* * *
Fall turned into Winter and by mid-December it had gotten colder and there was snow on the ground. The Canterbury Christmas tree was put up one evening - with all the kids and caregivers taking part. Stockings bearing each of their names were hung up over the fireplace. They watched Christmas movies every night before bed, and sipped hot chocolate while trying to guess what was in each of the gifts piled under the tree (all donations from local charities and good samaritans).
Even though she was surrounded by so many people, and even though she had a lot of Christmas spirit this year - Sarah still felt empty. She missed her mom. She missed Rachel (Rachel hadn't been able to come by as often because she'd taken up dancing and school had been very busy that month). She missed Julia. She even missed Mrs. Whittaker.
One evening while lying on her bed, Gail knocked on her door. She sat up quickly as the social worker entered.
"Sarah. Could you come down to my office for a few minutes please?"
She wondered why Gail - who was usually gone home by this time - was still here. More importantly, why did she want to see her in her office?
"Um...sure."
Gail smiled. "Great. Let's go."
The younger kids had all gone to bed and the older ones were making the most of their last hour, milling about in the den or getting a snack from Angie in the kitchen. Gail lead Sarah to her office - Crystal stared curiously after them - and she shut the door.
"Have a seat."
"Okay..."
Sarah was starting to feel that there was something wrong.
"You're probably wondering why I'm here so late," said Gail, taking a seat in her chair behind the desk.
Sarah shrugged.
Gail smiled. "Well...I have news. Good news," she added quickly when she saw the look on Sarah's face.
"What?"
"We've found a family to place you and Ron with."
Sarah's face fell. "Oh..."
"Don't look so glum!" said Gail cheerfully.
"Well...I guess I figured we'd get to stay here awhile longer..."
The social worker shrugged. "Well - we found a foster family for you two."
"When are we going?"
"I thought this weekend might work."
That was in like...Thursday, Friday...two days.
"That's two days from now! That's so soon!"
"I know - but - they'd like to be able to spend Christmas with you two."
"Oh..."
"I know it's a bit sudden - but the paperwork has taken several weeks - and they're impatient to have you two share their home."
Sarah nodded. If this is how it's going to be, then so be it.
She was tired of fighting the system. Three and a half more years and she'd be an adult and she could do whatever she wanted.
"Alright. So Saturday then?"
"Saturday or Sunday."
"We might as well make it Saturday - get it over with."
Gail's expression was ecstatic. "That's the spirit! I really believe - no - I know - that you and Ron will get a loving home this time.
Would they?
"I hope you're right," said Sarah dryly.
"I know I'm right," the social worker replied with a smile. "Oh, and I thought I'd leave it to you to tell Ron - is that alright?"
Sarah nodded. "Thanks. That's probably best. He might be a little sensitive about this - I know he's made really good friends with Trevor."
"Well then I'm glad I only called you in here. Can you please tell him before noon tomorrow?"
"I'll tell him right now if that's alright."
"Yes, that works just fine. I have to get going," she said, standing up, "so you go and talk to your brother now, and we'll see each other tomorrow morning."
Sarah stood up and opened the door. "Okay."
"Good night then, Sarah. See you tomorrow."
"Good night, Mrs. Gibson."