“Hey Carmen?” Shane is driving her jeep with one hand on the wheel and the other holding Carmen’s.

“Yes?”

“I just, uh, I just want to warn you that sometimes the group homes can be a little rough. I just don’t want you to be shocked or anything.”

“Um what do you mean ‘a little rough’–Do you not remember where I grew up?” Carmen can’t help but laugh a little bit.

“Yeah I know but–I don’t know you’ll just see what I mean I guess.”

They pulled onto a gravel road and drove towards a brown house that had the sign ‘California Boy’s Ranch’ in front. Shane knew what kind of kids stayed at the youth ranches—she had been one.

Julie’s car was outside and she was waiting, looking a little nervous and pale as the couple got out of their jeep.

Shane noticed the look on Julie’s face and immediately knew what that meant. She could feel the anger boiling up inside of her. Carmen, however, hadn’t had quite as much experience with the foster care system as Shane did so she innocently asked, “Is everything ok Julie?”

Julie gave a weak smile and answered, “Yeah, everything is okay. I mean you can still take Shay home tonight and everything it’s just uh—well see Shay is the youngest boy here and well I guess the other night some of the other boys were picking on him. Things got a little rough. Why don’t we go inside?”

Carmen was confused—where were the house parents? Why hadn’t anyone stepped in? Wasn’t the reason Shay was removed in the first place because his other home wasn’t safe? How could this happen? She felt the anger growing inside of her. She had to remind herself to calm down—this wasn’t her kid or her brother, yeah she was going to be a part of his life but hell—she hadn’t even met him yet!

She looked over at Shane and could see the anger on her face too. They followed Julie into the house and were immediately greeted by a skinny little boy with black hair and a black eye to match. He was running down a long hallway towards them and all Carmen heard was “Ssshhhaaaaaaaaaaaaannneee!”