Read Forgotten: Seventeen and Homeless for Free Online

move us here?"
    She just gave me a sly little smile. But the message was plain. And to be honest, the idea of my mom getting seriously involved with a successful entrepreneur-type businessman like Mark Edmonds was quite appealing. For that reason and for stability's sake, I encouraged my mom to look her best, to put her best foot forward. And for a while I even entertained thoughts of my mom having someone dependable to take care of her next year, someone to keep her out of trouble after I went away to college. It was a nice little dream. Even when she told me about the little spats she and Mark had been having at work, I had imagined they were just lovers' quarrels or power struggles, rough spots that could be smoothed over in time. Perhaps they still can.
    I try my mom's cell phone again, but I'm guessing she forgot to charge it. Even so I leave a message, then hang up. She is with Mark right now. She's probably made up with him, too. And maybe they're discussing the whole work thing ... making a plan for her to return to her job ... or maybe he's proposing and they are planning a trip to Vegas. That might upset some daughters, but it would be perfectly fine with me. If I were a praying person, I would beg God to make something like this happen. As it is, I'm not too sure about God. On a good day, I could take or leave him. On a really bad day, I think I don't even believe in God. And why should I since he obviously doesn't believe in me?
    Imagining that everything with my mom is getting squared away and I'll have no need for a job, I toss the Classifieds into the trash and go to bed. Really, I was probably just letting my imagination run away with me again. I'm sure that by morning, life will return to normal-well, our recent new-and-improved normal anyway- and all my worries and fears will be a thing of the past.
    But morning comes and my mom is still out. I have a can of soup for breakfast and keep myself busy doing homework and laundry. I still can't get over the fact that we have our own laundry room, which is actually a laundry closet-and yet it's so much better than a public laundry facility where you never know what's been in the washing machine before you. I've pulled out some disgusting things.
    I wash my mom's sheets, then after they're dried, I remake her bed, all nice and fresh. I imagine that Mom and Mark will come home announcing that they did, indeed, slip off to Vegas last night to tie the knot. Of course, that means we'll have to move, but I know Mark's house is really swanky, and although I'll miss the condo, I'll live closer to my friends' neighborhood.
    Finally it's four o'clock and I still haven't heard from my mom. When my phone eventually does ring, it's after five and it's Jayden.
    "How's your mom doing?" he asks.
    "Uh ... she's about the same."
    "So, you probably don't want to leave her home alone ...?"
    I consider this. "Actually, I don't think she'd really miss me."
    "Cool. I thought we could grab a bite to eat and go to the library. I need to find a book for my AP history class before Monday."
    "And I've still got homework to do anyway, so I'll just bring it along."
    "Great. This will be a study date."
    As soon as I hang up, my stomach growls and I can't believe I'm going to have a real meal tonight. I should be more excited about seeing Jayden than eating, but I can't help myself. I'm starving! And although I'm a bit worried that I'll eat like a hog in front of him, I'm not even sure I care. And if I don't hear from my mom by tonight, I think I'll go apply for the restaurant job tomorrow morning. The possibility of having a job that involves both food and tips has suddenly become hugely appealing.
    "Wow, you must've been really hungry." Jayden looks at my empty burger basket. I ordered a deluxe double cheeseburger, curly fries, and a chocolate shake (the old-fashioned kind where they bring it in the big metal cup), and I ate every bite.
    I smile sheepishly. "I know it's not cool for girls to eat