The Bridge

  Chapter 5

  Robert

  Robert was waiting for her to ask him that question, and just as he feared he didn't know what he was supposed to do with her. Leaving her with her father was unquestionable, he wouldn't even ponder the thought, the same applies for foster care. He only had one choice and he hoped he made the right one.

  He took the girl's hand and put it in his palm, grabbed the railing with his other hand, and pulled himself up, wobbling and almost falling back down, but catching himself at the very last second.

  "I'm going to do what I have to do, and I think I know whats best for you, so I want you to trust me and give me your home address" he murmured into her ear.

  The girl looked terrified and started to protest, but he just kept repeating to her that she should trust him. She finally gave up after a few more faint protests and a look of betrayal went into her eyes. He knew what was best for her, or at least he hoped.

  They arrived at the girl's apartment building after hailing down a cab. The girl didn't say a word the entire way back to her house, her arms stayed crossed and glimpses of anger flashed through her eyes. He couldn't blame her for that. Their apartment building was at least a dozen floors, and it reminded him of his home when he was younger and living with his single mother: dark drapes covered some windows, while others were broken or coated in layers of grit. The building's walls were covered in graffiti of provocative words and symbols. He could hear dogs barking, babies wailing and couples fighting. The perfect environment for a young teenage girl. He opened the main door and proceeded into the elevator room across the hall. He pressed the button and waited, turning towards the girl, "I know you probably won't believe me, but this doesn't look like what it seems, I need you to trust me on this." She avoided his eyes and fixed her gaze on the opposite wall. He could see tears forming in her face, but he didn't want to approach her just yet.

  The elevator door opened and an old lady appeared, dressed in raggedy old clothing and messed up hair, only to have a smile lighten up her face when she saw Christina, "Why hello there Candy, its been a while since i've seen you, why not come over for tea and cake?"

  Christina stayed quiet, probably for fear of breaking down in front of the old women, and instead stared at the floor. Robert broke in, "She has to get back home right now, maybe some other time." And he stepped into the elevator Christina towing behind him. He didn't look back to see the stupefied look on the old woman's face, instead asked the girl to push the button on the elevator.