This story is one I have had for a while.
Previously posted on another site and under another name but I am wanting it to be under my name, not a pseudonym.
There will be about 28-30 chapters all up.
It will be set in the year 2013.
Anyway, enjoy the first chapter.
•••
Chapter One.
"If you loved me, why'd you leave me?"
I believe that each of us has a unique story to tell, and the way we live our lives is our narrative. Our story is the essence of our existence. While we all live for different reasons and experience life in distinct ways, there's a commonality in how our stories begin – the day we are born. For me, this defining moment occurred ten days after my birth in late October 1995.
The Herald –18 October 1995
Late this afternoon, a young infant was discovered in an alleyway just off Queen Street, snugly tucked into a plain brown cardboard box with the word 'fragile' scrawled in black marker all over its sides. Mr. Andrew Potts, a local businessman on his daily run, heard the newborn's cries and found her. "I was shocked," Mr. Potts stated. "As soon as I found her, I called my wife, informed her I would be late for dinner, and then called the police straight away."
As of now, there's no luck in finding the infant's birth parents. The lead detective on the case mentioned, "The little girl is surprisingly healthy for her condition, which leads us to believe that she hadn't been exposed to the cool autumn air for too long."
The young infant is estimated to be about 8-10 days old.
The Herald - 26 January 1996
Late last year, a young infant was left for dead in an alleyway on Queen Street. Authorities strongly believe the parents will not come forward. Since then, young Ally has been placed in a temporary foster home.
•••
Growing up, I was aware that my birth parents weren't likely to reveal themselves. Left in a box in an alleyway – it doesn't get more obvious than that. I entered the foster care system at a tender age, passing through two families before I turned three. The Potts, who found me, cared for me until I was two, and then came the Hendersons.
They adopted me just after my third birthday. Despite trying various fertility options, they couldn't conceive. Adoption became their choice, and I was given the best childhood an adopted child could hope for. At eleven, the differences between us became apparent – their brown hair and bright blue eyes contrasted with my auburn hair, light freckles, and piercing green eyes, as my mom described them, dazzling emerald eyes. They explained my adoption, assuring me of their boundless love.
I am eternally grateful for the eleven years I had with them.
April 2, 2010
Dear Journal,
It's been a week, and I can't comprehend what happened. One minute, we were all happy, and the next, I was burying both of my parents at 14.
It started as any normal Sunday – driving to our local café after Sunday mass. We were hit by an oncoming car. Dad, the driver, was killed instantly, and Mom died shortly after. Her last words to me were, "Be happy, Ally. We love you."
I miss you both.
-Ally.
November 2010
Dear Mum,
I moved in with my second family last week, the second since you and Dad left me. I don't think they like me. They have two other children. Brock, a couple of years younger than me, throws things at me and says horrible things. Dad would have hated the little guy. Alyssa is the same age as me and is honestly the devil's child. She spills drinks on me on "accident" and trips me multiple times. All in the first week!
I started high school with her on Monday, and Alyssa has turned the whole year against me. I don't understand what I've done to offend her. You always said to give people the benefit of the doubt, but I'm really struggling here, Mum. I really am.
Why did you leave me here all alone?
-Ally
March 2011
Dear Mum,
I wasn't good enough again. I never am.
All I want is to see you come through the front door, to see your face one more time, to hug me once more, and to take me home.
-Ally.
October 2012
Dear Mum and Dad,
It's my birthday today. I guess I can say that I definitely haven't had a dull life. I'm 17 today, and all I can say is that I'm lonely, I'm sad, and I don't know how to go on.
-Ally
May 2013
Dear Mum,
I'm in my ninth foster home now, and Kate, my social worker, thinks I need therapy. She still thinks I'm traumatized from our crash. I know I have nightmares regularly, but I'm fine.
I don't know what to think of this family, but they seem reasonably nice. Kate emailed me the other day, saying I'm only staying with this family for one more month, then I'm moving across the country. Maybe, my next foster home will be the last. I guess people don't want teenagers living with them. But if I'm being honest, I don't want someone to adopt me. I want to stay Ally Henderson.
-Ally Henderson.
June 2, 2013
Dear Mum,
I finally have a place where I'm staying for the foreseeable future. I'm starting school in a month. Mrs. Webber is an older lady with the kindest heart. I even have a room with a window and curtains. I have my own bed, dresser, desk, and bookshelf.
Mrs. Webber also helped me get a part-time job, which means I can save up for college.
Maybe things are looking up after all.
Love, Ally.
A/N:
Okay, this has just really been a chapter to get the story started, so stay tuned for the next chapter.
I will be posting every couple of days.
Please vote, comment and share.
YOU ARE READING
The Echoes of Solitude
Teen FictionI guess we all have to start from somewhere. Some start from the comfortable lives of loving families, and some start from the comfort of an abandoned Alleyway. Ally's journey has been anything but easy. As an infant, she was discovered alone and ab...
