She sat there looking around for them. She turned her head and looked over and saw, well she still didn't know what to call him, a friend, brother, step brother, foster brother?, they were just in the same foster care house together not blood related so they weren't technically related in anyway, but she saw him sleeping on the couch. He was a year older then her but they were really close. The two of them over the past three years have gotten close and protective over one another.

They met when Rachel entered the orphanage at the age of 10 after her dad was arrested for child abuse. Her mom had died when she was six and apparently there was no family that stepped up to take care of her. She then met Ryan at dinner that first night there. He was 11 and he was there because his dad was in jail and his mom and her boyfriend abandoned him. From then on they become really close and when they were together they were inseparable.

They have been in and out of different foster houses, some times they were together and sometimes they were separated. They hated when they weren't in the same house. This house they wanted to make work because they got sick of moving and changing schools. But that might not happen with this house either.

She turned around and continued looking out the window for their foster folks to come home. She knew these folks were only in it for the money, they all were. Anyway they were late again. Probably out drinking and partying. At least in this house they didn't get beat up. In past houses they got roughed up for even breathing wrong. She hated those but usually he would stick up for her and get the beating instead of her. She felt so bad when that happened but for the past six months there was no fights or beatings.... yet. But the partying has been going on more and more and the 14 and 13 year olds were left alone a lot. Sure they could watch themselves for a night but lately they have started to go out but not come back for a few days leaving no money or food for them.

She looked at the clock. It was 3am. They haven't been back in over 24 hours. And when they did come back it was only for an hour to shower then they left again. It was like that all week She left the window and curled up next to him and fell asleep.

"Hey, Wake up." She heard someone say to her. She recognized the voice and opened her eyes. She saw the sandy haired blue eyed boy looking back at her. He was about 5 foot 6 inches tall. She was about 5 foot 2 at the age of 13 with brown hair and hazel eyes. She saw his worried eyes.

"Hey." She said sleepily then noticed the concern on his face. "What's wrong Ryan?"

"They still aren't back yet and the agency keeps calling asking for them. I think they might come get us soon." Ryan said distressed also making her feel scared. She didn't want to go back to the orphanage cause who knows they might be separated again. Just then they heard a car pull up. "Rachel stay back and let me check it out." Ryan said and went to the window. Rachel looked on in curiosity and fear not knowing if it was the agency or not. Ryan looked back at her and sighed.

"It is ok. They are back." He said and they both sat on the couch waiting for them to enter. Ryan put his arm around Rachel protectively. They watched the two "adults" walk in to the house and they looked smashed.

"What are you two still doing up?" Elaine asked.

"It is 10am in the morning." Ryan stated simply.

"Oh well then good morning!" Joe said and they knew he was still drunk.

"The agency has been calling for two days. They will come to get us if you don't call them back soon." Ryan said again softly.

"We will call them later we need to rest first." Elaine said stumbling back to the bedroom with Joe close behind. The two teens looked at each other and then looked around the apartment.

"We better clean up a bit. Just in case." Ryan said and Rachel nodded and they set to work.

Ryan was right. A few hours later some people from the agency came knocking at the door. Joe and Elaine were still passed out in their room. They were able to clean up enough to make it look decent and clean themselves up a bit even though there was no clean clothes left. They put on clothes that looked the least dirty.

"Hello." Ryan said answering the door.

"Hi Ryan. May we come in?" The lady they knew as Mrs. Jenkins asked nicely. She was with two men in uniform. He nodded and opened the door to let them in. Rachel was sitting on the couch just watching. Both noticed that Mrs. Jenkins was looking around to make sure the place was clean.

"Where are the Moores?" She asked.

"They are still sleeping." Ryan said not bothering to lie.

"At this time of day? It is nearly 3 in the afternoon." She said in a bit of shock. She began to walk down the hallway toward the bedroom with the two men and two teens following. They wanted to see what was going to happen. But they had a feeling they knew what was next.