Miley sat nervously staring at her feet. She and her sister, Ali, had been through quite an ordeal since...well since it happened. they and their mother had been happy living alone in the hustle and bustle of Harper. Harper may not have been the safest place to raise children, but their neighbors were kind and the community always stood together when things become difficult even today as the two, recently orphaned sisters
rode by police car to the Harper orphan home. Miley glanced over at Ali who ,like her, was intent on nothing but her shoelaces. she had not spoken since the fire. And how could she blame her?
Now that Miley thought about it, they had never said how Ali had escaped and only Ali and that fireman knew. Plus the fireman came out delusionaly muttering something about a tree and magic.
"So",spoke Officer Chase in a feeble attempt to comfort the girls," I think you'll like the orphan home it's-err-nice".
As if on que a harsh yell came from
the home."AAAAAH!!! Who let that little demon out of it's cage?!? ANNE!!!" The three cautiously approached the door as the screams continued.
“Oh joy” ,said Ali sarcastically
After hesitating a moment, Chase boldly knocked on the door.
Another shout came, "Paul, GET THE DOOR I'm kinda busy with Casey right now!!!," screamed a girl from behind the door. The door cracked open and a boy that was a head taller than Miley with long, messy, golden hair that covered his eyes stepped out.
"Um. Yeah. Hang on a sec.” He turned to the old woman “Ms.Marm, someone wants to check in!” A short, ancient woman with a cherry nose only glanced toward them before shrieking yet again.
" Well don't just leave them standing there, let them in!”
The three stepped into the front room where they saw what had caused the screaming.
There, on the ground, was a tiny harmless garter snake. It was probably to small to even wrap its mouth around your finger. It was almost cute, Miley thought.
“Anne!Get that little monster back in its cage and make sure it can't get out this time!”hollered Ms. Marm who apparently did not share Miley's sentiments.
“Yes ma'am” said a short black girl who was scooping up the snake in her arms. It entwined around her arm almost lovingly as she stroked its head. “This is Casey”,she said. “He wouldn't hurt anybody but, well, Marm just realy hates snakes.”
“So I noticed”, Ali replied with a smile. “Are you and Paul the only kids here?”
“Well yeah. There aren't too many kids in Harper. Most of the ones without families feel like they don't want parents, so they stay away from here and don't get help. Its kinda sad.”,Anne answered somberly. “Anyway, Let me show you around while Ms.Marm gets you guys set up.”
The group traveled on as Anne told them a little about each room. Apparently,it wasn't anywhere near as bad as it looked from the outside. It had an enormous dining hall, a huge empty basement, and a pretty impressive game room upstairs. They caught up in the kitchen with Paul. Actually catch up isn't quite the right words. Catch Paul trying to raid the cookie jar on the top shelf when Ms.Marm was talking to th police officer is more accurate. “Paul!” scolded Anne “What the heck are you doing! Ms. Marm has told you a thousand times to keep out of their and I-” Paul waved a 6 ounce chocolate bar from the top shelf in front of her face. She snatched it. “OMG CHOCOLATE!”
“Yep, thats what I thought. Anyone up for a fusball tournament upstairs?” Paul asked?
“Oh yeah. Hey, Ali are you coming?”, Miley asked.
“What? Um, no. I'll be there later. I have to check on something first.”
“Oh...okay then. I guess all see you later”
As soon as they where gone, Ali headed for the backyard. There was something she had to be sure of, and she had no intention of waiting to be adopted until she turned 18.
Rachel Solis Community Member 
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