* * *
Sarah thought that Saturday came too fast. With the news that they'd be going to a new foster family so soon, Thursday and Friday flew by. She found that she could hardly pay attention in class - more than once a teacher had embarrassed her by asking her, in front of the entire class, to stop daydreaming. Sarah didn't consider herself to be daydreaming; she was worrying.
What would their new home be like? Was their new foster family nice? Were they normal?
The fact that she had Officer Whittaker's personal cell phone number did giver her some measure of comfort - but that was about the only comfort she had. There were just too many unknowns and Sarah spent nearly every waking moment wondering - and worrying - about their future.
But, as always seems to be the case, the day she dreaded came upon her more quickly than she had anticipated. On Saturday morning, while all the other kids were downstairs eating cereal and watching cartoons, she was sat on her bed, alone, except for Ron who was sitting and playing his video game on Sue's bed. She held the locket of her mother's necklace open so that her mom was looking at her.
Watch over us mom. Please let this be a good home.
At ten o'clock Gail arrived and Sarah heard her talking to Tracy in the hallway. A minute later there was a knock on the bedroom door.
"Sarah?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you and Ron packed and ready to go? Oh, I didn't realize that you were both here. Good morning, Ron. All ready to go?"
Sarah couldn't find the words to reply, but Ron clearly could. "Yeah!"
The social worker laughed. "Wow, someone's sure excited to be going to a new home."
"Yeah! I can't wait!" said Ron enthusiastically, bouncing up and down on Sue's bed. "But I will miss Trevor," he said, somewhat crestfallen.
"Aww, you can come back and visit Trevor whenever you like. I'll make sure that you two can see each other once in awhile. Okay?"
"Okay."
Gail turned to Sarah. "Sarah? Shall we get going then? Is everything alright?"
Sarah nodded.
"We don't have to leave just yet - we can stay until after lunch if you'd like."
Sarah shook her head and the tears that had been slowly building, rolled down her cheeks.
"Oh, Sarah," said Gail, coming over to the bed and putting an arm around her shoulders. "Why are you so upset? On Wednesday you seemed okay with the idea...are you having second thoughts?"
Sarah wiped her eyes and looked out the window. She could feel Ron watching her and she hated that he was seeing her cry.
"I guess...I guess it's just so much change...it seems like we can never just stay in one place."
Gail gave her a sympathetic smile.
"I know my dear, I know."
The social worker sat down on the bed beside her. "But - look - sometimes you just need to give it one final push - and that brick wall in front of you finally collapses. I believe that this is your final push - that - after this - you'll be able to live happily ever after with your new family."
"But what if we don't? What if - what if they're just as bad as the Smolinski's...or worse."
Gail sighed. "They won't be. They're very nice people. I've met with them several times now. But if, on the off chance that they turn out to be like the Smolinski's, you just give me a call and I'll come and investigate. Alright?"
Sarah sniffed and dried her eyes. She hated crying in front of people.
"C'mon, Sair," Ron said gently. "Let's go see how it is. What if they're really cool and really nice?"
Sarah shrugged. "That doesn't happen in the real world."
"Oh Sarah," said Gail admonishingly. "It does too happen. You just watch and see. It'll happen today. I guarantee it."
Sarah took a deep breath. There was no way that they could get another family like the Smolinski's. Her mom wouldn't let that happen to them.
"Alright," said Sarah, drying her eyes with the tissue Gail gave her. "Let's do it."
Ron ran over and hugged her. "Yay!"
The social worker stood up. "We'd better get going then. I know there are a lot of kids downstairs eager to carry your bags for you. You've become something of a celebrity around here."
Sarah managed a small smile. "I guess I have, eh?"
Fifteen minutes later they were all packed and sitting in the car, driving to their new home. Ron and Sarah had spent their last quarter of an hour at Canterbury House saying their goodbyes and promising to keep in touch. To Sarah's surprise, even Crystal had wished her good luck.
