[center]Clinic (Physical Health) – Ground Floor, Residential Building 1:33 PM – Andrew Rhodes (Hope Daly)[/center] After showing violent bruising on her arms, Hope broke into tears. She cried while Georgiana comforted her. Andrew gave the doctor a look of concern, asking her what’s wrong without words. Georgiana shook her head, telling him whatever it is it’s nothing good. They exchange few more glances, communicating in silence. Andrew sighed and waited for Hope to calm down before probing further. He reminisced on the time she arrived in the shelter two years ago. A quiet kid but beaming with a hidden sun. On her very first day she took up residency. Andrew thought she would have a hard time fitting in but it hasn’t been a problem. She even volunteered to buddy a couple of new residents, one even grew fond of her. Her studies and training are going great and there wasn’t anything concerning that pop up during her therapy sessions. Her past and reason for running remains vague but that’s usual. Open Roads don’t force the kids to reveal anything about themselves that they are not comfortable sharing. When Hope finally calmed down enough, Andrew began: “Hope... You have to tell us what’s wrong so we can help you. Right now we’re in the blue and we’re worried. We can only expect the worst and the scares me and Georgiana here. Please Hope, tells us what’s wrong...” --- [center]Andrew Rhodes’ Office – Welcome Building 5:12 PM – Andrew Rhodes (Erika Sutherland)[/center] Erika remained standing despite Andrew’s seat offer. He listened to her response which sounded more like a court statement than anything else. Erika was reminded him of his mother while she rehearsed her speech for the jury or while she tried to convince his principal/arresting officer during his teenage years. Andrew’s mother was the type never to back down. Andrew’s mother is also the type who’ll prove you wrong than right but that’s part of her job description, being a Prosecutor. It made her lethal in court but lousy as a mother. The senior case worker was accustomed to such speeches that he let her tone slide. He took mental notes while she spoke. “On the matter of blatant favoritism, may I point out that your roommate, Jessica Hughes, have more noteworthy incidents than the new resident you’ve engage with this afternoon. Your ‘disapproval’ of her behavior has yet to show, this’ assuming that your morals agrees with the rules we impose in Open Roads. Unlike Jessica, the new resident has yet to give grounds for us to act upon. Anything asides clear violation of the rules impose in Open Roads are the guests’ and residents’ prerogative. And while we’re on the subject, we are more lenient with newer residents until they are accustomed to the rules since most of them come from unstable households. Rules to them are as foreign as French to me. You, on the other hand, have been with us for nearly a year hence we let her slide and gave you a warning. Before deeming Open Roads as incompetent, you should praise your opposition for taking the moral high ground, which you proudly think you’re standing on, and walked away. Security arrived just after the commotion and if anything would have happened, I can assure you, it would have been dealt with accordingly. Regarding the confiscation your property, it may be returned to you under the conditions of personal improvement. Unless you reject residency in Open Roads, your laptop will remain in private storage until Mr. Harper and I decided you’ve achieved your goal. I find your sudden interest on the welfare of other residents and the shelter rather intriguing since during the time you had your laptop, you were apathetic towards both. Care to explain?” --- [center]Howard Brown’s Office – Welcome Building 5:34 PM – Howard Brown (Callie Evans)[/center] The girl in front of him leaned forward, snuffed her cigarette on the ashtray, and then leaned back. Crossing her arms as if to protect herself. Howard waited patiently. He subtly check his watch and noted that their appointment was coming to a close. Callie began by looking at Howard’s eyes directly. Asides from the brief glances she gave, this was the first time she maintained eye contact. She spoke and the case worker listened. Howard was used to rough and violent kids. Rule breakers, bullies and gansta wannabies. Kids who much rather talk with their fists than their words. He knows how to handle them. He knows when to be strict and when to be lenient. This was his first meeting with Callie and from the way she talked and behave, Howard concluded that she wasn’t exactly like the usual kids he deals with. “You must see Cal, that the kids here don’t belong either. The other residents feel exactly the same way you do, out of place. Some of them were homeless from birth or became homeless. Others run away from their homes due to neglect or abuse. Kids come to us from all walks of life, from riches to rags. All of them are lost and all of them bring their demons along. Honestly, can you blame them? They don’t know anything else and maybe it’s their old habits, may it be drugs, violence or any addictions that keeps them grounded. As they say ‘old habits die hard.’ A safe haven for such kids wouldn’t exactly be paradise.” Howard let his last sentence hang in the air for a moment. “The girl you fought with this afternoon was Erika. As you have notice, she comes from a well off family. She has been with us for nearly a year. We don’t have that many kids who’re on the same status as her. She’s more likely to seclude herself than interact with other kids since, well, they can’t relate to her. You were just unfortunate to catch her in the wrong mood. She’s has a sharp tongue so it’s quite admirable that you showed restraint. But do you think she feels like she belong here?” Howard glanced his watch, 5:45 PM. “I guess we should wrap things up. I’ll inform Sarah to print out your new schedule. And if you don’t mind any homework, I would like you to think about your goals in life and next week, let’s talk about it.” The case worker gave her a smile.