Admiring him

CHAPTER 2

Good morning, Mother and Father! I said with a smile, still hoping to brighten up the mood even after what happened yesterday.

Just shut that mouth of yours and eat your food. Father said to me with a disappointed tone.

What did I expect to happen? Of course, they wouldn't appreciate me caring for them. No matter what I do they just can't try to at least care for me.

Atlas get dressed. We are going to attend a charity project, with the money we donated to some orphanage, well, of course, it wasn't ours. It was from these dumb folk's money. Now keep it a secret hon' hmm? Mother said with a giggle.

O-okay mother, I promise to keep it a secret. I said while feeling guilty.

After eating breakfast, our maids escorted me to the dressing room to get dressed for the event we were going to. This was the first time I was going out with my parents since they had always kept me locked up in the house after I finished going to school, It actually made me excited, although I knew that I was only included so that my parents could show off how they love and adore me to the world. Of course, it's all fake.

Later on, one maid was dressing me up, she picked out a charming outfit with the color I have always loved. It was blue, my favorite color. After dressing up, I held the maid's apron and then said, "Thank you for picking out my favorite color for me to wear!" I ended the sentence with a smile. 

I have always been appreciative of every little thing someone does for me. Even in this cruel place, there are still people with kind hearts, and for that I am grateful.

She later on knelt down and said, "You are welcome, our little atlas." before pinching my cheek.

Our conversation was disturbed by Mother. 

What are you two smiling about?! Stop this stupidity and hurry, we are going to be late! She sighed.

....

We were in our car driving to the charity project. I was feeling a little nervous because this was my first time going out with my parents, and if it weren't scary enough, it was a crowded place. I wasn't expecting that. My parents knew I hated crowded places, they really don't care about anything, huh?

We're here, atlas. Now remember this, Think first before you do something. Our reputation is your responsibility too, so do not mess this up, for god's sake. Mother said to me before leading me out of the car.

Ladies and Gentlemen our city Governors! Please welcome Mrs. And Mr. D'Angelo with their one and only son!

The crowd cheered as we walked up to the stage.

Beautiful day to beautiful people, how is everyone doing? I hope each and every one of you are doing great! My Father said before smiling.

The event was going well. I hadn't made a mistake yet, thankfully. I then sat on one of the benches facing the lake. The event was held outdoors.

What wonderful scenery, I have never seen anything as beautiful as this before! I said still in shock.

You've never seen the lake before? A boy, whom I think was from the orphanage said while slowly walking towards me.

Yes, this is my first time seeing such an amazing scene. Have a seat, please. I said while smiling at this mysterious boy.

The boy then asked, Aren't you the son of Mrs. And Mr. D'Angelo?

Yes, my name is Atlas D'Angelo. It's nice to meet you!

It is nice to meet you too! What's your name? I asked

Well, we have a strict policy here at the orphanage to never give our names to anyone only to the people who will adopt us. So I'm afraid I can't give you my name. He said while pouting.

Oh, Is that so? You don't have to apologize I truly understand.

We had a great time, we talked and played together for the rest of time. It was my first time having a friend, and it felt as if I was the happiest boy in the world. I was called by my parents later on.

Hey, It was fun playing with you. I had a really great time, Thank you. I then handed him one candy bar from my pocket. "Here you can have this, think of it as a gift from a friend."

T-thank you! It was my first time receiving something from someone. I appreciate this. Thank you again, Atlas! He then ran forward to me and gave me a hug. It was like Esther's hugs. It was comforting.

We exchanged goodbyes and continued each other's path.

[MONTHS LATER]

Esther? Esther? Is that you? I was asking with pure excitement.

I ran faster than any runner when I saw that it was really Esther downstairs.

Esther! I missed you so much, where have you been?

I missed you too, Young master. I am very sorry it took me too long to come back, I even left without saying goodbye. That was wrong of me, again I am so sorry. If you are still wondering, I visited my mother in the last few months. She was really sick so I had to go, but she is doing all right now. I hope that you are not mad at me, Atlas.

I understand, Esther. I respect your decision for going, I hope that your mother continues to regain her health. I said before hugging Esther.

I missed this hug.

[End of Atlas's Childhood]