Now, as they sped west along Dundas, she could hardly believe that it was happening - that they were going to a new home. She watched out the window at the passing scenery. People coming and going from stores, mothers and daughters out shopping, old couples out for dim sum. Why couldn't she have a normal Saturday like everyone else? Why was she always the special case? Going to a new foster home seemed decidedly un-normal.
Stores and shopping malls gave way to houses and apartment buildings. They were heading north now, Sarah could tell because she was now staring at the sun when she looked out her window. They were heading further and further away from downtown.
How far away do these people live?
Ron was quiet as he sat playing his video game in the front seat. Sarah sighed. She'd probably have to change schools again if they were going to be living this far from downtown. Gail turned onto another street and Sarah suddenly realized where they were.
But it can't be...no...
They passed by a large, wooden sign that read "Rexdale".
It just can't be...
Sarah sat frozen, her eyes fixed on the road, moving with every turn Gail took. As much as she wanted to ask where they were going, she didn't dare say a word lest she ruin this sweet, sweet moment. Were they actually going where she thought they were going?
Gail's car struggled up a hill and finally turned left into a small, tree-lined cul-de-sac that Sarah recognized all too well. She couldn't bear the suspense any longer.
"Gail..."
The social worker smiled. "Yes?"
Sarah sensed that Gail knew what she was going to ask. "Are we..."
But before she could finish her question they rounded the corner and there, standing on the front lawn of the brick bungalow on the corner, was the Nielsen family.
Sarah screamed like she'd never screamed before.
"Ow!" Ron bellowed. "My ears!"
"Sorry!"
Gail pulled into the driveway and parked the car. Sarah flung open the door and scrambled out as fast as she could.
"Rachel!"
"Sarah!"
The two girls ran to each other and hugged as Julian and Maria looked on, smiling. Memo, standing on the front steps, barked and ran towards Ron who had just gotten out of the car. He leapt at the boy and pinned him against the car, licking his face until Julian pulled him off.
"That's enough, Memo!"
Ron grinned and wiped the drool from his face. "Ach! He's sure glad to see me!"
"We all are," said Julian. "Hey - and I see you finally got your cast off!"
"Yep," Ron beamed, glancing proudly at his feet.
"Just in time for hockey season."
"Oh, I don't know that he should be playing hockey just yet," said Gail as she came around the car. "He's only had his cast off for a few weeks."
"Well, skating then - hockey can wait until next year."
Gail smiled. "Alright. That sounds like a fair compromise."
"Hockey this year," Julian whispered behind his hand once Gail was out of earshot.
Ron grinned.
A few feet away, Rachel and Sarah stood facing each other.
"Rachel, how come - how come you didn't tell me?" asked Sarah.
"My mom made me swear not to - we didn't want to get your hopes up and then, if it didn't work out, have to tell you that it wasn't happening."
"Oh...well that makes sense."
Rachel smiled. "But it worked out - and you
and Ron are going to live with us!"
Sarah put a hand to her mouth. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry. She wanted to jump for joy. "I'm so happy! I can't believe this is actually happening!"
She stepped away from Rachel and wrapped her arms around Maria. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Mrs. Nielsen!"
Rachel's mom laughed at her enthusiasm. "It's our pleasure, Sarah. We loved having you and Ron at Thanksgiving. It reminded us of the times we used to have when Jorge was with us."
"Oh, mamá," said Rachel, tearing up because her mom had uttered Jorge's/George's name (a name she only said once a year - if at all).
"It's okay, querida," said Maria, "that's what Jorge would want. I think it's time we move on. The house seemed so lively when Sarah and Ron were with us."
"To new beginnings," said Julian as he and Ron joined the circle the other three had formed.
"Here, here," said Gail, wrapping an arm around Ron.
"To new beginnings."
- 18 -
JUSTICE
(Four months later)
On a warm Tuesday in early April, three days before Sarah's fifteenth birthday, a large group consisting of Ron, Sarah, the Nielsen's, Officer Whittaker and Mrs. Whittaker, made their way solemnly into the Ontario Court of Justice. Both Maria and Julian had taken the day off work and the kids were missing school. Hank and Gloria were being sentenced and none of them wanted to miss the proceedings.
