Runaways (Orphans 5)

"What did she say?" Crystal followed.

"She's finding out what has to be done, but there is a good chance it could happen. How do you all feel about it?"

No one spoke for a moment.

"We would feel very happy for her," Crystal finally said. "We're not going to be together much longer anyway, Tommy We're all reaching eighteen soon and then we'll be cut loose from the system. Butterfly deserves to find a loving home before that happens."

"That's very generous of you, girls. I wish we could take you all, but that would be much more difficult to make happen and I have a feeling you would all rather be where there is more action: a better chance for education for you Crystal, some place where there is more opportunity for you, Raven, and I've heard Brooke talk a lot about California and some guy she wants to call soon. Maybe you should check in with him now," he added, reaching into his pocket to produce a handful of change. "Let him know you're all right, huh?"

I looked at the money as if it were gold and then I looked toward the pay phone.

"Go for it," Raven said.

It didn't take a second offer. I was up in a split second. Todd answered the phone on the first ring.

"I just happened to be sitting in my office," he said. "Where are you?"

I told him as much as I could squeeze into two minutes and then promised him I would call him as soon as I knew where I was going.

"Wherever it is, Brooke, I'll be there," he swore. "I really miss you."

"Me too," I said.

Everyone had a big, silly grin on their face when I returned to the table.

"Well?" Raven asked.

"Betty Lou is just waiting for directions," I replied and Raven laughed. Crystal smiled and hugged me. "Thank you, Tommy," I said.

"Thank you, girls. You helped give me back my 'Nita. Make no mistake about it, we need Butterfly more than she needs us," he said with tears in his eyes.

We all had tears in our eyes.

Butterfly was waiting for us when we returned. Tommy went into the office with Anita and Mrs. Wilson and continued their discussions. Papers were being sent through fax machines. The process was under way.

"Anita wants me to stay with her," Butterfly told us.

"We know, Butterfly," Crystal said. "That's wonderful if you want it, too. Do you?"

"Yes," she said, "but I don't want to have to leave all of you."

"It's not like you won't see us again," Raven said comfortingly.

"As soon as we can, we'll come visit. Tommy's already invited us," Crystal added.

"Really?"

"Yes, really," I said.

She smiled.

"I'm going to take care of the pony myself," she said.

All of us laughed and hugged her.

Finally, Tommy, Anita and Mrs. Wilson emerged from the office. Arrangements had been made. Butterfly could stay while things were being formalized.

"What about us?" Crystal asked.