Her heels clicked on the on the hard Formica floor as she strode down the hall. It was a bleak place despite the feeble attempts at cheering up the décor. There was no getting around it; this was a state children’s home designed to take in unwanted, unloved and troubled children. It was cold and impersonal.

She had been a social worker here for going on five years now, and she was definitely due for an extended break. Her case load grew over time and two years ago she had been promised that additional staff would be hired to handle the overflow. But, that hadn’t materialized and now with deepening budget cuts, she doubted it would ever happen. Erica Chandler thought of quitting. She certainly didn’t need the aggravation or the turmoil that dealing with these kids brought. No one could fault her for wanting to move on, start a private practice, maybe even make some money. But, she thought with a sigh, she couldn’t do that. Wouldn’t do that. These kids meant too much for her.

Her office was small, and the door creaked closed behind her as she set her coffee down and opened her briefcase. First up this morning was Edwin Jackson; twelve years old, been in the system since he was three. The picture taped to the inside of the file showed a smiling boy of Asian/African descent. Black curly hair, dark eyes and skin the color of a rich café mocha, a toothy grin that made you smile. Looking at his picture, you’d never know the troubles this poor child had endured since he was born.

His mother was a serious heroin addict and toddler Eddie was found wandering the streets in the dead of winter wearing nothing but a dirty diaper. His first foster parents were the perfect couple; loving, caring. After trying for several years, it was discovered they were unable to have children of their own. So, they decided to adopt and fostered Eddie. They fed him, clothed him, even potty-trained him. Made sure he had friends and went to pre-school. But before the adoption was finalized, the wife miraculously became pregnant and they gave Eddie back.

He went in and out of several foster homes over the next few years, but they never seemed to stick. It surprised Erica … Eddie was such a loving boy, eager to please and wanting to fit in. And now he was back, this time after having been caught shoplifting. It was out of character for Eddie and this troubled her. This latest placement, the Nelsons, had been a large family; the couple lived on a big farm and had taken in several kids. But, after the shoplifting incident, the father made it clear he didn’t want that “damn trouble-making kid” back in his house. She shook her head as she reviewed Eddie’s file. What kept going wrong? Why couldn’t she find the right place for him?

A knock at the door brought her out of her thoughts. Eddie came in with a huff and plopped down on the sofa; arms crossed and a defiant look on his face. She was puzzled. What had happened to that sweet kid she knew?

“Hi, Eddie. Nice to see you again.” She spoke calmly, smoothly.

He stared at the wall, refusing to look at her. “Hi,” he finally responded.

“So, Eddie, can you tell me what happened.”

“Nuthin’.”

“Nothing?” She raised her eyebrows. “That’s not I heard.”

“So.” He glared at her. “If you already know what happened, then why ask me?”

“Because I’d rather hear it from you,” she reasoned.

He turned away and stared at the wall again, refusing to acknowledge her.

She sat in silence for a few moments, waiting for him to open up. But, he continued to ignore her.

“Eddie, please look at me.”

His head turned, but his eyes wouldn’t meet hers.

“Eddie, I want to hear your side of it. What happened?”

He huffed. “I can’t tell you. If I tell you, Dean will get in trouble.”

“Dean? The older boy at the Nelsons?”

“Yeah,” he said.

“Why would he get in trouble?”

Eddie looked down, pouting. Then it all came tumbling out. “Dean wanted me to take the candy. He said he needed it.”

“And you wanted to help him.”

“Yeah. And I wanted him to like me.”

It was a classic case of hero worship. Eddie never had an older brother before, and Dean took advantage of that. Dean had Eddie steal for him. First it was candy and gum; then it was larger items and Eddie, always wanting to please, did whatever Dean asked.

“Did he like you?” Erica asked.

“He said he did. Said he’d stick up for me too, if I got caught. But, he didn’t.”

“No?” Erica wasn’t surprised. “So, what happened at the Seven-Eleven? How were you caught and where was Dean?”

“Dean was outside. He said he was the lookout and he’d let me know if anyone came in. But, he didn’t and this big, blond, old guy came in when I hid the Snickers in my coat pocket.”

“What did he do?”

“Nothing. I didn’t think he saw me. But, when I tried to walk out, he grabbed me by the ear!”

“That must have hurt.”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah. And he something about a goddamned squeaker.”

***

Jack had been home just a few hours when Natalie took him to see their new farm. Jack took an immediate liking to the place, as she knew he would. He examined the house and found it “capital”. The barn was also to his liking and as they were walking through the fields, testing the boundaries of their land, Jack told her about his trip home. He’d stopped at a Seven-Eleven to buy a cup of coffee when he caught a young boy shoplifting.

“God’s teeth, Natalie! In my day, such a young impertinent imp would be put to sea. That would make a man of him!” Jack cried. “Are you certain the Navy will not allow such a boy to join their ranks?”

Natalie smiled. “Yeah, I’m sure Jack. You have to be eighteen to enlist.”

“Eighteen! Why, I had lieutenants that age,” Jack huffed. He paused and looked up at the passing clouds. “The boy seemed truly frightened, my dear. You know,” Jack leaned in closer and whispered. “I believe he was not alone in his thievery.” He nodded. “The boy kept looking around, seeking his accomplice, I say.”

“Did you see anyone else?”

“No, I did not. But, I did tell the police of my suspicions. They, however, did not agree.”

“What happened to the kid? Did the police put him in detention?”

“I was led to believe that they would release him to the custody of his foster parents. In fact, they called the gentleman as I was giving them my statement. The foster father, however, did not want the child back. The police officer said they would take him to someplace called “Child Services.”

“Ah, that means he’s in a state home, or someplace like that.”

Jack turned to her, troubled. “You mean an orphanage?”

She nodded. “Something like that.”

“That won’t do, Natalie. That just won’t do. I’ve seen such places. No fit for man nor beast.”

“I’m sure it’s better than that. But, it certainly won’t be like living in a home with a family. You said his foster father didn’t want him back?”
 
“No, the vile dog.” Jack paused and looked back at their new house. “What say we bring the boy here?”

“What?” Natalie was surprised.

“Yes, just the thing for him. Good, honest work on a farm will put him right.”

“But, Jack, it’s not like that. We’d have to agree to be his foster parents. He’d be like our son, not a hired hand.”

“Of course, my dear. We’d treat him as our own.”

“I don’t know, Jack. It’s a big step to take. He’s already been in trouble. What if he doesn’t come around?”

Jack had that look on his face, that look of absolute certainty. “He will, my love. And I will look after him. He’ll be no trouble at all.” And with that, Jack turned and strode back to the car.

Natalie wasn’t so sure and followed in his wake.