"Don't be nervous, Sarah," said Maria once they were inside.
"I'm trying not to be..."
Maria rubbed her shoulder affectionately. "Everything will be alright. You'll see."
"I hope so."
Officer Whittaker lead them all to "Courtroom 6". They had to pass through security before they could enter because it was a trial involving the Redcoats gang - and by default - any criminal trial involving a biker gang required security.
One by one, they removed the metal objects from their pockets, and along with their jackets, placed them in a bin before walking through the metal detector.
The metal detector only sounded once - for Ron's belt buckle - and the security guard simply smiled and waved him through.
Sarah was nervous because it was going to be the first time seeing the Smolinski's since she and Ron had run away and the heightened security didn't help to calm her nerves.
"After you, Sarah," said Julian as he held the door.
"Thanks."
She put a hand on Ron's shoulder, and with Rachel immediately behind her, strode in and took a seat on the bench closest to the wall. The rest of their group filled in the space around them and they all faced forwards because the proceedings were already underway.
"Judge Wiseman" was a grey-haired woman with sharp, pointy features and the angry expression on her face told Sarah that she was one woman you didn't mess with. Hank and Gloria, seated in a glass booth and facing forwards with their backs towards Sarah and her entourage, quivered under the judge's penetrating gaze.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?"
Sarah glanced over at the jurors' bench as a large bearded man wearing glasses stood up and cleared his throat. "We have, your Honour."
"And has the jury found that the defendants are guilty or not guilty?"
The bearded juror opened the piece of paper he was holding and said, "the jury has found the defendants guilty. Recommended sentence is six years without the possibility of parole."
There was a sudden buzz of excitement in the courtroom and Sarah watched as hushed chatter broke out all around them.
"Order! Order please!"
Judge Wiseman rapped her gavel on the podium, silencing the audience instantly.
"I would ask that the members of the audience refrain from speaking or otherwise disrupting the Court so that we can get on with the sentencing."
No one spoke a word after that, but Sarah did notice several journalists scribbling rather noisily on their notepads and texting on their phones. The judge looked squarely at Hank and Gloria. Dressed in bright orange prison uniforms, the Smolinski's looked to be shaking and Sarah almost felt sorry for them. Almost.
"The jury has found the defendants, Hank and Gloria Smolinski of Pickering, Ontario, guilty on all charges. After a considerable amount of testimony, in which we heard from several expert witnesses including law enforcement officers and those affected by the actions of the co-accused, I am convinced that all essential elements of the charges brought against the defendants have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury's decision therefore stands."
Officer Whittaker flashed Sarah a thumbs up as Judge Wiseman continued.
"However, while the jury recommended a six year sentence (she paused for effect), I am imposing a ten year sentence with the possibility of parole only after at least eight years have been served. This is to ensure that this type of behaviour has been rightly punished."
Sarah watched as Gloria bowed her head. Hank sat statue-still.
Judge Wiseman rapped her gavel. "This court is now adjourned."
She gathered up her robes and stood up as the bailiff called out. "ALL RISE!"
Everyone in the court room got to their feet and waited until Judge Wiseman had gone into her chambers. The members of the audience began to slowly make their way to the exit, but Sarah stayed where she was and watched as three police officers open the glass booth holding the Smolinski's. They were placed in handcuffs and the two male officers grabbed Hank, one on each arm, while the female officer took hold of Gloria. As they were lead towards the prisoners' door, Hank looked out at the audience. He spotted Sarah. Their eyes locked and he glared at her.
Don't be afraid, he can't hurt you anymore.
Sarah met his glare with her own and they watched each other until he and Gloria disappeared through the green, metal door reserved for prisoners.
Rachel touched her shoulder then, and she nearly jumped. "How're you feeling?"
Sarah had to think for a minute. "I don't feel anything really. I thought I would be happy and excited - but I feel kind of...blah."
"That's not a bad thing - and it makes sense. I mean, I think it will just take some time to digest."
Sarah sighed. "You're probably right. I can at least say that I'm glad that they're going away for eight years - hopefully ten. By the time they get out I'll be an adult and they won't be able to put a finger on me."
