Are We Out Of The Woods Yet?(A Taylor Swift Adoption Story)

Decisions

Amara's POV:

The meeting is in full force and decisions are being rapidly thrown at me. 

The process is simple. Maxine tells Taylor's lawyer something, Taylor's lawyer relays that back to Taylor and I ,and we either veto it or approve it.

I haven't smiled or really even looked at Taylor since we've gotten into this room, and the reason is that I'm partially mad at her.

Well mad and upset.

I guess I'm also mad at myself. I was so quick to let her in my life and learn my secrets. I've let her take control over me; something I promised myself I would never let anyone do again. I let her take control and then she made the decision to not let me in a meeting that determined my future. That stings.

I turn my attention back to the discussion as the topic of school comes up, and I eagerly listen. I haven't been able to go to school since Syria which was over a year ago. School was my favorite place and my safe haven. I had friends, I had recess, we sometimes had art.. Well of course that was before.. Well you know.

For the first time since I've sat down, I chime into the conversation:

"I want to go to school!! I've been there before.. Well in Syria but it can't be much different!! I want to meet new people!! I want to make friends again!!"

I can't help it as my face stretches into a grin at the prospect of being able to go back. I glance around the circle eagerly, but my grin drops as I see Maxine and Taylor exchange looks. For the first time tonight I look at Taylor, and sighing she looks at me in pity before tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I look at her in dismay before shifting my gaze to the rest of the circle.

"I can go to school can't I?"

Taylor's lawyer,Caroline, opens her mouth before Maxine cuts in:

"Amara we don't feel like public school is the best option for you. You are very.. gifted..., and therefore the best option to truly maximize your education would be school through a tutor. It's either that or you can choose to continue your education at the CIA center.. But you'll be away from Taylor".

I can feel my eyes start to well up in tears:

"Are those my only options?"

Maxine and Taylor both respond with nods.

"I can't go to regular school because I'm not normal... Isn't that right?"

This time Taylor cuts in speaking in this gentle voice:

"In what we've been discussing, with this tutor thing you get to pick any electives you want.. Anddd you can do your schoolwork at your own pace... And you get off school immediately after you finish your work!! So you have so much free time to do extra stuff!! Amara believe me when I say that this is a much better option.. I should know.. I was homeschooled and public schooled".

I look at her upset but slightly satisfied with her answer before I remember something:

"But Taylor.. Tutoring doesn't let me make friends or sit in class with them or play outside with them".

Just like that my grief filled expression is back, and looking at Taylor, she clearly has no idea what to say. Maxine takes this opportunity to jump in, and examining her nails she starts to talk in this slightly presumptuous tone:

"Well you do have the option of the CIA school... There are kids your age there and you can make friends".

I'm so done with Maxine. I don't have any interest in becoming a CIA crony, and I tell her that as she purses her lips. Before the conversation can get any more heated, Taylor's lawyer pulls out a paper and passes it to Maxine and her coworkers. They scan it over and approve it before giving it back. The paper is then passed to Taylor and I, and quickly I sign the sheet before Taylor signs. Just like that, I've now willingly submitted myself into this tutor education program.