Mirrors Lie

By Dream Summore

Mirrors Lie is an inspirational drama telling Antoinette Rodgers’ story about unforeseen circumstances landing her in foster care. She relies on her aspirations of playing in the WNBA. Antoinette Rodgers, known by everyone as Toni, is a stunning, vibrant, young girl. She is torn between what she knows to be true and her dream of being a basketball star, and she meets Money Mike, who is a famous rap artist.

Money Mike introduces Toni to a fantasy life of money, fame, and glamour. Toni becomes addicted to this new way of life. She turns away from her dreams and falls into a downward spiral of destructive behavior. Will Toni be able to find her way back, discover true love, and fulfill her dream? Or, is it too late for Toni’s dreams to become reality?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adrienna D Turner
• Release date: Apr 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781945822032

Dream Summore

Adrienna Turner writes as Dream Summore, debuting her Young Adult and New Adult novel, Mirrors Lie. She plans to create a series with another saga, titling the second one "Mirrors Broken."She is a North Chicago, IL (Great Lakes Naval Base) native. She has embraced writing at the early age of eleven as a catharsis, finding it healing and therapeutic. She writes to heal the younger generation of issues often overlooked by elders.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A loud bang on the front door woke Antoinette, who rose from her bed and rushed into the living room to find her mother passed out on the brown floral-patterned couch with an empty 40-ounce bottle of malt liquor lying on the shabby, yellowish carpet just below her dangling fingertips.

Slowly opening the door just a crack, Antoinette rubbed the sleep from her eyes and squinted from the bright sunlight. Seeing the police officer, she wondered if he was coming to arrest her mother for child neglect. Could they do that?

Hello. Is your mother home? The officer’s voice was stern.

Antoinette read the name on his badge, Officer Spears. She saw the welfare woman on his left side and another man on his right. Oh, naw, Momma! They are not taking me out of this house again. I will not go to another foster home! She screamed inside.

Yes. What is this about? Antoinette sassed. Her heart raced; she didn’t want to let them in. She thought of how most of the actors responded in the detective movies when a cop asked for someone. She blurted out, Do you have a warrant?

Excuse me, Antoinette. Remember me? I’m Mrs. Smith, your caseworker for the Department of Social Welfare and Housing. We’ve been notified that you haven’t been attending school. I have your school records, supplied by your school administrator here, Mr. Zhang. We have a right to speak to your mother, and your phone is disconnected. Mrs. Smith slightly raised the black leather briefcase at her side and shuffled for paperwork to pull out.

Toni saw this numerous times when Mrs. Smith came to visit. She always shuffles through her papers to show Momma something and then pulls out something else.

Today was no different. Toni again heard Mrs. Smith sigh and watched her eyes flare with anger.

I know who you are, Mrs. Smith! I don’t have to answer to you or no cop, Antoinette snapped. She tried to shut the door, but the police officer pushed it back open and stepped inside of the home with Mrs. Smith and Mr. Zhang following close behind.

The stench of mildew, spoiled food, dirty clothes, and trash filled the kitchen and living room. Mrs. Smith held her breath as she stepped inside, eyeing the pizza boxes and clothes scattered all over the place. She cringed as she saw the bugs crawling over the moldy pizza. Her face showed her disgust, and a low ugh escaped her lips.

Antoinette’s mother was laying on the couch, with her bed head uncombed and matted. She wore a yellowed white t-shirt with red panties, covered in filth. Her hung-over body slouched on the end of the raggedy couch. Officer Spears kicked the 40-ounce bottle near her fingers and yelled, Ma’am, wake up!

Startled by the blaring male voice, Elaine woke from her sleep and blinked her eyes open, slurring her words as she waved her hands hysterically. Who’re you? What you doin’ in my house? Toni, get these people outa’ my ‘ouse!

Mrs. Smith kicked one foot in front of the other to try to clear a path and brushed dirt and debris with her hand before sitting down in front of Elaine in a kitchen chair she’d carried into the living room. She shook her head and wiped her hands on towelette wipe after digging it out of her purse, and laid it on the table next to her. Elaine sat upright, eyes bleary, to listen to the social worker.

