Journey Called Life

Chapter-2

It's time to wake up Ashley! Come on dear, the sun is shining!' Said a deep voice. 'You've got to come save us, help us. You're our only hope darling.' Came a dreamy voice that startled Ashley.

"Mom?! Dad?" Ashley woke up suddenly and looked around. She found no one around. 'Yep, it's just you dreaming. Get a grip Ashley!' She thought to herself.

With the speed of a bolt of lightning, she then went and got ready. Adjusting her jumper, she looked at the calendar and exclaimed,"Holy Moly! It's a Sunday. Which means.... I get to go to the library!"

You see, unlike the others, she was treated differently by Ms.Mildred. Was it because of her wit, her looks, her character? She never knew. But Sunday was a day where she was allowed to do anything she wanted except bother Ms.Mildred. And as she loves books, she chose to go to the library every Sunday.

She quickly went downstairs and grabbed a piece of bread and butter. On seeing Ms.Mildred, she said "Good morning! I'll get going to the library and might not be back until evening. I hope it's fine with you, Ms.Mildred."

Ms.Mildred was beyond happy on hearing that she'll be out for almost a whole day and said whole-heartedly, "Of course darling. Now get going!"

Though Ashley was ecstatic on hearing this, she wondered why Ms.Mildred became so soft and kind towards her now. But she quickly let go of her concern about that and told, "Hold that thought Ashley! You've got to get going to the library as fast as your legs can carry you." 

Right when she went out of the gate, she saw a girl sitting on a bench. Curious, she approached her and said kindly, "Hi! I am Ashley. I'm from this orphanage." She said pointing to her orphanage behind. "What are you doing here on a Sunday morning?"

"Huh? Oh..um.."

"Don't fret. I don't bite." Ashley said, chuckling.

"Right, sorry.. I'm not used to people talking to me. I am Claire Everdeen. I'm sorry if this is your spot!"

"No, not at all! Nice to meet you Claire! Seeing the book in your hand, it makes me wonder, would you like to go to the library with me? That's where I'm heading right now." 

"Oh, I'd love to! Thank you very much! Is there anyone coming with you?"

"Oh, no. People here don't really like me much."

"Oh, why? You're really sweet."

"I don't know, and I guess I don't really care either. They've been like this ever since I've been here in this orphanage. Well, enough about me. Tell me about yourself on our way to the orphanage." Claire smiled and nodded her head. They then set out to the library.