Critique Party #4

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Falling to Normal, a contemporary YA novel by Alicia Gregoire.

For years, I had envisioned my juvie release under various scenarios: fanfare, nonexistent diplomatic immunity, and the detention center’s spontaneous combustion to name a few, but never as part of something so routine as scheduling my annual holiday retreat. I sat in Director Lady’s state-approved office with my uncle, Andy, to discuss my two full days away with the LaSalle clan. My mother’s brother had been my guardian for the last four and a half years. Not that he had an opportunity to flex guardian muscle since for the entire duration I was locked up for one life-altering mistake.

That mistake temporarily escaped my mind while I wrapped my head around the fact that that I was – for lack of a better term –no longer a ward of the State.

I looked at Andy, who nodded once. He sat next to me, both of us across from Director Lady’s way-too-cluttered metal desk. He wore what he called “business casual,” which meant khakis and no tie. His dark auburn hair was combed back, but overdue for a haircut; it made his face look gaunter. The director and I were both in jeans – mine the worse for wear. She also had on sandals with no socks. In December. In New England. During a Nor’easter.

Since departure was in my very near future, I forgave the terrible shoe choice.

“I’m done?” The giddiness in my voice ruined the calm I tried to project. Damn.

“In a week. The paperwork needs to be processed and we want you to ease in,” she said. “This is a probation period, Cheyenne. Your therapist has voiced his concerns regarding this move.”