"Adults aren't invulnerable you know," said Officer Whittaker. "We're still vulnerable to people like the Smolinski's."
"Yeah, but at least you're old enough and you can take care of yourself. You're bigger, stronger, and..."
The police captain grinned. "Smarter?"
"Maybe just a little," Sarah conceded.
The adults all laughed.
"We appreciate your confidence in us, Sarah," said Julian, his eyes smiling. "Now, can us, only-a-little-bit-smarter adults take you kids for ice cream? We've got lots to celebrate."
Ron's eyes lit up. "Yeah!"
Maria tousled Ron's hair. "Ay, my boy. You have such a sweet tooth! Is there any candy you don't eat?"
Ron's face split into a wide grin, exposing his dimples. "Nope!"
Rachel giggled.
"Come on you," said Sarah, wrapping an arm around her brother. "Let's go and get some ice cream before you run out of sugar."
Mrs. Whittaker chuckled. "I second that!"
Arm in arm, hand in hand, Ron, Sarah, the Nielsen's, and the two Whittaker's left the court house and never heard from Hank or Gloria Smolinski again.
THE END
Where to go and who to talk to if you need help
To reach a Kids Help Phone professional counselor, kids, teens and young adults, from any community in Canada, can call or go online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 1-800-668-6868 | www.kidshelpphone.ca
TeenHelp is an international not-for-profit organisation who provide anonymous support and advice to anybody who needs it. We help users of all ages and from all walks of life, all around t
he world. Our staff members are volunteers, regular people just like you, and they're here to listen and to give advice....TeenHelp provides a friendly and safe environment for everyone to work together. www.teenhelp.org
Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies: If you or someone you know has an instance of child abuse to report, consult their website to find the toll free number in your area that you can contact. www.oacas.org
Covenant House (Toronto, ON): Kids come to us in crisis, desperately needing help. We provide for their basic human needs - food, clothing, a shower and medical attention - immediately. Kids who are trying to get off the street are often scared and mistrustful. We protect our kids from violence and degradation by providing them safety. If you are a youth in need of shelter, phone (416) 593-4849 or 1-800-435-7308. Open 24 hours / 7 days a week. We are located at 20 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON M5B 2P3.
Youth Services Bureau’s 24/7 Crisis Line (Ottawa, ON): Whatever the problem, you can talk to someone who understands and who wants to help you. No one should ever suffer alone, which is why we’ve made it easy for you to get in touch with us. We’re just one call away. The 24/7 Crisis Line service is for children and youth ages 18 and under, who are experiencing a crisis, and for parents, guardians, caregivers, friends or service providers who are concerned about a young person in crisis. 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year. Mobile interventions: Monday – Friday: 4:30 p.m. to midnight; Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Call: 1 877 377 7775 | 613 260 2360
Other places you can go/people you can talk to: Your local food bank | Places of worship (churches, mosques, synagogues, temples) | Friends, family, teachers, co-workers | Counselor | Coach | Local shelters | Salvation Army stores/shelter | Saint Vincent de Paul stores | YMCA and YWCA locations | Boys and Girls Club locations
Whatever you do, don't panic or do anything drastic - help is often just a click or phone call away!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Paul Martin: A great guy and my sounding board throughout the writing process.
Mrs. Shirley Glenn: My grade one teacher at Briar Hill Elementary (Calgary, AB). You kick-started my interest in reading and writing. Thank you.
Mrs. Jane Alberts: My grade six teacher at Eastbrook Elementary (Brooks, AB). Thank you for all the positive feedback you gave me when it came to my writing.
Michael J. McCann (author of the Donaghue and Stainer Crime Series): For his advice and assistance with the publishing process.
My mom for always being there for me.
And last, but most certainly not least, my beautiful brown-eyed Irish girl, JM3.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Adrien Leduc makes his home in Ottawa with his fiancée and their two crazy cats. He is a graduate of Carleton University (BA' 10) and is passionate about Canadian history. An avid reader and writer, Adrien hopes to write and publish many more books in his lifetime.
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