Then, Mrs. Smith opened her briefcase and took out the school records. She marked her paperwork with X’s, quickly scribbling notes on the left side for her records, as she spoke in a professional demeanor. After witnessing your living conditions and reviewing your daughter’s school records, which show she has not been in school for over a month, I can see that we will need to take some action. You are still receiving social security and welfare benefits, but you did not abide by your obligations to keep receiving those benefits. Now, we will have to require you to attend family counseling and drug and alcohol rehabilitation on a weekly basis instead of monthly. And your daughter will be placed in a safe environment until you are stabilized.

What th’ hell, Mrs. Smith? What you mean a ‘safe ’vir’ment?’ You got us this place, ‘member? You wanted us out o’ that rat-hole apartment and here! Elaine realized that she was slurring as she spoke. She slowed. Or…did I…get…that…all…mixed…up?

Look, we tried to work with you so many times in the past. We’ve asked you to go to parenting and anger management classes. Now, it’s obvious you’ve resorted back to using substances for comfort. I have been assigned to your case for over five years, and I’m well aware of your status. I believed you changed and wouldn’t go back, but I was wrong. This is sad. Toni, you will be placed in a group home. Mrs. Smith remained cordial.

No! I don’t belong in that place. You know I don’t. When you sent me to that foster home when I was younger, they almost adopted me. You know that the cops had to remove that man out of the home after what he did to me when I was little. All you do is quote what’s in your files! Plus, I don’t want these people hearing all my business, Antoinette said, as she pointed to the officer and Mr. Zhang. You say that you want families to remain together. I’d rather stay home with my mother than be put in another foster home or group home. Please, Mrs. Smith, don’t let them do this to me. She’s better than she was. She just had one relapse. Toni whined and slapped her hand on her leg. She was pissed. She felt like she was backed into a tight corner and unable to escape the state’s decision on her welfare. Tears welled in Toni’s eyes, but she held them back, wishing she could run out of the house before the police officer could restrain her. She clasped her hands tightly and cracked her knuckles. Where would I go?

Toni, why haven’t you been in school? Mrs. Smith asked, ready to mark her paperwork as she stared at Toni, waiting for a response.

Toni wanted to ignore her. What explanation would be good enough to answer this woman’s question? She thought.

Mrs. Smith lightly tapped her ink pen on the sheet of paper on top of the briefcase sitting on her lap, leaving black dots near the margins she used to jot her notes. Toni, answer my question, Mrs. Smith insisted.

Does it matter? I had to look after my mother! Toni said forcefully. Officer Spears shook his head in disgust and folded his arms.

Toni watched as Mr. Zhang sat on a chair adjacent to Elaine. He’s not making eye contact with either of us. Not Mom, not me.

He muttered, in a low voice, Let's wrap this up so I can make a stop at Starbucks.

Toni ignored his comment since her life was in jeopardy. But Officer Spears must have heard Mr. Zhang's muttering and chuckled lightly. He nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Smith added, You were an honor roll student. I know this may be hard on you, but for now, this is for the best. We are looking out for your interest. Are you still taking your medication? Mrs. Smith kept staring at her paperwork and writing notes, not paying any attention to Toni or seeming to care that Toni’s anxiety was etched all over her face.

Toni rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe this woman. How could Mrs. Smith walk in our home and tell us what she can do to our family? She only wants to split us apart and then wants us to believe she cares about us because she has been on our case for a few years. What authority does she truly have? The thoughts raced through Toni’s head. Her stomach churned, and she felt her head spinning. They can’t do this to me. No way!

What, that darn Zoloft for depression? I’m not depressed. I just want to be home with my mother. You promised that I wouldn’t have to go back once I kept my grades up and went to school." Toni screamed.

Mr. Zhang and Officer Spears kept glancing back at Elaine and then Toni. Their faces were stern and lifeless, not even a half-smile.

Mrs. Smith patiently reiterated the problem, You didn’t keep your grades up, and you haven’t attended school as you were supposed to. This is why we’re here, sweetie. Would you like me to show you that you’re failing in all your classes due to your absence?

