I sit alone on the couch, waiting for Lindsey. Syd had to leave because there was some emergency with her girlfriend, so now I wait by myself, anxiety taking control of my body. Will she take the phone and leave right away? Will she stay and chat for a few minutes? The endless questions play through my mind until I hear a knock at my front door.
I practically run out of my clothes to answer the door, a cheery looking Lindsey on the other side.

"Hi, Ray!"

I step aside to let her enter my home, "Nice to see you again."

Once she's inside, I close the door and grab her phone, handing it to her.

"Thanks so much! How'd you figure out the password?" She questions, taking a seat on my couch.

I lean up against the wall, "Well, passwords can either be meaningless or they can have something to do with sentimentality. I figured you're a sentimental person, so I tried a few things that you hold close." I explain.

A look of interest on her face, she speaks, "Very clever." A soft blush shades her cheeks. "So, uh where are your parents?" she changes the subject.

I feel my breath hitch, "At work." I lie.

She turns her head and observes the house, "You're lying to me."

Deciding there is no use in arguing, "How'd you know?" I ask.

She stands up, "I'm very keen to noticing small things. Like how there aren't any family photos, there's only one car in your driveway, your house is a mess, which is something most adults can't stand, should I continue?"

"They're dead..." I say so quietly I don't think she even heard me.

"Hm?"

"My parents... they're dead." I repeat.

She pulls me into her, hugging me tightly, "I'm so sorry, sweetheart."

"Yeah, well there's nothing I can do about it." I let out a shaky breath, pulling away from Lindsey.

"Who takes care of you?"

"Just me. I'm on my own." I answer, my gaze trailing to the floor.

"How old are you, Ray?"

"Fifteen."

"Oh my god... So no one watches over you?"

"Nope."

Her eyes scan mine, as if searching for something, only I don't know what it is she's looking for. She takes a breath, "I can't leave you hear by yourself."
"Pardon?"

"I need you to answer me one more question, Razor." She says, tone serious and her face set.

"What? What is it?" I reply, suddenly feeling nervous.

"I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I leave you here by yourself. If something happens to you once I leave, it'll be on me, so I'm giving you two options, and you have to really think about it. Option one- You gather your things and I take you to a local orphanage where you'll be taken care of. Option two- you come with me back to California and stay with me until we figure out any proper living arrangements for you. Which will it be?"

One of my idols is asking me to live with her. Of course I'm going with that option over a shitty orphanage. But what about Sydney? She's my only friend... I suppose we can Skype or find another way to keep in touch, "Are you sure you'd want to take me with you?" Suddenly, my self esteem feels low. Of all the people in the world, why would she choose me?

She bends down and places her hands on my forearms, "I'm normally not one to make fast accusations on someone, but Ray, I looked at you, and I knew your story instantly. You're an amazing kid that I'd do anything to help. I'd honestly rather not have to put you in an orphanage, but this is up to you, Ray. I have a feeling you'll really like it in California. But like I said, the choice is yours."

Someone actually wants me. I haven't felt truley loved since my parents died. My silly heart told me Jason loved me, but I was nothing but a punching bag to him. How could I have been so stupid? He probably would of killed me if he had the chance.

"I-I want to go with you." I make my final decision.

She hugs me, to which I hug her back, "Super! Why don't you pack some things, and after that you can show me where the court house is so we can get everything legalized."

"Rad! I'll be back in a few minutes!" I cheer before dashing upstairs to my room, packing for the journey ahead of me.