Page 6 of Her Brother's Keeper

I groped for my phone on the nightstand and sucked in a deep breath, squinting at the screen which was damn bright in the dark of my room.

Unknown: Are you awake, by chance?

I blinked, forehead wrinkled and shot back:‘who is this?’I had a feeling I knew who it was, but I just wanted to be sure before I blabbed business that didn’t belong on a stranger’s cell.

Unknown: I’m sorry, it’s Maren.

Me: Don’t b, and yeah, I’m up. Is everything OK?

While the bouncing dots indicating she was replying did their thing, I took the liberty of adding ‘Maren Tracy’ to the unknown number’s contact info, as well as saving it to my phone. I had a feeling the girl needed a friend. I didn’t mind being that for her.

Maren: Yes! I mean, everything is okay with the house and with Sage… I guess I just can’t sleep.

Me: I don’t blame u girl.

Maren: There was over five thousand dollars in that envelope.

Me: I know.

Maren: Why? I just really can’t get my head around it.

Me: I honestly couldn’t tell u. Ur situation resonated with me I guess.

Maren: I’m sorry.

Me: Why?

Maren: That means your dad died, right?

Me: Actually no, I never met my dad. I don’t know if he’s alive or dead.

Maren: Oh, your mom then?

Me: Actually don’t know if she’s alive or dead either.

Maren: Oh. Then how does my situation compare?

Me: I grew up in foster care with my twin brother and 2 other foster brothers.

Maren: Oh, I’m so sorry. I don’t want that for Sage.

Me: That’s what got me, I think. When u said u had 2 take care of him. I’d hate to see either of u go into the system. It’s not someplace u want to be. Trust me.

Maren: I do, believe me, I do; but I wouldn’t end up there, my dad signed the papers to emancipate me before he died. Technically I’m a legal adult, but so far I don’t feel like one. :(

Me: Could have fooled me, ur doing pretty okay.

Maren: Now how do you figure that?

Me: House was clean. The boy was fed and taken care of. Power was on, heat was on – means u pay ur bills. Didn’t look like there was any drugs, drinking, or partying going on.

Maren: LOL I’m not exactly a party girl.

Me: That’s good. See. Ahead of the game already.

Maren: What game?

Me: The one called life. Ur doing good by all accounts.

---