Chapter 20

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Octo

12:15pm

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12:15pm. Bonding Hour

I hurriedly tossed a book into my backpack as the Resident Supervisor outside repeated his earlier instruction for the umpteenth time.

"Remember to bring any toys or blankets you may need, because once we leave the dorms, we will not be back till half past 2 o'clock. Any devices will be confiscated."

The sounds of scurrying and rushed packing floated in through my closed door. The man had arrived at noon and had been terrorizing my wing since. He'd also brought some helpers with him who were going around the rooms and giving everyone a hand. Ok, I take back what I said about him being mean. He was actually very nice and reasonable, but the nerves were getting to my head and making me think the whole world was against me.

I stood up, scanning my desk for anything I wouldn't want to leave behind. Overall I hadn't packed much, just a few books to read, a pillow and headphones. Not that I had music to listen to, just that I looked much cooler wearing them.

So with the final addition of a sweater, I zipped up my bag and hooked it round my shoulders, exiting the room. The door shut with a soft click behind me. I crossed my arms and waited awkwardly.

The scene outside was still quite busy. Most of the other kids were still busy getting their last minutes together with the help of other Resident Caregivers. That made me notice something actually, the fact that nobody else on my floor packed for Bonding Hour alone, the exception being me.

I looked around warily. Was I supposed to ask one for help? It's not like any of them came to my room. I adjusted my bag strap nervously. 

Over at the end of the hall, the supervisor leaned on the wall with a few other caregivers behind him. So, not wanting to attract any attention, I crouched and pretended to look through my bag for something.

Soon enough, a shadow fell over me. "Hey, there. How's the packing coming along? You looking for something?"

I paused, looking up into the smiling face of a Resident. "Um, no actually." I zipped my bag back up and stood again. "I was just finishing packing."

The blond, curly headed man gave me a look of surprise. "Really? All by yourself? Good job!" he gave me a hearty high-five. "This way."

The Resident placed a hand on my shoulder and guided me towards the supervisor. "This one's all ready to go, David."

"Great. Now go hurry everyone else up, we have to leave soon." David waved the man off and resumed leaning against the wall, only this time, he had his eyes trained on me for whatever reason.

For fear of coming off as disrespectful, I kept facing forward and didn't try to glance at him once, which was harder than I thought it would be. What with the intensity of his gaze.

Eventually he spoke up. "You're not Little right now, are you?" 

I turned around slowly, a blank, wide eyed look on my face like a deer in headlights. "No, sir."

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