Page 89 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"You don't need to apologize for it.For someone like me, it's good to know the kind of relationships you have exist in the world."She smiled."That the girls have so many uncles, who I have no doubt would lay down their lives for them."
"They would."
"The girls lost their mom.But they still had you.And they had a whole big family.They still have them.But anyway — I didn't mean to dwell on that.I said I'd share some with you.So, there you go.I've shared.Any questions?"
"I have.I have so many questions, but I'll start with — what did you mean by the last two years?That you were in a girls' home for the last two years."
"I aged out at eighteen.That's the way it works."
He frowned."And what happens then?"
"Not much.At the age of eighteen, you're considered an independent adult."
Emmett closed his eyes."So, you were just three years older than Alana is now when you were left to fend for yourself in the world?"
"I don't want to be dramatic about it.They equip you as well as they can.They offer courses and things.And in the city, there was a network who offered support.But, yeah...I didn't...It's hardly surprising to me that so many kids who age out of foster care end up on the streets."
"Shit.That's horrible."
"It is.But unfortunately, it's just a fact of life."
"Not one I think I could ever get used to."
"It's surprising what you can get used to when you have to.But anyway.I do what I can for the kids who are in that situation now.And as for me — I was fortunate that my parents had money.I was able to put myself through college."
"But with no support?"he asked.
"I told you, I had money."
"I don't mean that.I mean...no one to help you.No one at your back.No one you could turn to."
She gave him a sad smile."No, none of that.I'm afraid that's something money can't buy."
"Shit, Harper.I'm sorry."
"Don't say that.I did fine.I'm not telling you to make you feel sorry for me."
"I'm not saying I feel sorry for you.I'm sorry you had to go through that."
She shrugged."Hey, it made me who I am.And I'm not that terrible, am I?"
He shook his head with a smile."You're not terrible.You already know that I think you're an amazing woman."
"Why, thank you."She pretended to preen a little, and he chuckled.
"I'm getting used to how you like to brush things off.But I'm glad you shared."
She nodded."Me too.Not many people know that about me.Shelley does, of course.I think you know we met in college.At freshman orientation, as a matter of fact."
"I'm glad you have her.That you have a friendship that's lasted a long time."
"Oh, I am too.Shelley's the closest thing to family I’ve had since my parents."
"But..."
She waited for him to continue, but he shook his head.
"Go on, you can ask me anything.That seems to be what this evening's about, isn't it?"