Toni pouted and rolled her eyes again while Mrs. Smith was looking. She folded her hands under her armpits, wrinkled her nose, and furrowed her brows, wondering why adults were so worried about her business and whereabouts. I can’t wait until I’m eighteen, and the State of Illinois no longer has any say about me! Toni blew air out of her mouth. She raised her shoulders and cracked her knuckles again. The tension inside her made her want to smack Mrs. Smith. But she knew better; she’d get arrested on the spot and end up in juvenile detention. Toni sized Mrs. Smith up, scanning her from top to bottom. Her moderately priced suit was probably from Macy’s. Her shiny black leather pumps had worn-down heels, and her hair was pinned into a tight bun as if she were a guardian angel in disguise.

Toni wondered if Mrs. Smith had ever lived in the ghetto, or if she was ever forced to survive on housing assistance and welfare. Did she ever have to use a Quest card to buy food? But she turns her nose up at those less fortunate; like she’s better. I wish Mrs. Smith would just leave! Get out of our lives!

Officer Spears looked at them, waiting for the order from Mrs. Smith to remove the mother from the home before any altercations could take place. She said the word and he made his move, walking toward Elaine on the couch. Things transpired so quickly. Elaine screamed. She was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she could stay, but her words meant nothing to the officer or Mrs. Smith. Again and again, she pleaded and begged, sobbing, Please, don’t do this, Mrs. Smith. Please! Give me another chance! One more chance, please … pluheese … pleazzze … pretty please, just one more chance! I’ll change. I promise. I’ll do right. I’ll be right! Let us stay!

* * *

Officer Spears patiently waited for Elaine while she dressed. She didn’t resist beyond her pleading outburst because she wanted her baby. They already saw me half-dressed, and my hair a mess, she thought and lowered her head in disgust.

Toni saw the tears run from the corners of her mother’s eyes as the cop ushered her to the squad car.

Inside the house, Mrs. Smith waited for Toni to pack her things and get dressed so she could transport her to New Hope Group Home. As she watched Toni, Mrs. Smith repeated, This is for your future well-being. We want the best for you.

Antoinette attempted to suppress Mrs. Smith’s words in her mind, but they kept beating in her head like a drum over and over again. Only want the best for the system, to find an excuse to cut my mother off the welfare check and remove me from my home. None of this makes any sense, why me? If there is a God, then why did He choose me to go through this living Hell? Why can’t they just leave me alone? Just leave me alone!

Toni threw clothes, undergarments, and socks into a black trash bag. She had two pairs of sneakers and one pair of church shoes. Mrs. Smith gently touched Toni’s arm, noticing her reddish-pink face, and tear-stricken cheeks. Toni sobbed uncontrollably. Her nose was congested, and she could hardly breathe. She sniffed. Then, Mrs. Smith sat on the bed and pulled Toni next to her. She held the child to her chest as warm tears dropped on her white blouse under the suit jacket she wore. She rocked Toni back and forth.

Mrs. Smith whispered, I’m sorry. I’ll keep tabs on you. I have gotten to know you, and you are a special girl with goals who needs to be unleashed to the world. She held her head up, wiped Toni’s tears, and stared into her brown eyes. Softly she said, You are a beautiful girl. I know you will accomplish many things, but you’ll have to learn to love yourself first. Get to know who you are. I trust you’ll know her soon. Right now, everything seems unfair.

Exactly! Toni spewed.

My job sometimes seems unfair. Making these decisions that the Department of Social Welfare and Housing believe are best. I have to delegate and follow those rules Toni, but I have become very fond of you and your mother. Let your mother have a chance to get to know and love herself before she can love you. You keep her pressing and going in this cold world, believe it or not. I see so many things in you that you do not see yet, but I know you’ll be successful once you find who you truly are.

