Orphan Dreams

Part 3

Emmy was once again dancing with a stranger. But this time the stranger's face wasn't completely hidden in shadows. He had a black mask on. And just as Emmy was about to pull it off the dream disappeared, and she was once again awake in the bedroom that she shares with seven other girls.

Emmy sighed deeply. It has been a week since she last met the masked stranger but while he stays away during the day, he always plagues her dreams.

She got up and got ready to start another day of chores.

The day would start at seven in the morning with helping the senior kids in the kitchen preparing breakfast. She would serve the food in the dining room and rush to wake up those who hadn't joined them yet. Emmy wasn't required to call for anyone. The protocol says that you must arrive on time for the meals. If you don't then you will have to go to work without food. Emmy thinks that's too harsh for little kids who usually sleep too deeply to hear the bell or have an issue getting ready.

The second reason she does this is to set an example. As much as she could, Emmy tries to prevent the kids from growing with bitterness. Whether it was justified or not, hate hurts the person feeling it more than the person it is directed at. When she looks after the children, the children start to look after one another. Roommates would wake up and help each other to get ready. They would play together after a day of work. They would give up some of their food portions to those who are feeling weak.

After eating Emmy would help and supervise the kids in washing the dishes and cleaning around this massive place. The kids ranged from ages six to fourteen. Younger than that weren't brought in because they won't be able to work. Fifteen-year-old boys were taken to do harder jobs such as mining. While the girls are taken way to work as household maids. The very few who don't get chosen work in the orphanage until the authorities decide what to do with them. One thing for sure is that the older kids as considered as leftovers. No one cares about their fate.

After that each would go to their assigned jobs. Some of them work in the orphanage itself such as tutoring the kids, Cleaning, or repair work for the older boys. But others who are stronger than others work out in the town. The chairman, Mr. Stevenson, is a fine businessman and has many shops that require works. Emmy was one of those few lucky ones.

But they weren't as lucky as the left behind kids think. People tend to hold prejudice toward orphans. Most don't act on it, but others do.

Emmy works in a bakery along with three girls and a boy from the orphanage. Supervisor was the only grownup that Emmy liked. Her name was Kate, and she was a middle-aged woman and the closest thing Emmy had to a mother.

What makes Kate so loveable to the children who worked with her was that she was one of them. Kate had also grown up in an orphanage but she had made it out, become independent, and had a family of her own. Looking at the kind woman, you would never have guessed her origins. And she would never be ashamed to tell you the truth herself.

Emmy wants to be like Kate one day. Independent and unashamed.

The bell of the front door rang. Singling the arrival of new costumers. Emmy rotated the cookies in the oven before rushing over the counter with her usual welcoming smile. Her smile dropped when she who it was.

They were three men. Two were old, but the one who was standing between them was young. They were all wearing fine clothes, that's what made Emmy dislike them on sight. When rich people come to their town, they only spout empty promises when they could do so much more. Instead of helping they create extra work for those around them. All for return of empty promises. Then they are expected to be grateful that they have been considered.

They also tend to be bullies.

In flat voice Emmy asked for their orders. The two older men barley spared her a glance before ordering, but the younger one stared at her in shock. Apparently not used to be regarded so commonly.

"Well?" Emmy snapped when the man was staring at her without saying anything. The two other men glared at her but the younger blond one apologized sheepishly and gave his order.

The three of them sat at a table facing the window. They ate then left.

But Emmy could have sworn that she felt the blonde's eyes on her from time to time.

Well, all the better now that they are gone. That's what Emmy thought to herself.