The Necklace That Protects Me novel Chapter 17

They all took turns asking me questions and telling me about their life. Apparently a generous anonymous donor had donated a new house to them and was hiring new people to run it. I could feel their excitement, and had a hunch I knew who the anonymous donor was but didn't say anything. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Thomas grinning ear to ear while trying, and failing, to look innocent. My suspicion was confirmed.

After all the kids seemed tired of the meet and greet, several hours later, I walked to the office door and knocked. I heard a gruff "come in" so I opened the door and walked inside. The office smelled of stale cigarettes and body odor. A stench I had become accustomed to while growing up. Behind the desk watching a soap on the small TV set, sat Miss Ortega, my guardian up until these last few weeks.

Without a word she brought a box up on the desk and slid me a paper to sign. Giving my permission to release the documents and her liability to me. I happily signed and smiled at her. She rolled her eyes and shooed me out the door. I felt free!

Afterwards, Thomas and I left and got a bite to eat then headed back to his house. Probably the only thing I was going to miss about being here was their pork tenderloin sandwiches, with tons of mustard and pickles! We went our separate ways to bed. I fell asleep content and ready to return to school the next day.

Thomas drove me to the train station, and hugged me, seemingly careful to not make skin contact.

"You be careful Noel. I'm serious. This world holds so much more than you know and I think you've been mixed up with things without any knowledge of it. Just be careful okay, for me?" Thomas said with sincerity and concern coating every word, I just nodded. I was beyond confused but knew Thomas well enough to know he was truly worried about something. He sighed and continued, "you have a phone now so please keep in touch. If ever you need me, call me, and I will be there faster than lightning." He winked at me, then kissed the top of my head.

I had never been in Amy's room before. I had wondered before why she never mentioned a roommate. Turns out, she doesn't have one. Her dorm room only had a single bedroom. Other than the missing bedroom, her room was basically a copy of mine. She started a cup of coffee and we sat down to talk about our breaks. Amy hadn't done much and hadn't seen much of Brie. Not surprising, she had probably spent most of her time with Brian.

I told Amy about my issues with my grades and told her of my plans to keep my distance from Michael and the others. She full heartedly agreed that it was a great plan. Over eager if you ask me, which made me chuckle. I think she was excited because it meant she could spend more time with me this way. I didn't think Brie would take it as good as Amy.

I remembered my phone and Amy and I switched numbers. I got Brie's from her as well. I texted Brie to let her know I was home. In reply I just got a bunch of exclamation marks. Ten minutes later I could hear Brie our in the hall happily yelling my name, trying to embarrass me.