Journey Called Life

4

The girls had their lunch in the orphanage canteen and were coming out when they spotted Ms.Mildred. 

"Why are you so early? I thought you'd not come back until evening." Said Ms.Mildred, clearly annoyed. "And what's that in your hand?" She asked curiously. "And who is this blonde girl? She's stinking! Kindly go take a bath, child!"

"Firstly, I'm extremely sorry if I disturbed you by my presence a little earlier. Secondly,I'm here and it's not evening so that's that. Fourthly, THIS is a library book and -"

"Wait a second." Said Claire, laughing nervously. "You missed saying 'Thirdly' "

"Oh. Ok, then. Thirdly, THIS is a library book and lastly, she is my friend Claire Everd, and sure she will. Won't you?" Claire nodded her head. "Does that answer all your questions, Ms.Mildred?" Said Ashley, exhaling hard.

Ms.Mildred looked at her with eyes wide open, "O..k.. Um.. Yeah it does answer all my questions. You can go now."

Ashley left without a word, Claire following behind.

"Hey, wait up! Who is she, and why was she shocked?"

"The woman you just met was Ms.Mildred, the orphanage caretaker. She was probably speechless because I talked a lot."

"Oh,ok. You mean you don't talk?"

"No, what I meant was that I don't usually talk a lot. I either ignore her and go away, or just say a word or two."

"Ohhh." Said Claire.

"Well, come on up to my room. I'm sure Ms.Mildred wouldn't mind your presence here. Besides, as long as you're stuck with me, she will ignore you. You might feel bad, but it's actually good."

'Hmm..' was all Claire could say.

  As soon as they reached the attic on top, Claire exclaimed, "Wow! It feels so cozy here! I've never had a place to live peacefully and quietly in before."

"What do you mean?" Asked Ashley.

"I've lived on the streets for my entire life. Made a living by begging for money. I was on the opposite road the other day, when it started raining heavily. I needed a place to sleep for that night and that's when I landed up on the bench in front of your orphanage."

By now, Ashley had tears. She took Claire into a big hug and told her, "Don't worry! My home is your home too. Understood?"

"Thank you Ashley! For everything! People usually don't accept me because of who I am."

"Well, I am, alright? I never knew my parents either. Guess we're two poor souls, finding our place in this world. Am I not right?"

"Yeah, I guess." Said Claire, with a small smile.

"Now come on, go take a bath and feel free to choose any of my dresses!"

After her bath, Claire and Ashley sat down with the book in their hands. "Come on. Let's try solving this code right here. I really need to find whoever has written this." 

"Ok, so what does it say again?" Asked Claire.

"We have to find a person whose name is 5 consecutive first letters of five consecutive months."

After some time, Claire's eyes brightened. She squealed and said "Hey Ashley, take a look! I think I solved it!" The paper read Jason.

"OoK. How are you so sure?"

"Isn't it obvious? First letter of five consecutive months. I tried every combination possible and found 'JASON' to be the most appropriate."

"Oh! It's from July to November. Cool! Now we just have to find the person."