The Commencement of Dietrich

4

Norman glanced from around the table, the drowsy children awaiting breakfast. 

Anla was adjusting their tie in the mirror, whilst Haythem played mindless cards game with Ruby and Ayla. Naomi was dutifully clearing the massive table, and Jade carefully brushed her silky hair.

The pastor flipped a pancake, analyzing last night's events. His dark, heavy eyebags resembled those of the child currently sleeping on a spare mattress.

Ashton, who was thoroughly abducted, laid peacefully in the locked basement. " I am going to help him." Dietrich stated quietly. "Who?" 

He had forgotten Naomi was up and about; she had overheard. " Just the baker, I heard he fell on his ankle." The priest lied easily.

The aroma of burnt pancakes brought him back from his thoughts. He nearly choked on a sob, the melancholy memories of his wife crushing him. Norman simply forced a smile, he couldn't break in front of the doting orphans.

The former husband gathered the plated pancakes, and walked over to the dining table. Making the children happy before the news hit them; that was his goal.

On a maroon plate, he prepared breakfast for Ruby. As the same for the others.

Dietrich absentmindedly called for the group, setting their coloured dishes ahead of their assigned seats. The adolescents approached, sharing gazes of interest.

The adult male sat down, observing them copy his actions.

"Good morning, children." He sat tightly as the greeting was returned simultaneously. "I have bad news. Why don't we start with our prayers to the lord first?"

"I'll go," Ayla spoke up. " Holy Lord above, I pray to you for the prospering and healing of my brother. Please revive him from his coma." 

Norman perked up at this, unable to stop from looking visibly alarmed. He silently thanked God for the children's closed eyes.

" I pray to you and thank you for another day of life. I would like you to consider giving me a boyfriend." Haythem's hand was curtly squeezed by Anla for the cheeky request. " Well, I thank you for not striking Haythem dead, and for my seemingly endless eyeliner." 

Ruby took a deep breath, "Um, firstly, I would like to ask you to forgive my sins, God. And, thank you for a safe night." She dared to peek a glance at Jade, clearly referencing her midnight stroll.

"Ahem," Jade spoke up with an unpleasant tone. " I ask God for bountiful blessings amongst us, and thank Him for his generosity in opportunities." This time, she glared at the younger twin.

Naomi squirmed, being in the middle of the angry but not quite quarrelling sisters. "Er- Thank you God for our family?" She declared in a question-like attitude.

" Heavenly father, I express great gratitude towards His Grace. I understand you have individual plans for each and every one of us. I can only ask you to look after these shining children. Amen." Norman concluded their invocation, and took a big bite of eggs. 

Ruby appeared to be uneasy. " Mr. Dietrich? What was the bad news, um, if you don't mind me asking?" Dietrich paled at the innocent question.

"Yes, about that, I'm afraid Ashton has gone missing." Ayla's fork dropped, clattering against the floor.

Norman continued, albeit a little on edge, " You see, Pamela got into an accident." His throat closed, but he had to keep it together. "She didn't make it."

The widowed man shed a tear, refusing to look at those under his care. Silence was cast upon the horrified children. 

Breakfast finished due to a lack of appetite. The orphans secluded themselves in grief, each needing time to fully process the information.

Dietrich observed as they worked on chores compliantly. A booming 'TICK' cleared his mind, and headed to the basement. Fortunately, he slinked away unnoticed.

He unlocked the door with a rusty silver key, and scurried down the creaky, wooden stairs. He cast a guilty stare at the hidden boy, lost to an overbearing coma. A crimson music box with bronze embroidery laid abandoned on the wall opposite of the springy mattress he slept on.

Norman discreetly plucked the music box off the floor, and carried it up the steps. The priest was vigilant, making great haste to get the item towards his stage.

Jade noticed it first, and the others accompanied her in figuring out the music player's purpose. 

" Mr. Dietrich,  what is that?" Anla pressed, unable to contain their curiosity. Dietrich shooed the nosy children away, claiming it was time for church.

He dusted off the old machine, and put it on display for the orphans. "This is a music box. It will now play in the background during sermons. Do not touch it without permission, or you'll spend a day in the janitor's closet." He added the last part playfully, but his face remained serious.

"Now, we must begin. We can't keep the lord waiting." He let out an empty laugh. Norman began to twist the handle attached to the music box, and a light tune began to play.

Ayla felt as though they were caught in a storm of fog as the first note hit their ears. Feeling unsteady, they attempted to stagger over towards anyone for help. Their vision swooned and reeled, before giving out completely.

As their body thumped against the harsh floor, Ruby rushed to their rescue. The other children surrounded them. The twin felt for Ayla's pulse, and gasped with relief at the steady beat.

On the other hand, the unconscious child found themself in a town quite similar to their own. Hearty giggles caught their attention, and they turned around to witness Haythem chunking globs of ice-cream at an unsuspecting Anla.

"Hold on, what's happening?" They took one more bewildered glimpse of Anla being harassed through the window, before running inside.

They waved their hand at Naomi, only to be ignored. "Hello? It's me." Puzzled, Ayla sauntered over to Haythem, laying a spindly hand on his jolting shoulder.

It glitched through.

"What?" Ayla jerked their hand back, unusually shaken. The young male continued hurling ice-cream from the container.

They took a petrified step backwards, eyes darting from hand to hand. The child slid down the wall into a crouched position. " What's wrong with me?"

--------------------------Authors Note

Two chapters in a day! Anyways, don't forget to leave a vote.