parents and my adoptive parents were wonderful, the only people I needed in my life. Unfortunately they died too. I didn't want to be a burden on someone else's family, not in this town.
"What's wrong Rachael, I thought you'd be thrilled" Liz said
"The only family I could have ever wanted is dead Liz" I said "and I don't want to burden someone else here by making someone adopt me, I'll be eighteen in less than two years anyway"
"That's true" Liz said, instantly bummed
"Well why don't you let us adopt you?" Clair said enthusiastically "We were thinking about doing that anyway"
I didn't want to tell Ms. Lockwood that the idea was only somewhat short of traumatizing. She had been so kind to me but I couldn't help but feel some alternative motive. Luckily, Mason spoke up before I had to say anything.
"That wouldn't be a good idea. Two handsome, single bachelors taking in a pretty, young, and defenseless looking woman, what would the neighbors think?" he said teasingly, nudging Tyler
"That's true" Ms. Lockwood admitted
"How about this," Liz said "What if we file as if she's going to be adopted but we keep putting it off because we can't find a suitable family while she's staying here. That way she has a place to stay and she won't be under suspicion" she suggested.
"There still might be rumors" Ms. Lockwood said hesitantly
"That's your decision to make Clair if you can't give her a safe and loving environment I can take her to someone who can give it to her" she stated, it almost sounded like a threat
"No of course we can" she said waving her hand as if to shoo of a pesky fly "I'm sure that if we all act civilly there won't be a reason for them to be suspicious"
"Of course" Liz said with a clear hint of disbelief
"Well I can register her and she can start school first thing Monday" she said cheerfully
"Great" I said, suddenly nervous
Tyler POV
"Tyler" my mom said before opening my door
"Ya?"
"I have a favor to ask"
"Ok…" this should be interesting
"I think it would be best if you didn't get to close to Rachael, it's just not meant to be"
"What?" was she seriously asking me this?
"I know Rachael is beautiful and she seems like a sweet and lovely lady but-"
"What are you using her for mom?" I asked
"What do you mean?" she asked innocently
"What do you mean, what do I mean?" I asked with disbelief "When, in this lifetime, would you ever let a stranger stay in your house?"
"I felt sorry for her-"
"You felt sorry for the stray animals on the TV mom, but you still didn't donate anything" I stated like the smartass I am
"Look Tyler, she's staying, that's all you need to know. Now I would appreciate it if you kept your hands off-"
"O please" I said with exasperation "She's hot but she's not that hot" I lied
"Good and don't get to close to her at school either Tyler, we don't want people thinking poorly of her or us for that matter"
"Got it" I said with clear boredom in my voice
"I'm serious Tyler, you owe me from earlier any-"
"I got it" I said, getting irritated "I won't touch a hair on her pretty head" I assured her
"Thank you"