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If the driver was offended, he didn’t show it as he retrieved my other bag from the luggage hold and placed it on the sidewalk.
“I’ll be seeing you,” he said gruffly, hiking up his pants.
“Bye,” I murmured, guilt weighing heavily in my heart.
He climbed back onto the bus and pulled out of the lot.
Once again, I was alone.
* * *
I don’t know how long I stood there glued to the spot, but I couldn’t move.
A few people came and went from the central cabin, but to my relief, no one paid me any attention. I needed more time to psych myself.
The rational part of me knew this wasn’t the Freeman group home. There were no Dereks or Maries here. This place helped and nurtured teenagers who lived in foster care—giving them the kind of chance I never had.
Nothing bad will happen here.
But the little voice of doubt that kept me shackled to my past refused to stay quiet.
“Hey, are you here for the staff training?” A tall, willowy girl joined me, dropping her backpack down at her feet. “I’m Marissa.”
I turned slightly to face her, stepping back instinctively to put a little more space between us. “Hi, I’m Penny, and yes, I’m here for the summer.”
“Me too.” She smiled. “Counselor or activity instructor?”
“Counselor.”
“Nice. First year, I take it?”
I glanced around. Was it that obvious?
Of course, it was.
I nodded, and she laughed. “Don’t look so worried. You’re in for one hell of a summer. I hope you brought insect repellent. The bugs out here take no prisoners.”
“I brought everything on the list,” I replied, snapping the hair elastic on my wrist to try and settle the nervous energy vibrating inside me.
A little trick I’d learned from therapist number two.
“Shall we head inside? Troy and Tina will be waiting.”
With a small nod, I followed Marissa’s lead as she headed toward the buildings. She wasted no time going inside, but I paused to give myself a few seconds to calm myself.
“There she is,” a gruff male voice said. “Get over here, Marissa. It’s been too long.”
I slipped inside to find a giant of a man with a fuzzy beard and a red bandana tied around his shaggy hair smiling in our direction.
Marissa, a few steps in front of me, jogged into his open arms. “Troy,” she shrieked. “What in hell’s name has Tina been feeding you? You look like you gained twenty pounds.”
“Not you as well.” He laughed, drawing her into a bear hug.
“I told him to take it easy after his operation, but did he listen?” a woman called from across the room.
“I listened.” Troy released Marissa and stepped back, shooting the woman—Tina—a goofy smile.
She rolled her eyes with a playful smirk that softened her demeanor. “You did not. Wait until the regular kids show up. They’ll remind you every day.”
