A Home for Jessa

by Robin Delph

  They went in picked out their laptops, cases and other things they would need then headed back to Summer’s house.

  Chapter Fifthteen

  Mrs. Greyson met the girls at the door when they came home

  “Did you two get everything you needed?” she asked.

  “Yes mom.” Summer said.

  “Thank you so much Mrs. Greyson. But you didn’t have to get me a laptop.” Jessa replied.

  “It’s the least I could do. Summer mentioned that you are writing a novel and a laptop would make it easier for you. Oh, I see you went to the bookstore. Summer didn’t you get anything besides magazines?”

  “I tried to tell her she needs to read a book every now and then. So I figured that when I tutor her she could read a few of mine.” Jessa told her.

  “That sounds great Jessa thank you. Now go put your things away lunch is on the table.” Mrs. Greyson told them.

  They both headed upstairs. What a day Jessa thought. I have never had so many new things, I don’t not what to do with all of it or how to act. They have been so nice to me.

  “Come on Jessa I’m starved.” Summer said.

  “You’re always hungry. I don’t see how you stay so thin the way you eat.” Jessa giggled.

  They both laughed and headed downstairs to eat lunch. All Jessa could think about was her new laptop. I can’t wait to get started on my book, I know I’ll have to transfer what I have on paper to the laptop and that could take a while. I hope Summer doesn’t have anything planned after lunch I really would like to get started.

  “Mrs. Greyson would you help me sat up my laptop after lunch? I would like to get started typing my book as soon as possible. I just don’t know how to set one up. I mean if Summer doesn’t have anything planned for us to do?” Jessa asked.

  “All I plan on doing after lunch is taking a nap.” Summer yawned.

  “Yes Jessa I will help you.” Mrs. Greyson smiled.

  They quietly finished their lunch. Afterwards Jessa went upstairs to get her laptop and Summer went to take a nap.

  “There really not that hard to set up. You just have to have your email address. Do you have an email address?” Mrs. Greyson asked.

  “No Mrs. Greyson I don’t.” Jessa told her.

  “That’s okay. We’ll just use my computer to get you one setup.”

  “Thank you.” Jessa said.

  After they had gotten Jessa’s email and laptop setup Mrs. Greyson told Jessa she could use the study to work on her book.

  “Jessa may I asked what inspired you to write a novel?” Mrs. Greyson asked

  “My counselor at the orphanage was worried that I wasn’t making friends when I was younger so he thought keeping a journal would help me. I ask him if I could use it to write stories and he told that was a good idea. Then when I was in a foster home for a while I got to go to regular school, my English and reading teacher read some of my stories. After they had read them one of them said I would make a great author one day and the other gave me a book to help perfect my writing. Their encourgment helped me to see that I truly did want to write a novel someday. It took years for me to get started because I didn’t know what to write about. My counselor kept telling me to just let it come to me and one day it did.” Jessa explained.

  “Jessa you are an amazing child, I hope you know that.” Mrs. Greyson told her.

  “I’m not that great Mrs. Greyson.” Jessa told her.

  “Jessa when you finish your book let me know. I have a friend that is and editor and I can help you get a literary agent so you can get your book published.” She told Jessa.

  “Would you really do that Mrs., Greyson?” Jessa asked.

  “Yes. I would love to help you.” She said as she walked out the door.

  Jessa started to cry. She had never had anyone be so supported or even care about what she done. For once in her life she felt like everything was going to be all right, feeling she hadn’t had since her before her parents passed away. Maybe I can really do this Jessa thought as she started typing what she had written.

  It felt like Jessa had been working for hours and she still didn’t have everything transferred to her laptop yet. Maybe I should take a break she thought closing her laptop.

  “Hey Jessa want to watch a movie?” Summer asked as she stepped through the door of the study.

  “Sure.” Jessa said.

  Later that night Jessa was sorry to see the day gone. Tomorrow was Sunday and she would have to find somewhere to sleep for the night. I wish I had a real home she thought as she lay in the bed looking out the window. “Lord Jesus I ask that you please find a home for me a real one. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy like Summer’s home just a real home were I won’t have to move anymore and can have a real bed to sleep in. With someone to care about me. Amen.” Jessa prayed before she went to sleep.

  The next day Summer tried to talk her mom into letting Jessa stay one more night but she told her no. It was a school night and she could stay over next weekend if she wanted. So they dropped Jessa off in front of the mall after Summer told her mom that Jessa’s foster parent would meet her there. Jessa hated that Summer had lied to her mom, but she knew they couldn’t tell her the truth.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Jessa tutored Summer all summer long and was hoping that she would do better in school this year. Summer’s mom was so impressed with Jessa tutoring Summer that she asked her to go on vacation with them. Of course Jessa couldn’t go because Mrs. Greyson insisted that she speak to her foster parents about it herself, so of course Jessa told her she couldn’t go. Jessa instead decided to take the time and work on her book.

  “Jessa come on we are going to be late for our first day of high school.” Summer called from downstairs.

