105: 𝙴𝚖𝚙𝚝𝚢
Wherever Zoey was... Nova hoped with all her might it was better than this.
In her situation, orphan, criminal record, daughter of a notorious criminal... It was surprising they found a place for her at all.
Late that night, Nova was driven to a big building with only a bag of her own possessions.
A group home.
A big one at that, there were some group homes that were in houses with a max of ten kids led by a living family. This wasn't one of those. It was a cold professional looking building, one that Nova could tell housed several foster kids.
Thankfully it was still close enough to UA that she didn't need to be transferred. Although she'd probably have to take a bus now. That or wake up extremely early to get there on time.
Nova hoped the social worker meant it when she told Zoey she'd have a real home with a family. That she wouldn't become just a name on a list of kids in a building like this.
Nova was rushed in and met by a woman who looked tired and aggravated. There were some discussions by the adults, some paperwork. Nova didn't know exactly what they were doing, she never cared much about the process.
It was late. Actually it was early. The sun would rise on a new day in just an hour or two. Nova wasn't going to UA tomorrow, Aizawa had assured her not to worry about that yet. Not with everything going on.
He had been a steady presence for as long as possible. Until her and Zoey were taken to a separate station before saying goodbye. Aizawa stayed there with mic, and Nova could still remember the regretful look he had on his face.
The woman, presumably the manager of the home approached Nova. Who sat in a chair in the foyer of the house.
She immediately seemed rather stern, slicked back hair. Neat despite the late hour. Stiff in stature, an inch or two shorter than Nova. But she made up for it in intimidation.
"You look a mess. And you're still wearing your uniform. Shower and I'll show you to your bunk." The woman said, giving no pleasantries or introduction. Nova was too tired to fight or argue.
Following her with the bag.
"The other kids will be up in a matter of hours. I think it would be best if you aren't seen until I can announce your presence." The woman drawled as they walked towards the showers. "I don't want them to be... Stunned. Obviously you are aware of the distress your name itself causes."
Nova stayed silent. Looking around. The facility seemed fairly large. Bigger than any she'd ever been in before. Seemed more like an orphanage than a group home. She could see through the window, another building with the same design connecting with this one.
"We separate our children four ways. Half are divided between two buildings. You'll be in building B. Remember that. Building B is separated between the male and female bunks. There will be no romantic or sexual fraternizing between the two genders. Is that clear?"
"Yes." Nova nodded. Not like she was planning on 'Fraternizing' with anyone .
"Yes Ma'am." The woman strictly corrected. "I have little tolerance for disrespect."
"Sorry, yes Ma'am." Nova nodded.
"You won't be required to go to school in the morning. You'll spend that time getting acquainted with the grounds and catching up on rest. Then you'll join the others after dinner and be assigned your chores. You will earn your keep just like everyone else. I won't have any freeloaders, here we strive to teach responsibility and work ethic."
The woman stopped at a door and opened it up. Nova saw a bathroom with plenty of sinks, stalls and showers. Obviously made for multiple people to use at one time.
"You'll find towels in the closet, along with soaps and feminine hygiene products."
Nova nodded, looking around slowly.
"Get as clean and presentable as... Well as you possibly can. Make sure to change into more casual wear, but not lounge clothes yet." The woman instructed, she turned but then stopped at the door. "My Name is Miss Prudence. You'll address me as either that or simply Ma'am. Come to my office down the hall once you're done."
"Yes ma'am." Nova nodded. The name seemed to match this woman perfectly. Nova wouldn't have any trouble remembering it.
Prudence left Nova alone. The door to the bathroom closed with a thud that echoed loudly. Suddenly, Nova was alone again. She stood there, her mind slowly catching up with the events of the past week. Slowly she started to wake up from her numb trace and realize what happened...
She... Lost Zoey.
It didn't seem possible, or right in any way. Zoey wasn't here with her... She wasn't safe in their home, she wasn't at school waiting for Nova to pick her up. She was... Gone. Shipped away to God knows where, to a family that Nova couldn't trust because she didn't KNOW them.
She slowly dropped her bag and walked through the room. It was cold and empty besides the facilities. It looked like how Nova felt. Every step she made echoed through the room, she felt like she had to be quiet but she also didn't think that was possible. With each step her new reality sunk in.
This was her home now.
Not the small cramped bathroom in her old one. Where the water ran cold after just a few minutes or showering. Not the bathroom where the counter and shower is covered in soaps and toys for Zoey. It didn't have a stained shower curtain or a slightly smelly mat to dry your feet.
Nova hadn't realized just how comfortable Karon's home was... Until she was forced to leave it.
She turned on the shower and got water hit her back. How long would it take before it ran cold? Would it ever? She didn't know and that made her uneasy. Nothing here seemed to be comfortable, the type of comfort that came with the expected.
How many kids were here?
Two buildings full. Nova was a stranger to them all. How many of them would fear her? How many would make her life hell? There wouldn't be a single person to understand her would there?
She was alone.
She found herself wishing she didn't have to skip school in the morning. That she could run to UA, her final sanctuary.
But she didn't think she had much of a choice.
The hot water hit her back and ran down to her legs. Scorching her pale skin. She let it soak her hair and run over her face, closing her eyes as her tears began to join it. She couldn't stop herself once she started. Once everything sank in like the water absorbed into her hair and skin.
She shouldn't have let Zoey go. She should have held onto her, faught anyone who got close to pulling her away. She should have done everything possible to keep her in her arms. Safe.
Now her arms where empty. She had no one to wrap them around. She had...
Nothing.
A/N: I apologize
Not for the angst, but the last five chapters have been nothing but moping and crying.
If you're bored that's okay, I am too ngl
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