It's short. Yea, sorry about that. Anyway, just an intro to Lily's new "parents". Next chapter: enter Morgan Shay. She'll stir up some action and maybe a second story line (?) Hope you're actually reading this… Enjoy and, like always, review with your questions, comments, predictions, suggestions, etc. etc.

"So, you're in eleventh grade, right?" Mrs. Jacobs asked me politely as we ate.

"Yes, I am."

"Yes, your case-worker, Ashley, showed us your transcripts. It's rather incredible that you managed to keep your grades at such a high level given the circumstances. Being shifted from one home to another constantly … absolutely dreadful." I stared down at my plate unsure of how to respond, but Mrs. Jacobs didn't seem to notice, "Of course, you'll be enrolled in private school now, along with Brent. A mixed school of course, always thought those all girls' schools were a bit of rubbish myself. One must learn to achieve with a certain amount of… distractions, don't you think?" she asked rhetorically, gazing at me, "Oh, I forgot to ask. How rude of me considering how open-minded California has a reputation to be. You are interested in… men, aren't you, Lily?"

I almost spit out my food when I saw the worried look on Mrs. Jacobs face. I forced myself to shallow before answering, "Yes, I am… straight."

"Oh, good." Mrs. Jacobs, looking pleased, " We do ask, however, while living in this house that you do not participate in certain… activities with boys." I looked to Brent, who was struggling to stifle a grin, to confirm that I was interpreting her words correctly. Apparently, I was. Mrs. Jacobs continued obliviously, "Of course, fancying a boy is to be allowed. Yes, feelings cannot be helped, but we are very strict about asking you to abstain from serious or otherwise… sexual relationships with boys, as they tend to distract and hinder aspirations for college."

I was now having a very hard time think of anything to say, "College, ma'am?"

"You are planning to attend college, are you not?" she asked, the lines of worry returning to her face.

"Well, if my grades were good enough, yes. It's just that, I've never had… the funds to attend college." How could people like this even understand not having money?

"Oh, don't you worry about that." she said, waving away my concern with her hand, "If you keep your grades at their current level and stick to our rules, my husband and I will be happy to fund all of your schooling through college. Anyway, we are getting way ahead of ourselves. I imagine that we will need to buy you some new things for school and such. Your books and uniform have been purchased already, but we must buy you a new wardrobe for social gatherings and such. Also, I am assuming you don't have a computer or cellular phone, either. We shall have to buy those too; I don't see it being practical for a teenage girl to be wandering about without them these days. Of course, you don't have to look for these things with me if you can find someone to accompany you, perhaps one of Brent's girl friends, huh?" Mrs. Jacobs stopped talking, looking for a response, but I didn't have one. I was wondering whether to be gracious or offended by her assumptions that I would need so many things.

"Oh, Tom." She exclaimed, turning to her husband, "I've talked the poor girl into shock, haven't I? Her caseworker did say that she has been living in some unpleasant homes for the past several years. Very unfortunate… No matter, we can deal with all that tomorrow. Do you a friend that may be able help Lily with all that, Brent dear?"

Brent looked up, obviously surprised to be addressed by his mother, "Uh…yea, maybe Morgan. She likes shopping."

"Oh, yes. Morgan Shay: a very nice girl, a bit frivolous, but a very nice girl nonetheless. Do you think you could arrange for them to meet tomorrow, Bret dear?"

"Uh, sure. If that's what Lily wants…" I smiled, relieved at being asked my opinion. Actually, I've never really been a fan of shopping. I don't want to disappoint Mrs. Jacobs though, so I just nodded.

"Great." Mrs. Jacobs smiled, "Now that that is all settled, I suppose you all may be dismissed. I suppose that you are exhausted from your trip, Lily." I said my thank you's and goodnight's and left the table.

No POV

Lily laid back on her bed and sighed. At least dinner was over now. The only bad thing was tomorrow she had to go shopping. She pulled her only pair of pajamas out of her suitcase and put them on. Then, she set the alarm on her bedside table to wake her up at 8:00 and climbed under the covers of her new massive bed and drifted to sleep…