Pearl and Kayla were runaways. i never knew what they were running from that could be worse, but i suppose it was, because neither of them ever tried to escape or go home. Even though John was so horrible to Kayla, she never even considered calling home and getting the fuck out of dodge. April told me once that it was easier when it wasn't someone who was supposed to love you. i don't know, i never saw an appreciable difference.
These kids were totally off the books. No one even knew they existed. i don't know how that happens, but it did. Edward didn't even have to make up any homeschooling excuse or anything else. They were damned. Children on their own and making their way the best way they could.
And here is a simple fact. Runaways have three choices. Get lucky and become a runner for someone, sell their body, or starve. Well, or go home. Which i suppose is sometimes just not an option. i always give panhandling kids money. Might buy them a single night. Its not enough, but its all i can do.