  Summer had insisted that Jessa stay over the night before so they could go to the first day of high school together.

  “I’m coming.” Jessa said.

  When they got to the high school they hurried to the gym for freshmen orientation. Once they got there they waited for their names to be called to get their classes. Once they got their schedules they noticed that the only classes they had together were homeroom and lunch.

  “Can’t believe we didn’t get more classes together.” Summer said.

  “That’s because they went by our grades from last year.” Jessa told her.

  “Oh.” Was all Summer could say.

  “I have all honors classes.” Jessa told her.

  “Well at least we’ll get to see each other in homeroom and at lunch.” Summer said.

  “This is why I told you to get your grades up Summer.”

  They walked to homeroom together talking about Summer’s vacation and Jessa’s book.

  “I’m sorry I missed your birthday Jessa.”

  “It’s okay.” Jessa told her.

  “Mom wants you to come over this weekend so we can have you a little party. If that’s okay with you?”

  “Summer I don’t need a party.” Jessa told her as they entered the classroom.

  “I know, but it was mom’s idea and she want take no for an answer.” Summer said.

  “Fine I’ll be there.” Jessa agreed.

  “Oh and act surprised okay.” Summer said then she turned around.

  The first day of high school was over and Jessa had to admit she really liked the honor classes especially her English call. The teacher Miss. Waters was great and she seemed to love books. Jessa was also pleased that the books she had bought were the same ones she had bought and already read.

  “I still can’t believe we have homework on the first day of school.” Summer complained when they met at their lockers.

  “Oh don’t complain. You knew high school was going to be harder than grade school.” Jessa told her.

  “I know but why.” Summer whined.

  “Just do your homework and please try harder at school this year.” Jessa told her.

  They told each other bye and Jessa went to the public library t
o do her homework and charge her laptop.

  After she had finished her homework and her laptop was charged Jessa headed out to find a place to sleep for the night. The two abandoned houses she use to stay in had been torn down so her only option was to sleep under the bridge which meant she needed to find a place to put her things so they would be safe.

  Jessa decided to go back to the school to see if the doors were still opened so she could put her stuff in her locker.

  She was surprised to find the doors still opened but was glad they were. Now I can slip my stuff in my locker and get out of here she thought. After she had put her things in her locker she turned around and just about knocked Miss. Waters down.

  “I’m so sorry I didn’t see you. Are you alright?” Jessa asked.

  “I’m fine Jessa. But what are you doing back here?” Miss Waters asked.

  “I forgot something in my locker. I was surprised the doors were still unlocked.” Jessa told her.

  “They don’t usually lock the doors until eight or after. There are a couple clubs that meet after school.”

  “Well there is the book club and the young author’s club and many more. I oversee the book club and the young author’s club. Would you be interested in joining either of them?” Miss Waters asked.

  “Both of them actually, what would I have to do?” Jessa asked.

  “For the book club nothing, but you do have to pay a ten dollar due each month for the books they use and you do get to keep the book. For the young author’s club you have to present a short story and see if it passes” she told her.

  “That sounds great! I can give you a short story I have written right now for you to review. I have to see if I’ll have the money for the dues on the book club first and then I can let you know about that one.” Jessa said.

  “Okay then, get me your short story and I’ll review it tonight and give you my answer after class tomorrow.”

  Jessa was so excited that she had forgotten she had put all her stuff in her locker. When Jessa opened her locker Miss Waters thought it was strange to have seen clothes and things like that in it, but she never said anything.

  “Here you go.” She said handing her story to Miss Waters.

  “Thank you.” Miss Waters said.

  Miss Waters had turned to walk away when Jessa called out after her.

  “Yes Jessa?” she asked.

  “What time do they open the doors in the morning?”

  “Two hours before school starts, that way the teachers can get set up before the students get here. Why do you ask?”

  “No reason.” Jessa said as she ran out the doors.

  Now why on earth would she want to know a thing like that Miss Waters thought as she headed back to her classroom. All the students know what time they should be here and why did it look as if everything the girl owned was in her locker. Some kids are a mystery.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Jessa didn’t get a bit of sleep that night. Partly because she was excited about school and partly because some woman kept trying to steal her shoes when she went to sleep. She hurried and got to the school the next morning so she could be there when they opened the doors. If I sneak into the bathroom when no one is looking I can get cleaned up and change clothes she thought as she ran across the street. She didn’t see any one so she decided to make a dash for the bathroom, but when she rounded the corner she ran into someone.

  “Jessa what are you doing? And why are you here so early?” Miss Waters asked as she stood back up.

  “I’m so sorry Miss Waters I didn’t expect anyone to be here. I mean to run into anyone this early.” Jessa said looking at the floor.

  Miss Waters took a step back and looked closely at Jessa. She has one the same clothes as yesterday, her hair is dirty and so is her face and she looks as if she hasn’t had any sleep.

  “Catherine.” One of the other teachers called.

  “I’ll be there in a minute.” Miss Waters called back.

