The Hitting Zone

"Hello Jake. How are you today?" My social worker walked into the hospital room where I've been staying in for some time now. Doug Duncan was only five and a half feet tall. Six inches taller than me, but his personality felt stronger than his stature. "Are you feeling all better and ready to get out of here?"

I shrugged. Not sure what to say. I'm alive, so good? But also my mom is being tried for attempted murder, so how good can I really be?

Mr. Duncan stared at me, and I just stared back. Finally he just continues, like my lack of replies don't bother him. "We found a home to place you in. It's a single family with four kids of their own. We have already prepped the parents on your situation and they know to not allow your mother to contact you." I clenched my fists at the thought of ever seeing her again. "As for the case against your mother, her lawyer has her pleading not guilty on the basis of having a mental breakdown."

I turned away. I didn't really want to hear about her. Someone like that had no place in my life.

"I won't lie to you. It's going to a long, hard case. We do have a restraining order in place and she has no way to make bail without money or family to help." He paused. "You're fourteen now, so I think you're old enough to know that we are looking for who your dad might be."

I looked up at him and he looked at me. They didn't even know who my dad was? Did they even know I have a brother? Should I mention it? No. I shouldn't. They left me before, so it would only make sense that they wouldn't want me now. What's the point.

Mr. Duncan waited patiently as I looked at him. Maybe he thought I had something to say or some kind of insight on where to search. I just didn't care, so I looked away once more.

"Okay then...we'll hit the road once you're all packed up."

I walked over and grabbed a backpack from a chair. I was already told last night to be ready to leave with Mr. Duncan so it's not a big surprise. Some friends from middle school came by with a few clothing items and my baseball glove. They didn't bring the bat. Last I heard, it was being held as evidence. Not like I wanted it back.

Mr. Duncan watched me put the bag on my shoulder and then gestured for me to follow him out. "Once you get settled and all the paperwork is processed, the state will issue a check for the family to help you get some necessities. So even though it might seem like you don't have a lot now, it'll change in time."

I followed him out to his car, a clean, but obviously older, four door sedan. I got in the front passenger seat and placed my bag at my feet. Mr. Duncan got in on his side and started up the car.

"The Atkins will be the ones to take you in. They live more up north, still on the coast. It'll be a nice change, I'm sure." He spoke as he drove, filling up the silence with small talk. "The Atkins are a great family. Very kind and easy to get along with. Their kids are all in high school. We'll be able to send you to the same one for now, until we find your father and then we'll see how it goes from there."

Mr. Duncan prattled on as I watched the scenery fly by. He seemed like a nice guy in his young thirties; helping the helpless and changing lives. Hopefully he could help me change mine too.