It's funny how ten days can fly by for an in-patient nervous wreck staying at St. Luke's Hospital's psychic ward. It'seven more so when the person in question is an orphaned teenager who's getting ready to meet his first foster family after being rejected by his blood family for almost his whole life.

And in my case, my ten days were spent in group therapy with other kids who suffered from mental/emotional distress and those who failed at ending their lives. A slew of bulimic girls who starved themselves to be the next Paris Hilton. Some ex-cons with too much anger and/or parental issues. Some emo kids who were bullied to the limits of failed poisoning or cutting their skins. And even those who were rejected by friends and family members because they weren't living up to the standards. And everyone who heard my story offered as much support as they could.

"You have a better shot of finding stable ground than I did. And I thought my parents were bad when I told them I was non-binary and they were ready to ship me to conversion camp."

"That family of yours was a piece of work. How the hell you survived being hated by your viper mom is still beyond me."

"At least you didn't get harassed by bullies at your school. The students were ruthless all because they wanted a punching bag. And the teachers told me that bullies made people stronger and that I should be thanking them."

At least they didn't agree with my ex-relatives.

It was now the day that I was slated to leave, and everyone was throwing me a small farewell brunch catered by some soul-food joint. However, I wasn't feeling very optimistic despite listening to the song that should match my mood. I needed to get some advice.

"It's normal for new foster kids to feel nervous to meet their family," Dr. Nguyen said after voicing my concerns. "But in your case, I think that it's because how you were raised that you have this cynical and pessimistic mindset. And after your relatives all but cut ties from you after burying your parents and siblings; I think that you have a lot of pent-up resentment towards everyone who treated you like garbage. And I think that your resentment is keeping you from feeling positive about the Lomax clan and how they can help you.

I huffed a sigh. "I'm not resentful," I replied. "I'm just looking life with-"

"When was the last time that you decided to take a chance, Demario?" Dr. Nguyen asked, cutting me off as he took off his eyeglasses. "When was the last time that you decided to take a walk on the wild side and be spontaneous?"

I thought for a moment. "Never," I replied. "With me having to be the sensible one in the family- like that Bibi girl from Familia P. Luche who was dissed for most of her life; I guess you can say that I have to play it safe and keep my walls up. The less I get my hopes up, the better off I'll be."

Dr. Nguyen frowned.

"I mean no offense, but I have to make sure that I don't let anyone break past my walls to see me as a pathetic whimpering mess," I continued. "But...I guess that I need to start learning to try more."

"And you should," I heard the voice of Jose as he and Gianna came in. "If you can't trust anyone who's willing to help you, then who can you really trust?"

I took a deep breath. "Right now, I'm not too sure if I even can trust myself," I replied. "But I at least want to try."

"No, don't just try. Go all the way and let yourself find a new challenge," Gianna replied. "Now, the Lomax clan will be on the way, so I made sure that you got a new outfit to help you prepare for your next big move. And don't worry, Demario. You're not alone anymore. You have a support group that's willing to help you. All you can do now is help yourself."

I nodded. "All right," I replied. "I'll learn to take a chance."

"That's all we ask," Dr. Nguyen replied, his almond eyes dancing under the lighting.

******************

Two hours of brunch and a shopping spree at an upscale mall later, I was now in my new bedroom of the Lomax residence. And boy, these folks must've made a lot of money to live in the richest part of Fort Worth. From what I've learned, both Joel and Taylor co-own a law firm that takes on businesses and well-known upper-crust society members of the Fort-Worth/Dallas area. And the neighborhood that I was now living in was a far cry from the rough streets of my home.

Add to the fact that my new bedroom was more modern, cleaner, and more stylish than my old one alongside how everything looked as if it belonged in a museum despite that it was merely furniture; and you could say that I was feeling more like Dorothy when she arrived in Oz.

I just hoped that I didn't screw it all up and end up being sent back to the loony bin.

I looked around, still uneasy that my new foster dads went through so much trouble to provide some nice stuff. I honestly would've been happy if I had my secondhand clothes if it hadn't been for Gianna throwing out my old wardrobe and made sure that I had the latest fashions.

There was a knock on the door. "Come in," I said.

The door swung open to reveal a middle-aged woman who looked as if she could be one of the bullies back when she was a teen. "How are you holding up, kid?" she asked.

I hummed. "I'm still taking in my new surroundings," I answered honestly. "This isn't Fairlake Arms Apartments since I was from the rough side of Fort Worth."

"That I can tell," the woman hummed, coming to my neatly-made bed and sitting down next to me. "Look, Demario. Tony, Joel, and the boys told me and my husband as well as my daughter Holly all about your situation and how you almost died. And I know you heard this enough, but you're not alone anymore. That birth family that gave you the boot because you're straightforward and no-nonsense is foolish for treating you like garbage. Like my sister, who was the judge for your case, told you; there's a special place in hell for people like that. And I hope they're burning away for their sins.

"You got a good head on your shoulders, but you've been torn apart and ripped to shreds thanks to that mom of yours. It's time that you start living it up and experience being happy. You had to take care of others and was denied happiness. It's time for someone to take care of you for a change."

Her no-nonsense candor that was similar to her sister's struck a chord inside me. No one else other than Dr. Nguyen, Gianna, and Joel told me that I had self-worth. "Just promise me that no one would break me, ma'am," I said softly. "I've been on the edge once enough."

"I know," the maid said. "Now, let's get you ready for dinner. Name's Noreen McGillivray-Sullivan, by the way."

"Charmed."

And just like that, I made a new mentor. So far, so good.

Doesn't anyone else agree that Demario needs to start to take a chance in life and live it proudly? Because he does.

Anyway, Joel and Taylor have their say as Demario joins them and the other boys for dinner in the next chapter. And Joel and Taylor have a LOT to say about Demario's parents and siblings.

Dedication: BrianMullin0.

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