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Abnormal. It’s all in how you look at it, right?
For me, Rose Graham, normal is taking care of other people. Like my mom, who tends not to get out of bed. For days at a time. And like my sister, who has Down Syndrome. Since we don’t have a dad at home, I’m basically it–the most capable and together person in my family.
Sure, I’ve had some adventures. Like the time I really, really wanted to show Dani what a school was like. So I dressed us up in clothes from the Goodwill bin–they were nice, honest!–waltzed into the local elementary school, and told the hall monitors that we were observers from the Special Needs Foundation of Pennsylvania. Trouble was, this teacher came out, took one look at us, and started reading us the riot act for being where we didn’t belong. We had to rush into the girls’ restroom and climb out the window to keep from getting reported to Social Services.
Then there was the time Dani and I shoplifted lunch from our local deli. Our mistake that time was stealing salami. It’s the smelliest meat in the world, but Dani loves it. As we paid for our cover food–discount candy bars–the totally-gorgeous cashier kept sniffing the air and glaring me up and down for telltale bulges. Smart me, I’d stuffed the salami into the front pocket of my overalls, a spot that’s gotten pretty bulgy in the past year or two anyway. He didn’t dare to look at me too hard there, not with his girlfriend watching him, so we got out.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not proud of shoplifting. I try to teach Dani that stealing is bad. But you have to weigh your priorities. Who needs the food more: a store, or a hungry little girl? When Dani’s crying because we don’t have food in the house, my values get clear fast. I’ve got to find her food. I’ve got to take care of my family.
In the end, that’s what got me. I stole from a different store, and the police came, and then Social Services. We went to foster care in this ritzy-ditzy community. And life got so-called normal, fast. Except I’m wondering: does a first day of high school, or a first crazy teen party, or a first kiss, ever really feel normal?
Find out what happens to Rose next in MY ABNORMAL LIFE by Lee McClain.
Good
Luck Spells for the New Year
Celebrity Secrets
Egyptian
Spa-tacuolar Spotlight
Emily's
virtual tour of Paris
Valentine Spotlight
Thanksgiving / Amy Kaye Spotlight
Spotlight on You Are SO Cursed!
Spotlight on My Alternate Life
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