Lalainad1301's amazing story about Tree got me thinking (and dreaming!) about this scenario!
Tree had agreed to take in her 12 year old niece, Alyssa. Her mum had died a few years ago and since then her dad had struggled with raising a child. He had never been a great parent anyway – when her Mum was alive he let her do all the parenting and since she had been gone, Alyssa had pretty much raised herself. Alyssa was suffering from an eating disorder though and her dad couldn't cope. He said she needed stability that he couldn't offer anymore and it was this or the foster system, but he knew she would die in there. He loved her but he was no good for her.
Tree had agreed immediately – there was no way she was going to let her enter the foster system but it was still going to be an adjustment. She felt terrible for Alyssa – being dragged away from her friends, her school, her home but she knew she could offer her a healthy, stable, loving home.
Alyssa arrived on Tuesday. She had obviously been to Tree's house hundreds of times before over the years and she knew both the woman and the house well, but she still felt uncomfortable knowing this was her home now.
Tree had been preparing for the last couple of weeks – the girl's room was all set out and made up. The cupboards were stocked with healthy snacks to try and entice the girl into eating.
Most of Alyssa's belongings had been sent ahead and Tree had sorted through them – making sure she was good to go. On Tuesday, Alyssa just arrived with a suitcase of last minute essentials. When she got there – Tree helped her unpack that before they headed downstairs.
Alyssa felt a bit awkward, not really knowing what to say or do. She didn't want to be a bother, so she just sat, slightly stiffly on the sofa.
Tree sat next to her – a comforting hand on her knee "Honey – I know this is tough – being dragged away from your life. I know it wasn't your choice but I hope you can be happy here. I want to try and make it as painless as possible..."
Alyssa looked down, a soft smile on her face "thanks Tree..."
The redhead sat up slightly straighter though "we do need to talk though, ok?"
Alyssa gulped slightly, before nodding.
Tree smiled softly at her, her voice calm and soothing "I am so happy to have you with me, but there are rules..."
Alyssa nodded and Tree spoke up again "You need to be in bed by 9.30 during the week, 10 at weekends..."
Alyssa shrugged "that's fair..."
Tree continued on, listing off the rules "I don't want you to have devices at night. At 8.30 I want your phone and iPad in the kitchen to charge please..."
Alyssa bit her lip, not wanting to upset her already "But, I use it as an alarm!"
Tree shrugged "You don't need it – you have an alarm clock in your room and I will come in and wake you up too. As you get older – get more settled, this can be renegotiated but for now? I want a good routine"
Alyssa nodded, her body slumping "OK..."
Tree laughed loudly "I promise it's not going to kill you to have it away from you at night..."
Alyssa shrugged "I just liked listening to music sometimes when I can't sleep."
Tree thought about it for a few seconds "We can see how it goes – if it is just for music – I can figure something out for you. I just don't want you scrolling or chatting away for hours. Healthy sleep is important."
