Waverly had been sleeping on her friend’s couch for the last month, the house was crowded now that their older son was home for a visit from college. She hated to impose but she had no other options. She only used the couch and was there only to sleep. She had her own food, free meals from the fast food joint she worked at after school. She went straight there and did her homework on her breaks and then straight to bed when she got home. Weekends she worked two different jobs, the fast food place and babysitting for a former neighbor. But, the neighbor was pissed she was pregnant and looking for someone else.
Tonight, however, Jen’s parents wanted to speak with her about long term. She knew they were going to give her a date of when she needed to be out. At first it was a week then three and then a month, she didn’t think she could ask for more time. She’d hit up her other friends but no one had the space or patience. Waverly was self-sufficient and didn’t need their supplies, only the roof. At a young seventeen she wasn’t able to rent her own place. Her only other hope would be a hotel and pay per day or maybe the week if she had to, but that would eat all her money and she’d have no way to feed herself.
She bit her lip and looked across the wide table at her parents as she entered the room. Swallowing hard she sat down. “I just need a roof, I buy my own food and pay my own way for everything. I didn’t mean to be here this long… I’m sorry.” She rubbed her belly, the baby within was growing stronger day by day. “I have a plan for the baby, she is going to be adopted. I’ve talked with the parents and they are paying all my medical bills and care but they live out of state and I can’t live there and go to school here. It’s too late to transfer or I would.” They had offered.
“We have no room, yes you are not an inconvenience but our younger children are asking questions. It’s been over a month Wave and well, we need you out like we discussed. We’re really sorry.” They said.
She held it together until she got to the porch, she sat on the top step and cried. If she went anywhere they would put her in a foster home and she wouldn’t be able to work as much nor would she be able to go to her school. And she didn’t want someone trying to talk her out of it or even taking the child because she was underage and they thought they knew what was best. Waverly sat on the front steps and cried into her hands, Jen patted her back but was silent. She had one day left.
"I have an idea, shhh Wave, I got this." Jen said drying her friends eyes as she pulled out her phone and typed something out. "Shit, he isn't answering. Get in my car!"
Waverly didn't bother arguing with her friend and was willing to try anything. They drove to the other side of town and found their way to a wooden door. Jen was knocking and when it opened she pushed her way inside. Whose place was this? What was Jen up to?