Heaven Backwards
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Chapter 1:- Nevaeh Daniels
Up until today I didn't think there was one benefit from being an orphan; that was until Monica, my mom for all intended purposes, said that three new families were looking into adopting a teenage daughter. I'm Nevaeh Daniels, a sixteen year old from the Lake Erie shore, and today just might be my lucky day.
"You'll spend two weeks with each family, but you can always stay longer or come home sooner. We'll really miss you here."
Monica never liked seeing any of us leave. I never really asked her age, but from the way a few gray hairs peaked from under her knitted hat, I knew she was old. She was widow, and from the looks of it, this foster home was probably the only thing that kept her sane. I don't know how though, having twelve kids running around my house, and taking care of them all day would make me go mad.
"But don't worry about any of that now, we'll pack later. Eat your breakfast." She placed two Star Trek waffles in front of me, and disappeared into the toddlers' room. I stabbed a fork into the center of Spock's forehead, cut a bite, dipped it in syrup and ate it.
The night I was born my dad got into a car accident, a tree crushed his rib cage stabbing his heart, and automatically killed him, my mom who suffered terrible postpartum depression took her own life at the hospital after hearing the news. With no immediate family, I was placed into the hands of Monica, who ran the best foster care center around.
"California."
"What?" I mumbled to Monica, my mouth stuffed with waffles.
"Tomorrow you're getting on a plane to California, Beverly Hills."
"BEVERLY HILLS?"
"Shh--the little ones are sleeping, and yes, Beverly Hills. You'll be spending two weeks with Mr. and Mrs. Martello, and their three children, Anthony Junior, Tatiana, and Louie. Mr. Martello works full time as a directing assistant, and Mrs. Martello is in the mist of starting her own fashion line."
"No, but I'll rethink all of this if you don't learn how to quiet down. Go start packing, I'll be up in ten." She winked, taking my dish to the sink and washing it.
Excited didn't even begin to explain what I was feeling inside. I raced up the stairs, and quietly opened my bedroom door that I shared with ten year old twins Hallie, and Jill, who were both still quietly asleep. My dresser that I'd had since I was three was medium sized, and all oak. Each of the five drawers were stuffed with clothes that I'd either received for Christmas, my birthday, or had been donated by one of the local charities. I threw multiple pairs of shorts, tank tops, and bathing suits with cute designs into my pink zebra suitcase and zipped it up. By the time Monica came upstairs I was already packed.
"I think you're forgetting something special." She smiled, searching under my covers, and pulling out my stuffed elephant Snuffy, that I'd had since I was an infant.
"Thanks." I giggled, embarrassed, grabbing Snuffy and throwing her deep into my travel bag.
***
"You've never been on a plane alone." Monica realized, as we made our way through the airport.
"There's plenty of people on the plane, plus I have my laptop. You can start emailing me as soon as you get home."
"I plan on it." She kissed me on the cheek, "Have fun, and don't forget to call."
"Okay, okay." I laughed in return, handing the flight attendant my ticket, and boarding the plane.
Up until today I didn't think there was one benefit from being an orphan; that was until Monica, my mom for all intended purposes, said that three new families were looking into adopting a teenage daughter. I'm Nevaeh Daniels, a sixteen year old from the Lake Erie shore, and today just might be my lucky day.
"You'll spend two weeks with each family, but you can always stay longer or come home sooner. We'll really miss you here."
Monica never liked seeing any of us leave. I never really asked her age, but from the way a few gray hairs peaked from under her knitted hat, I knew she was old. She was widow, and from the looks of it, this foster home was probably the only thing that kept her sane. I don't know how though, having twelve kids running around my house, and taking care of them all day would make me go mad.
"But don't worry about any of that now, we'll pack later. Eat your breakfast." She placed two Star Trek waffles in front of me, and disappeared into the toddlers' room. I stabbed a fork into the center of Spock's forehead, cut a bite, dipped it in syrup and ate it.
The night I was born my dad got into a car accident, a tree crushed his rib cage stabbing his heart, and automatically killed him, my mom who suffered terrible postpartum depression took her own life at the hospital after hearing the news. With no immediate family, I was placed into the hands of Monica, who ran the best foster care center around.
"California."
"What?" I mumbled to Monica, my mouth stuffed with waffles.
"Tomorrow you're getting on a plane to California, Beverly Hills."
"BEVERLY HILLS?"
"Shh--the little ones are sleeping, and yes, Beverly Hills. You'll be spending two weeks with Mr. and Mrs. Martello, and their three children, Anthony Junior, Tatiana, and Louie. Mr. Martello works full time as a directing assistant, and Mrs. Martello is in the mist of starting her own fashion line."
"No, but I'll rethink all of this if you don't learn how to quiet down. Go start packing, I'll be up in ten." She winked, taking my dish to the sink and washing it.
Excited didn't even begin to explain what I was feeling inside. I raced up the stairs, and quietly opened my bedroom door that I shared with ten year old twins Hallie, and Jill, who were both still quietly asleep. My dresser that I'd had since I was three was medium sized, and all oak. Each of the five drawers were stuffed with clothes that I'd either received for Christmas, my birthday, or had been donated by one of the local charities. I threw multiple pairs of shorts, tank tops, and bathing suits with cute designs into my pink zebra suitcase and zipped it up. By the time Monica came upstairs I was already packed.
"I think you're forgetting something special." She smiled, searching under my covers, and pulling out my stuffed elephant Snuffy, that I'd had since I was an infant.
"Thanks." I giggled, embarrassed, grabbing Snuffy and throwing her deep into my travel bag.
***
"You've never been on a plane alone." Monica realized, as we made our way through the airport.
"There's plenty of people on the plane, plus I have my laptop. You can start emailing me as soon as you get home."
"I plan on it." She kissed me on the cheek, "Have fun, and don't forget to call."
"Okay, okay." I laughed in return, handing the flight attendant my ticket, and boarding the plane.