Mrs. Smith held back her tears. Toni knew Mrs. Smith was emotionally attached to her, and it was why she found it so easy to yell at her. She noticed her watery eyes and remembered when Mrs. Smith shared with her how she wished she had a daughter like her but had hysterectomy at age thirty because of a complicated medical condition that caused abnormalities in her reproductive organs. Moreover, Mrs. Smith had also praised Toni for being an honor student, a brilliant speaker, and her performance on the basketball court. She had also attended a few of Toni’s games. However, Toni's dreams were buried under her mother’s burdens. Toni lowered her head at the thought and slumped her shoulders. Mrs. Smith shared numerous times that she didn't want to see her modeling after her mother, giving up hope and never becoming who God created her to be. Antoinette didn’t know how to receive this message from her mother’s social worker. Does she really care about me? Does she know my pain and anguish? How could she? She’s not walking in my shoes. This isn’t an Oprah episode. She chuckled lightly at the thought. Yet, I can see the passion for the work she does in her eyes.

Mr. Zhang waited in the living room until Mrs. Smith handed him the necessary paperwork.

Mrs. Smith directed a few more words to Toni, but Toni blotted all the words out of her head. No way was she going to a group home.

Mrs. Smith, please don’t send me to a group home.

Mrs. Smith looked at her for a long time, as she tried to frame her words. Toni, she said, This group home is different. They only take girls like you, who have a future, and can appreciate what they have to offer. They’re in a mansion in the old town section. I think you’ll do well, there.

Toni quieted. She had heard from other girls. She only had three options if she fought back: the psychiatric ward and heavy sedation, group home, or a juvenile detention center. Once again, she was forced out of her mother’s grasp, out of the place she called home, and back into the system. Her file was a mile long. She thought some juvenile cases were worse than hers. Why was she being punished so severely?

Come on, Toni. It’s time to leave. Leave your house key on the table, Mrs. Smith directed. She motioned for Toni to walk toward the front door.

Toni glanced around the living room, seeing trash and clothes left on the couch, floors, and wooden dining table. She stared back at the keys on the table, and Mrs. Smith trekked to the wooden table and picked them up. She knew that Elaine hadn’t taken her house keys and would have to get back into the house after rehab.

Toni, thanks for reminding me. I have so much on my mind. We need to get the keys for your mother once she has completed rehab. I’ll keep them locked up in the office. Don’t worry. Mrs. Smith comforted Toni and patted her on the back. She stepped out first; Toni followed, locking the bottom lock. She asked Mrs. Smith to lock the deadbolt. The social worker brushed past Toni to stick the key in the top lock and turned it until she heard a click.

Toni bowed her head toward her chest. She could hear her neighbors and their kids chattering. She hoped they weren’t talking about her. The giggles startled her, and the emotional pain lodged deeper in her chest and caused her head to ache. She felt torn again.

It was midday. Onlookers whistled and woos continued as she stepped outside. Toni glanced across the street and saw the police car still there. She felt the blood rushing to her cheeks in her embarrassment. Her mom sat in the back seat of the patrol car. Toni's eyes zoomed in, directly at her mother who was staring out the window. Their eyes read each other as if they were assessing their mental status. Elaine pressed her lips tightly together, trembling. Toni’s mouth opened in an O shape, but only pursed her lips, licked them, and said, Umm, I see my mom still over there in the patrol car with Officer Spears. Where are they taking her? How can he take my mom to the station without committing a crime?

Mrs. Smith ignored her comment and flagged Officer Spears to drive off when he looked her way. Mrs. Smith clicked open her car door and signaled Toni to get into the car. She sat stone still in the front seat, refusing to watch as Mrs. Smith got in the driver’s seat. The sun shone in her eyes. She turned to look out the window and saw some of the kids pointing in her direction. She watched their lips move and imagined them saying, Ha-Ha, she’s being sent to the group home. That crack-head momma she got ain’t … Toni shook her head. Those kids couldn’t be saying that; it was all in her mind. Mrs. Smith closed the door and started up the car. She patted Toni’s shoulder and put her turn signal on, click-clack, click-clack. Toni gulped. I’m really going to a group home.

The memory of her mother, before walking out of the house, extending her arms to her only baby girl, screaming, No! Not my Toni! I’ll be right; I’ll act right! Please, just give me my baby. Toni!

