I was so glad Adoption Day was over. The day had been so long and tiring. Just as I was about to hit the hay, I was called for by Mrs. Hughes. What did she want from me now? I had finished all my chores and I wanted some much needed rest.

I went to Mrs. Hughes' office. I saw the same young woman who had introduced herself to me earlier. Why was she looking at me that way? Was it possible that...... No, no. This wasn't happening. It was just a dream. I quickly pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

"Courtney. Mr. and Mrs. Carson would like to adopt you. You are leaving today. You can go and pack your clothes now", Mrs. Hughes said and dismissed me.

I left the office with a cocktail of emotions. I felt sad, happy, angry and confused at the same time. In a few minutes, I had packed the few belongings I had. I knew I would be brought back to the orphanage in a matter of time. All I had to do was wait.

Soon, we arrived at the Carson's  residence. Throughout the whole journey, I became engrossed with my phone, determined not to have any conversation with either of the young couple. The house was a bungalow painted in chocolate brown. On entering, there was a manicured lawn. There was a small garden behind the house. The yard was filled with many flowers; geraniums, lilies,    daisies and marigolds.

Heather showed me to my room. A king sized bed was placed in the middle of the room. The walls were painted with a light shade of green. There were posters of famous actors, actresses and musicians. It looked like someone had already lived here. What was going on? What secrets were hidden in this house? As I was packing my clothes, I heard a shuffling noise from the wardrobe. Even though I was scared, I went to the wardrobe to check where the noise was coming from. I opened the wardrobe and out stepped a little cute brown puppy. I picked it up and stepped into the hall.

+++++++++++++++++++
Soon I fell into a routine in the Carson home. Everyday I did my chores. The Carson family prayed and had their daily devotion every morning. They always invited me but I always refused. I wondered when I would be going to school. Not that I was eager to go to school, I was just anxious to know when I would go to school. I missed going to school at the orphanage and I missed Piper as well. I made it a mental note to call her.

"Courtney! Courtney!" Heather called out.

I immediately got down from my bed and went to the kitchen where she was.

"You called for me", I told Heather.

"We are going for a picnic, Aaron and I. Would you like to join us?" Heather asked.

"No", I replied curtly.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Heather asked.

"Yeah."

When they left, I took Bessie out for a walk. As I was walking, my mind wandered. Why was I even adopted on the first place? I knew I didn't deserve it. No one wanted me. The Carson family wanted me to feel like I belonged but that would never happen. I didn't belong anywhere. I wasn't about to get comfortable with the Carsons because I knew I would get kicked out in a matter of weeks. I just had to wait. I wasn't looking where I was going and I bumped into someone.

We both fell to the ground. The girl offered her hand and lifted me up. She had curly shoulder length auburn hair. Her green eyes seemed to pierce through me. She wore an off the shoulder black top with skinny jeans.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going. By the way, I'm Eleanor", she introduced herself.

I ignored her. I was so not ready to make any friends. I looked down and to my utter surprise, Bessie was gone.

"Oh my goodness! Bessie's gone!" I exclaimed, looking around.

"Who?" Eleanor asked.

"My dog. I was walking her and-- Oh my goodness! I'm gonna be in so much trouble! Did you see where she went? " I asked.

"No. Should I help you look for her?" Eleanor asked.

"No. I can do it on my own", I replied.

I sped off in the left direction, looking for Bessie and shouting her name.

Hours later.....

The sun had just set and I still hadn't found Bessie. I had searched everywhere and it seemed that I was going round in circles. Worse still, I was lost, I had no idea where I was. I was cold, tired and hungry. I sat on a bench nearby and burst into tears. Why did the worst things always happen to me? The headlights of a car drew nearer to where I sat.

Suddenly, two people got out of the car. I jumped in great joy and relief. I couldn't believe it was them. I got out of my seat, run to Heather and squeezed her into a bear hug. Seconds later, I realised what I what I was doing and released her instantly as if I had been stung by a bee. What was wrong with me?

"Courtney! Are you okay?" Heather asked me.

I only nodded and narrated what had happened to me.

"Don't worry. We'll find Bessie. Let's go home", Heather said and led me to the car.

The car sped off and soon we arrived home. I was so happy to be in the comfort and warmth of my bed after going through that ordeal. I half-expected to be spanked or scolded for losing Bessie. After all, it was all my fault. I was genuinely surprised when none of this happened. All the love the Carson family was just too much. I knew I didn't deserve any of it.