Death end

Chapter 5: that weird guy!

I was at my breaking point, desperate for an escape from the life that had suffocated me for so long. The head judge looked at me with a mix of sympathy and seriousness. "The only option is an orphanage, my dear," she said gently. "You can either stay there until you're old enough to live on your own, or you could get adopted by a new family."

The room was silent, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. I took a deep breath, the finality of it all crashing over me. "Get adopted," I said, my voice steady but resolute. At that moment, I had no faith left in the people who were supposed to love me. A new family couldn't possibly be worse.

The trial ended with the decision made. I would go to an orphanage, and Jay would stay with Mom. As we left the courtroom, I walked in silence, refusing to speak to Mom. The car ride home was cold, the distance between us more profound than ever.

When we arrived home, Mom tried to talk, but I wanted nothing to do with her. I stormed into my room, my anger and pain driving me to pack my things as quickly as possible. I threw the family photos across the room, shattering the last remnants of the life I once knew. My suitcase packed, I walked downstairs, my heart heavy but determined.

Mom sat on the sofa, her back turned to me. I paused, my voice bitter as I said, "Thank you for providing me with essentials. If I ever get a chance, I'll repay you... Mom..." With those final words, I walked out the door, leaving behind everything I had ever known.

I headed to the nearby park, dragging my suitcase along, tears streaming down my face. I felt utterly lost, unsure of where to go or what to do next. I sat on a bench, the weight of the situation crashing down on me. I needed someone, anyone, and the first person who came to mind was Sally. She lived close by, and I knew she'd understand.

On the phone

Sally answered after a couple of rings. "Hello, Jade, everything alright?"

My voice was shaky. "I can't explain everything right now, but I need a favor."

"Of course, what's wrong?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"I need to stay the night somewhere. I'll explain everything later."

"Come over," she said without hesitation. "You can stay as long as you need."

Call ended

I called an Uber and headed straight to Sally's place. The moment I saw her, I broke down, hugging her tightly and letting the tears flow freely. She didn't ask questions, just led me inside and up to her room. I told her everything, the words tumbling out between sobs. She held me, her comforting presence the only thing keeping me grounded.

"It's going to be alright," she whispered, stroking my hair. "I know how much you hated living with them. You'll find a great family, I'm sure of it."

"I hope so," I murmured, exhaustion pulling me under. I cried until I couldn't anymore, finally falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.

When I woke, it was seven in the morning. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, and I dragged myself out of bed. Sally was in the kitchen, the smell of breakfast wafting through the air.

"Up already?" she called when she heard my footsteps.

"Yeah, I need to go to the orphanage by nine."

"Don't worry, I'll drop you off," she said, her tone reassuring.

We ate together in silence, the comfort of her company easing the tension in my chest. After breakfast, we drove to the orphanage. I thanked her for everything before she left, watching as her car disappeared down the street.

Inside, I learned that I was already on the list for adoption. A strange feeling washed over me as I realized how quickly things were moving. Uncle Ben, the man in charge, greeted me with a warm smile. He was kind, his presence a soothing contrast to the chaos I had just left behind.

He explained the rules and then led me to my room. It was small, with two beds, but only one was occupied—mine. I set my suitcase down and wandered over to the window, peering out at the unfamiliar surroundings.

That's when I saw him. A guy stood right outside my window, his expression cold and unreadable. He didn't move, just stared at me, his eyes sending a shiver down my spine. Unease crept through me, and I quickly closed the window, trying to shake off the strange feeling.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on my door. Uncle Ben entered, and to my surprise, the guy from outside was with him.

"He's your new roommate, dear," Uncle Ben said with a smile.

My POV

This guy? What...?

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