[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8KkOrTD.png[/img][/center]
[right][b]SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29. 2018[/b][/right]

Bright and early within a local church, Joseph, an elderly man with a lot of respect within Marrowbone looked from face to face of the group of young adults that were about to celebrate their first year of Rumspringa, a rite of passage. For some this would be the last time they would see their family, their friends, their community. Not many children kept away until their 21st birthday, so it wasn't of real concern. He bowed his head before speaking, a safe prayer for travel: 

[color=tan][b]"Lord, be our children's guide and protector on the journey they are about to take. Watch over them during this time. Protect them from accidents. Save them from danger. Save them from sin. Keep the, free from harm to their body and soul. Lord, support them with your grace when they are tired and weary. Help them be patient and kind in any trouble which may come their way."[/b][/color]

The wordy prayer was not yet finished, but another Marrowbone member by the name of Levi came into the room, a medium box in his arms. He set it down quietly as to not disturb the send off of these children, but Joseph and a few of the group looked up to Levi, his youthful smile a bit on the devious side.

Joseph cleared his throat a bit annoyed but continued, 

[color=tan][b]"I pray that these children will safely reach their destination, and that they will return safe and sound, sooner than later. Lord, keep them [b]always[/b] mindful of your presence and love. Blessed are you, Lord our God, you who hear our prayers. Amen."[/b][/color] his eyes met each of the youth once more, slow and intense in his gaze. The other gentleman, Levi waited to speak as Joseph put his hands on each and everyone of the teens, before he wished them once again for safe travels.

Once Joseph was out of ear shot, Levi chuckled. [color=tan][b]"Good morning!"[/b][/color] he cooed, walking over to the box he had brought in and opened it up. [color=tan][b]"This year was one of the most fun times in my life, but I missed my family after awhile and ended up coming back after my 21st birthday. I was a different man, but I did come back. One of my brothers didn't make the same choice and now you will be staying at his other home while you are gone."[/b][/color]

Levi handed each of the youth a brown paper bag, each bag included: a house key, a basic prepaid cellphone, a banking card, and a small roll of bread for the 3 hour bus trip ahead of them. Levi let them look at the items a little bit before speaking again, [color=tan][b]"Weird huh? You'll learn what all that stuff does in no time."[/b][/color] he pointed to the bank card, [color=tan][b]"That works like money, you have all been given 1,000 dollars each, use wisely for food and other bills you might rack up. The rent is paid for, so don't worry about that."[/b][/color] he scratched his eyebrow, looking at the kids; some with excitement others with clear nerves. [color=tan][b]"Let's get going, you'll miss your bus."[/b][/color]

Over fifteen stops, and three hours later the children arrived in New York City, the snow plowed away but the cold air crisp with the sun not as high in the sky but still fairly daylight. They got into the station with their luggage in hand when a woman in a fur coat approached them. Her voice boisterous and somewhat shrill, she exclaimed, [color=tan][b]"Welcome!"[/b][/color] with a bit of surprise the woman quickly explained herself, [color=tan][b]"I'm Tommy's girlfriend Ashley, he was busy today so sent me to go get you."[/b][/color] she smiled again, ushering the children off into a passenger van.

If they didn't know any better this could have been a recipe for disaster.

However, it was not a ploy and the children arrived at the [url=https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1754-Lacombe-Ave-3-Bronx-NY-10473/2088224452_zpid/?fullpage=true]house[/url] not too long after, if it could be called that. The exterior was something that was familiar in material but not in upkeep. Ashley helped slightly, opening the door for them and helping haul in the smaller of the luggage. She seemed in a rush as she spoke, [color=tan][b]"So, there is only 6 rooms, and I see there are 10 of you this year. You'll have to figure it out. There are three rooms downstairs and three upstairs, each have two beds. Boys will be down here, and girls get the upstairs. I don't care if that doesn't stay that way."[/b][/color] she winked, as she continued her spiel that Tommy had instructed her to do, [color=tan][b]"Uh, besides that um my number and Tommy's number is on the fridge. If you wanna go home, call or text that. There is a library near by if you need computer until you guys can."[/b][/color] she shrugged, having this been her first year, unlike the previous girlfriends who had a few years practice under their belt. 

[color=tan][b]"Bye then!"[/b][/color] she said awkwardly as she made her way through the door and sped off to only God knows where.

Mercy, a member of this year's group spoke up as she removed her heavier winter jacket and placed it on her large trunk she had brought with her, [color=d0565b][b]"Let's find our rooms first every one, so we can unpack. Then let's make some lunch girls, I'm starving!"[/b][/color] she started for the stairs as some of the other girl's began to follow.