“Thank you. I appreciate that, Zander,” Sue replies with a nod and a squeeze of my hand.
“And Summer and I will continue our sessions as she needs them,” Sarah pipes in.
“Of course. Whatever Summer needs, Sarah. Where are you located? Is there anything we need to arrange for that?”
“No setup needed. We’ve always done video sessions as I’m in Savannah.”
“No kidding! I’m near Charleston. Looks like you’ll be even closer to Sarah soon, Summer,” Zander says with another smile.
“What information do you have about Summer’s situation, Zander?” Sarah asks him.
He narrows his eyes, thinking. “Not much. There was an accident where she lost her family. I was so sorry to hear about that, Summer.” You can see genuine sorrow in his eyes. “She’s being fostered by Sue, but I’m unaware of the extenuating circumstances.”
“I see. Perhaps we should have a separate discussion surrounding the extenuating circumstances before we get much farther along,” Sarah suggests as she stares at Mary.
“Yes, well,” Mary bristles, “I haven’t had a discussion with Summer about that yet. We didn’t address it on Thursday as planned,” Mary mentions. “Summer, we can discuss that now…”
“That is a private conversation, Mary. Not for all of us to hear at this time,” Sarah quickly interrupts.
Zander looks between all of us with concern. “I’m not sure what I’m witnessing right now, but I certainly don’t want Summer to be uncomfortable. Her business is her own. Summer, it doesn’t matter to me what circumstances you have. I’m excited for you to come here and live with me. Whatever we need to figure out to suit you, we will. I’ll move heaven and earth to make sure you’re happy,” he says seriously.
“Thank you, Zander. That means more than you realize.”I hope he feels the same after he knows everything.The thought flits through my mind quickly as I try to pay attention to the conversation.
“Perhaps this is a good breaking point?” Sarah questions.
I nod as Sue and Zander agree. “Sue, Sarah, Mary, it was lovely to officially meet you all.” Zander begins. “Summer, I can’t wait to talk more with you. Mary will give you my number. Use it as often as you wish and please keep me informed as much as you’re comfortable, okay?”
“I will,” I nod.
“Okay, goodbye for now, all,” Zander smiles and waves before disappearing off the screen.
I take a few deep breaths as Sue squeezes the hand she’s still holding, and turns toward Mary. “What did we not cover on Thursday?”
“It seems we should talk in private?” Mary answers in an unpleasant tone of voice.
“No, Sue and Sarah can both stay.”
“As you read in my email, the background check on Mr. Finn came back fine. His home inspection is tomorrow morning. Since he is a blood relative, there’s really nothing else required. Assuming that passes, I need to inform him about your circumstances so that he is aware of what he will deal with by moving you into his home.”
I tense. That doesn’t sound ominous at all. “What do you mean, deal with?”
“Well, a copy of your CPS file is emailed to him for review, which includes medical reports and information on your foster placements. A summary of each placement and any behavioral issues are noted. The reported assault is included. Your performance in school will also be in there. I will give him my assessment as well.”
I look over at Sue and Sarah. My fears about his response to my file comes to the surface. I’m sure Sue can see the emotion written all over my face. She puts her arm around me to give me a side hug. “It’ll be okay, sweetheart. He’s already smitten with you. Nothing in that file will matter to him. I promise.”
“I agree, Summer. While Mary could have been more tactful, it is customary for new homes to be informed of relevant information to provide optimal support. I don’t foresee any issues with Zander regarding this,” she reassures.
“One more thing,” Mary says. “Since the week after next is spring break here, CPS believes the best time to move you to South Carolina is this coming weekend.” After that abrupt announcement, she quickly packs up her laptop and writes a phone number on a slip of paper, leaving it on the coffee table.
I close my eyes and try to breathe. Less than a week until I move to a brand new state with a man I haven’t met in person.
“Come on, let’s go to the kitchen and have muffins and tea.” Sue wraps her arm around my shoulder and guides me to the kitchen table. She brews some fresh tea and brings two mugs and a plate of muffins over to me. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m processing Sue. I can’t believe we have less than a week left.”It’s too soon. It’s too soon,keeps rolling through my thoughts.
“I know, but we knew this would happen quickly. Besides, it looks like I have my own room waiting for me in South Carolina.” She’s trying to lighten the mood for me, which I adore.
“Yeah, he really seems determined to keep everyone I need in my life, doesn’t he?”
