Foster Family Part 2
#2 of Foster Family
"You're being awfully quiet. Are you alright dear?" My temp mom, Mrs. Smith, asked as we drove down the hot Iowan road.
"...Huh? Oh Y-yeah I'm fine..." I lied. I knew how "siblings" can get when having to share parents. And from my understanding, he's an only child.
"So why don't you tell us more about yourself Michael? All we heard was you have great character, very intelligent, and was caught up in some unfortunate events," Mr. Smith explained.
"Ha! They would make me out to be perfect," I laughed at the thought of how the system works.
"Well I don't think I'm a bad person," I said with a smile.
"Never said you were. But how did you end up in the state's custody anyways?" Mr. Smith asked giving me a glance as he continued driving.
I was afraid this might happen.
"Well..." I said hesitantly.
"I'm sorry. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. But if you ever wanna confide in us, we're always willing to listen," he said trying to cheer up the atmosphere.
"Thanks. Let's just say I don't have anyone who would take me in," I said, letting out a sigh.
"Well let's see if your new home can get your mind off it," Mrs. Smith affirmed cheerfully as we pulled up to a two-story house. After leaving the agency, we came into what I would call a suburban utopia. Most of the houses looked alike except for their owners' own personal touches. They were lined up side by side, with the same pattern right across the street. A wooden picket fence with hedges around it surrounded the home. I stepped out of the car and into the summer heat. I looked over to the house and I could've sworn I saw something move in the second floor window. I ignored it and went around the car to get my bag, but Mr. Smith insisted on taking it. I followed Mrs. Smith on the arranged stepping stones leading to the doorway. Before either of us reached it, the door opened. On the other side stood a black wolf with almost shining white fur leading from under his muzzle down his chest before disappearing behind his blue t-shirt. He was about a head taller than me as he looked me over with his brilliant hazel eyes.
He then turned to Mrs. Smith and asked, "Is this him?"
She smiled and replied, "Yes Ace. Meet Michael," she said gesturing to me. He returned his gaze towards me and continued observing me. I never really saw myself as much to look at. I tended to be shorter than other guys I went to school with. I had a rather slender frame with the slightest hint of a belly, which was miraculous considering I never work out or watch my diet. Thank you genetics. My long-ish dark (and I mean dark) brown hair coming over my ears. It curled in places my hairspray didn't reach (mainly the underside). My somewhat long bangs flipped over to my left. To be honest, my hair's a bit of a stylish mess. My own hazel eyes met his, and I smiled, thankful I had my braces removed some year ago. He must've been just barely older than me, probably a year or so. He obviously worked out too with the muscle showing through his fur.
Night and day difference between us. I was almost certain he would have this instant hatred for me, but that grin he gave me said the complete opposite. I walked up to him and held my hand out. He was obviously his mother's son because he slapped my hand away and picked me up in a tight wolf hug. He shook me around like I was his favorite toy, until he settled me back down on my feet. I smiled and turned to Mrs. Smith.
"Is that going to be an everyday thing?" I asked humorously.
"Most likely," she replied with a grin.
"Sorry," apologized my temp brother, "I've just always wanted a little brother."
"Little?" I asked. "So how old are you then?"
"Well I'm 17 right now, but I'll be turning 18 on September 3rd," he explained, a grin constantly on his muzzle.
"Nice. I'll be 17 on September 21st. Ugh. I guess I am your little brother," I groaned. I didn't wanna spoil his mood by telling him my stay is only temporary.
"Nice to see you two hit it off so well," remarked Mr. Smith, coming up with my bag. "Why don't you go show him his new room?" he asked Ace, handing him my bag.
"Sure! C'mon Michael," he said, turning his head towards the house. Slowly I trailed behind him, about to enter my new home.