The Banks Dynasty - Day 3 (Part 2)

We notice that Ms. Fuller has decorated the house when we return home from school. The decorations are pretty, but I can’t help but think that Ms. Fuller is taking a big risk putting out decorations, because people in our neighborhood love to steal.

I enter the house and see that Ms. Fuller is holding a little toddler. I’d almost forgotten that she announced that we’d be getting a new addition. Ms. Fuller introduces him to me...

Ms. Fuller: Alida, this is Darwin. He’ll be staying with us for a while.

I get a good look at him. He’s a cute little thing, but I don’t have time to stick around. I head to my room to take off my school uniform.

I change into my play clothes, fully intending on going to drama club like I’m supposed to...but on the way, I change my mind. I decide to go and see what Raul is up to instead. Making sure that the coast is clear...I duck down so Ms. Fuller can’t see me out the window and sneak out the back gate to the empty lot.

Instead of finding Raul there, I see Claudia. She’s sitting on the couch with some boy. I guess Raul isn’t the only one who takes advantage of the empty lot whenever possible.

Since Raul isn’t in the lot, I’m twice as curious as to where he might be. I remember Ms. Fuller telling us not to go to the park next to the empty lot. Based on that information, I’m almost 100% sure that’s where Raul is. I head next door to see.

I could have walked through the abandoned lot which would have been like a short cut, but I didn’t want Claudia to know that I was skipping out on drama club...so I take the long way around through the sleazy motel that sits right next door to Ms. Fuller’s.

To get to the park, I have to pass the dirty pool, where an old man is currently taking a swim. I couldn’t imagine getting into that water. I quicken my pace and keep moving.

Raul is right where I expected him to be. His friend Pierce is off to the side pouring syrup and flour all over the ground. I guess sneaking off to forbidden places and making messes is their idea of fun.

Raul: *surprised* What are you doing here? I thought you had drama club today.

Alida: I do, but I didn’t feel like going.

Raul seems to like that.

Raul: Cool...you want to swing?

Alida: Sure

I turn and make it a point to beat Raul to the swings.