Matt stared out oft the car window with a dazed expression. He'd been stuck in a state of disbelief ever since Voight had turned up at the prison with the news that he'd finally found somewhere for him to go. Initially Matt had thought it was a cruel joke, after all why on earth would anybody want to take him in? As his shock began to fade fear began to set in, why would somebody want to take him in? He doubted they were being paid a lot if anything at all ; he knew it was difficult enough for Hank to get the money to pay his bail. If it wasn't money it had to be something else. His own mother had turned her back on him so surely there must be some kind of incentive for a complete stranger to take him in. Maybe they were one of those saviour types, someone who wanted to fix everyone but they'd soon realise Matt was too broken. Whatever they expected to gain from having him around Matt doubted it would end well for him.
"You'll be staying with an old friend of mine" announced Hank and Matt felt a tiny surge of relief. They were just doing Voight a favour. Maybe they'd just lock him away in a small room until his trial. When Matt remained silent Hank continued talking in a calm voice in an attempt to get a response. But the teen paid no attention to the sergeants words instead he focused on the duffel bag in his lap. Voight had told him that he'd been to his house to pick up a few of his belongings. Matt doubted it was hard for the man to pack his things, it's not like he had many belongings anyway, his parents had never had a lot of money and what they did have was used for the bills and other essentials. His parents had been fine financially before he was born but another child meant more expenses. Since he was born he'd brought nothing but trouble to his parents lives.
"She's a really good person kid" assured the detective when the finally car came to a stop. However Matt didn't believe him anymore than he did the first two times.
"She's been a foster parent for over ten years, there's nothing you can do that she hasn't dealt with before", Matt nodded numbly in response. Hank's reassurances weren't doing anything to ease his nerves. The blonde knew all too well how easy it was for someone to appear perfect to the outside world. Everybody had loved his dad. They never saw the monster behind the charismatic smile. A strong hand landing on his shoulder caused fear to spike through Matt's body. Matt flinched away before turning to see Hank giving him a sympathetic smile.
"Sorry kid, I couldn't get your attention" Voight apologised and Matt found himself filling with embarrassment. Thankfully there was no time for Matt to stew as Hank started to exit the car,
"Come on she'll be waiting for us".
Hesitantly Matt followed Hank towards the house, it was bigger than he'd expected. When they reached the front porch Matt directed his gaze to his shoes. He took in a deep breath as He listened to the sound of the doorbell echoing trough the air. A few seconds later he heard the door open but kept his head down. A naive part of him hoped that if he stared at the floor long enough it would eventually swallow him up. Unfortunately he felt Hank move closer and softly whisper into his ear,
"Head up kid". Obediently Matt lifted his head and kept his mouth pressed into a tight line as his eyes landed on a friendly looking woman.
"Hey Trudy, thanks again",
"It's no problem Hank, come on in Matt ". The teen glanced at Hank who gave him a small nod. Matt urged his feet to move but his entire body felt stiff and heavy. All of the sudden he found himself missing the prison, after nine days he'd grown used to it, he'd always known exactly what to expect. The guards didn't like him very much and they made no secret of it. As for the other inmates they ignored him as long as he stayed out of their way. However Trudy was a complete mystery, there was a brightness in her eyes that reminded him of Jay's mother. She even had the same kind smile. Her friendly demeanour seemed too good to be true. If she really was such a great person then why wasn't she fostering any other kids. Why would a kind caring an individual have an empty house? Feeling two pairs of eyes staring at him he eventually managed to unglue his feet from the floor and stumble into the unfamiliar house. He didn't have chance to study the tiny entryway as Trudy wasted no time in leading him into a small living room.
At Hank's instruction he sat down on the old couch in the middle of the room, while still clutching tightly onto his duffel bag. As the two adults sat down he allowed his eyes to wander around the room, quickly he found his attention being drawn to the many photos littered across the walls. It didn't take him long to conclude that the photos must have been of all the children she'd fostered, there'd clearly been a lot of them. Despite there being so many children they all had one thing in common,they were all quite a bit younger than him. Matt groaned inwardly as he wondered if that meant he was in for a week of being fussed over and treated like a lost lamb. He knew most kids his age would have ended up in a group home; he wasn't oblivious to the fact his upcoming trial and the charges against him were the only reason he hadn't. Trudy was probably out of her depths looking after him, Matt hoped her inexperience with teenagers would mean she'd leave him alone. He hoped he wouldn't end up playing board games and eating spaghetti hoops. He just wanted to be left alone.
When he heard Trudy call his name he reluctantly pried his eyes away from the photos and turned back towards the woman. Her shoulders were slumped and there was a tired look in her eyes, but Matt wasn't really one to judge. He'd caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror of Hank's car, his skin was a pale shade of grey, dark bags rested under his eyes and angry red scratches still marked his hands. Trudy's words further confirmed that he was in a sorry state.
"Matt you've had a rough few days, why don't we get you settled in?" she asked in a gentle tone. He gave a minute nod of his head and watched as the lady rose to her feet and headed towards the stairs. He followed after her with Hank right behind him, he was grateful for the man's presence as he'd grown to trust the detective over the past few days. Even though he'd never admit it he was dreading the inevitable moment Hank would have to leave.
Matt kept his head down as Trudy lead him up the stairs and into a cozy room. Before he'd even stepped fully inside Trudy was already uttering and apology.
"I'm sorry it's not much" . At the sincerity in her tone Matt felt a tug in his heart, she wasn't at all what he'd been expecting. There was no pity in her eyes and her gentle tone made him feel like he'd known her for years. For a brief second he found himself forgetting she was being forced into taking him in.
"No, it's ... it's fine" stammered Matt as he took in his surroundings. It was better than fine in fact it was nicer than his old room but he wasn't going to let her know that. Trudy may have seemed nice but that didn't mean she wouldn't judge him. His life had been under microscope the past two weeks and he was tired of every little detail about his family being scrutinised. Feeling as if he she was waiting for him to do something he walked towards the bed in the corner of the room and dropped his bag down onto it.
"Well I guess I'll give you time to wash up, the bathroom is across the hall. Dinner will be ready in half an hour" Trudy informed before disappearing out of the room leaving him with Hank.
"You alright kid?"
"Yeah" Matt murmured as he stared at his feet. He didn't want the sergeant to see the fear in his eyes. He wasn't ready for Voight to leave . They stood there for a few moments in a tense silence until Hank broke it with a gravelly cough.
"I'm sorry kid I've got to go". Matt felt his heart sink, he had known those words were coming but he still wasn't ready. He forced himself to give a small nod not wanting Voight to worry. He then waited for the man to disappear but was surprised when Voight stepped towards him. Matt watched in confusion as Hank pulled a small card out of his pocket and offered it to him. Hesitantly Matt took it and examined it closely, he stared in disbelief at the phone number that was displayed under Hanks neatly printed name. He'd never understand why Hank cared enough to give him his phone number, but he'd forever be grateful.
"If you need anything don't hesitate to call, I'll stop by on my way to the station tomorrow" promised Voight and guilt enveloped Matt's heart. The young teen needed Voight but he didn't want the man to know that, he didn't want to become his burden.
"You don't have to do that!" Matt rushed out sounding frantic.
"I want to Matt, I care about you and so does Trudy". Before he could stop himself Matt let out a scoff.
"Matt she does care I promise, just give her a chance". Guilt continued consume Matt and he found himself pressured into agreeing.
"Ok, bye Hank" he replied in a weak tone. It was painfully clear Matt didn't believe his own words.
"See you soon Kid", and with that Matt found himself all alone. It was just him and his thoughts.
