Sweet Secrets

Life Orphanage or Life orphan

Zoe's point of view:
I don't know why I always have this weird dream, which leave grasp of my memory as soon as I wake up. All I remember about that dream is a pair of cold eyes and those words that still ring in my ears whenever I think about those eyes.  I'm tired to the bone after that long journey, but I don't want to go back to those eyes that haunt me. So instead of muling over it, I decided to look outside the cab window, at sun moving toward west direction to take a dip in West Sea to make itself cool after burning harshly in August summer, that is taking me from Foster Care Centre, West City to Life orphanage, Pearl Harbor, West City. Although, they had given me an option of foster care,  I choose the most unpopular orphanage here. Less popular it is, less people I have to leave with. Don't get me wrong but I leave my social side behind when my mom died after 6 years of diagnosis with an incurable disease.

Holding back those unshed tears that are trying to sneak away,  I don't want to cry over it, crying make it seems real, even though I've my father, but he, let's just say isn't at good terms with me now.

Especially, after I told him, I willnot do what he wants. My mom has given me a name which means 'life'. You can't actually believe life will be what you want it to be, its life, independent and it will pave it's own way.

So, here I'm 16 year old, after my mom died, leaving my dad behind paving my own way, like I was always meant to be.

"Zoe, we have arrived.", said my mom's beat friend, Jason, who act like my long lost relative who can't take care of a kid as he himself is a 41 year old kid in front of administrator in Foster Care Centre. They agreed to my request but, of course, after a little persuasion. "Hmm.", I replied with a monotone syllab, before covering my mouth with my hand while letting out a yawn. I mean I have been crammed in that cab for so long. It's been only four hours but feels like a lifetime.
Speaking of lifetime, let's check out the place I'm going to spend next two years of my life in. Opening the car door, I walked toward the orphanage gate and read a faded sign that says'Life Orphanage' with completely vanished 'age' that leaves only 'Life Orphan', seems right? I actually feels like I become an orphan after my mom died leaving behind her journal and responsibilities on me.

It doesn't mean that I won't go back to my dad. I'll but after I accomplish what will make my mom proud. And have something to prove that I'm capable.

"Are you sure about this? I can become your guardian and support you while you do what you are here for.", said Jason for about hundredth time today.

"Yeah! I'm sure. This is something I would like to do on my own. Uncle." I added the last jest to lighten the mood and to end the pity party. I know I'm upset and this pain won't go away anytime soon but she promised to watch over me from up there.

Moreover, I love it when his face become all that twisted whenever we make a comment on his age. This was our favorite game. We use to tease him and he got all that grumpy and frowns over it.

"I'm not 'uncle'. " He said in a grumpy voice with a frown on his face.
Then he turned toward me with that frown gone, I can clearly see that mischievous glint in his eyes.

Oh! oh! I know that look, but before I could make an escape, he caught my arm and tickle me.

"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry.", he already know that I'm extremely ticklish and he never let it go.

"I'll complete the formalities. Let's go." 

We enter in the orphanage gate together to find a Victorian style building with chipped paint and a few broken windows.

I won't lie but this two story building still has some of its old charm. (A\N photo above).  I just hope it won't fall down over my head. In this condition I don't think this rooftop will survive too long. On a push with a little force by Jason, the dusty door, I hope is the entrance, open with a groan. He helped me with my bags that consists of a suitcase and a duffle bag. I had packed light with minimum supplies. I know I'll need money to buy more but I'll hopefully find a part time job somewhere for that as I didn't like the idea of depending on Jason for everything.