Toni felt like she was already behind prison bars and darkness filled her heart.

I’m on my own now.

How long must I wonder if you have forgotten me? How long must I feel this sadness in my heart? How long will my enemy win against me?

Chapter 2

Toni watched their progress down a tree-lined street in the historical district. They drove past a modern apartment house on the corner, and she craned her neck as they passed a huge old house that had been converted into apartments. Mrs. Smith pulled into the driveway of a mansion, with two lions adorning the cement stairway up to a wide covered porch. She unlocked the doors and Toni stepped out of the silver and black Monte Carlo.

Mrs. Pierce, the day shift staff worker, opened the door and allowed them to walk inside. When Toni stepped inside of New Hope Group Home, and had been introduced, Mrs. Smith waved goodbye and exited the home. She gently closed the door behind her and Mrs. Pierce locked it.

Toni took a moment to gaze at the interior of the house. She stared at the newly painted white walls in the kitchen and living room, the old fireplace and sparsely furnished room. Mrs. Pierce explained, Meetings for the Board of Directors are often here. She could still smell the pungent scent of paint as she looked around. Then, she examined the polished laminate wooden floors. She knew this was not some trashy, run-down group home. It seemed to be newly remodeled and furnished with a three-piece fiery red leather couch set. She saw a twenty-seven-inch plasma television mounted on the wall in the living room. Toni saw some abstract paintings on the walls, but none were hanging in the wide hallway. Mrs. Pierce took her to the kitchen. There were white cabinets, a cream-colored stove with black burners, a fairly new white refrigerator, and a pantry to store canned goods and dry foods. Toni had never seen a house this clean in her lifetime. It smelled like Pine-sol mixed with the overpowering stench of bleach. She was shown the formal dining room, and a spacious glassed-in porch was filled with furniture, board games and a television in the corner. Why aren’t there bars on the windows down here? she asked.

This is meant to be a home, Mrs. Pierce answered. Many girls who come here have no way to understand being well fed, well cared for, and well housed. When you’re in bed, the alarm system will tell us if you, or others, try to run. We’re hoping you’re comfortable enough that you won’t do that.

After their tour, Toni was shown an upstairs bedroom with two dressers. All for myself? she asked, looking at a neatly made, seemingly unused bunk beds.

Mrs. Pierce chuckled. No, Joslyn doesn’t have very much. Her belongings fit very neatly in the closet and the right side dresser. However, you still have to share the bathroom with all the girls. she said. Your toiletries will be held in storage until you need them. You’ll be given a basket in which you can put your treasures and your toiletries.

Toni realized she was in for an extended stay before she unpacked her clothes. She would be there until her mother got her act together. How long will that be? She prayed it would be within a month or so. She hated the fact that she didn’t have a living relative or anyone listed on her files to live with temporarily. Her good-for-nothing father was in jail for molesting her as a young girl, serving a fifteen-year sentence. The rest of her family hadn’t got along since they had labeled her mother the black sheep, leaving Toni to suffer those consequences right along with her. She was eight years old the first time she was taken out of her home. She was thankful that she wasn’t adopted by that family since the man of the house had fondled her private areas too many times to count. With his hands in her panties whenever he got the chance, eventually, he was going to make his move and rape her. Thank goodness his wife caught him in the act, and she wasn’t passive about the ordeal. She reported him to child protective services and the police. Ironically, Toni could never look her mother in the face when she asked about that man touching her in her private spots. She vaguely remembered his face, but she wanted to erase that memory altogether. It was bad enough her very own father had molested her. Then, she had been moved into another house with a man who wanted to do the same nasty things to her. Now, she had to face the girls who lived here. She wondered if she had to fight her way through for her entire stay or play by the rules in hopes of the staff workers fulfilling their obligation to do their jobs for her safety.

Toni listened to Mrs. Pierce as she explained the house rules, the point system on a bulletin board, and the chores required for the girls to complete throughout the week. If they did not do their chores, they lost points. Once they received zero or less points, they would be penalized and