  “I am truly sorry. I promise I’ll start watching where I’m going.” Jessa said.

  “Jessa are you alight? You look as if you have slept under a bridge.”

  Oh no, Jessa thought. What if she suspects something? “I’m fine just had a rough night that’s all.” Jessa said as she walked away.

  Catherine just shook her head and walked away. She sure is an odd child she thought.

  Jessa ran in to the bathroom and after she made sure no one was there she started to get cleaned up. She stopped up one of the sinks and washed her body and face then she washed her hair and changed her clothes. Jessa was attempting to dry her hair with the hand dryer when she heard someone outside the door. She quickly gathered her things and went into one of the stalls. She waited to see if anyone came in before she came out of the stall, after no one did she decided to go put her stuff in her locker and go wait for Summer.

  “You look awful.” Summer told her when she got out of her mom’s car.

  “Thanks a lot.” Jessa grinned.

  “What happened?” Summer asked.

  “I didn’t get much sleep last night. Every time I tried to doze off some woman tried to steal my shoe right off my feet.” Jessa told her.

  “Jessa I’m starting to worry about you. You can’t keep living like this, isn’t there somewhere you can stay?” Summer asked.

  “Like where Summer, where am I supposed to stay?”

  “The church has a shelter for people to sleep at night so they will be safe.” Summer suggested.

  “I know, but when a kid stays they have to call a social worker and then they’ll take me back to the orphanage.” Jessa said.

  “Is it really that bad there? I mean you would be safe, have a roof over your head and food.” Summer said.

  “Summer I can’t believe you just said that. I’m safer homeless than I ever have been there. I mean nothing bad happened at the orphanage, but they just keep placing you in foster homes. I have been beat, raped, starved and abused. So no, I won’t go back there. Besides I can get a job when I turn sixteen, then two years after that I can get my own place.” Jessa explained.

  “I’m sorry Jessa, like I said I just worry about you.”

  “That’s the bell lets go before we are late.” Jessa said as she turned to walk away.

  Jessa’s first two classes seem to drag on forever. I guess it’s were I can’t wait to see if Miss Waters liked my story and I could get into the young author’s club Jessa thought. I hope I do it may help me with my novel. The bell rang and Jessa jumped in her seat.

  “Lost in thought Ms. Parks?” Her math teacher asked.

  “Sorry.” Jessa said as she headed out the door.

  Catherine couldn’t help but notice Jessa when she came in. She doesn’t look like she did when I saw her this morning, she thought. She has on different clothes and her hair is wet. I know she didn’t go all the way back home and shower. Should I ask her? No I had better not, I need to just leave well enough alone.

  “Miss Waters did you get a chance to review my story?” Jessa asked.

  “Yes I did and I must say I was impressed. You have a real gift for writing.” Catherine told her.

  “So did I get into to the club?” Jessa asked.

  “Not just yet. I’m just the overseer of the club, the club president has to make the final decision on new members. Come by the class after school and we will present your paper and statement and you should you should know something tomorrow.”

  “Thank you Miss Waters.”

  Jessa waited patiently all day and it was finally time to go see the club president. Upon entering the room Jessa noticed that all most all of the members were juniors and seniors. There wasn’t one freshman in the whole group. The president told her he would put it to a vote and give her their final decision tomorrow after school.

  Jessa was so excited that she almost forgot her books in the classroom and had to go back to get them.

  “She will never do.” She overheard a girl say.


  “We have had freshman in the club before. How do you think most of us got here.” A boy said.

  “That’s not what I’m talking about and you know it.” The girl said.

  “Then what are you talking about?” ask the boy.

  “You’re going to make me say it aren’t you. Fine she doesn’t belong in this club, look at her she looks like a homeless person you would meet on the street. Who would take us serious with someone like her in our group? No one would that’s who.”

  “That’s enough. Shall we put it to a vote?” Jessa heard the club president say.

  “I for one vote yes.” The boy said.

  Jessa heard a bunch of the kids say no.

  “That’s it then. She will not be joining our club. I let Miss Waters know and she can tell her tomorrow.” said the president.

  That broke Jessa’s heart into. She ran out the crying. They won’t let me in their stupid club because how I look, Jessa thought. That’s fine who needs them anyway.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The next day at school before Miss Waters had a chance to tell her she wasn’t accepted into the club Jessa decided to tell her she didn’t won’t to join the club. She told her that she had changed her mind and was more interested in just doing her work and studying.

  In away Catherine was relieved that Jessa had decided not to join. Now she didn’t have to tell her she wasn’t accepted. Although I don’t understand why she wasn’t, Catherine thought. She is a better writer than most of the kids that are in the club. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you hoped they would.

  Over the next three weeks Catherine found herself liking Jessa more and more. Jessa was quit, shy and was an excellent writer, but something seemed off about her. She would come to school most times wearing the same clothes and looking as if she had hardly slept. Maybe something was going on at home.

  “Jessa may I see you after class?” Catherine asked

  “Yes Miss Waters.” Jessa said.