Macquarie's Christmas wish (A Magical Christmas Story)

Zendaya to Nora Roberts

Zendaya resumed knocking on the old wood door when there was no response. She knew Nora Roberts was normally in her office before 6am. How quick she was up and dressed was what Zendaya had wondered the first week she started working at the orphanage. Zendaya had gone to the boy's room in the earliest hour to wake the boys up before Clinton could get the chance. She was scared he might do worst than what he'd done in the night. She saw the boys already up. It mastered them to be awake before 7am because it was a daily routine. Some were using the only bathroom they shared, while others waited patiently with their clothes they prepared to wear for the day. Zendaya had smiled down at Gideon and hugged him tightly assuring him that everything was alright. She'd called Sabrina to take the bed and Gideon's clothes laying on the floor for laundry. Sabrina had done so without a fuss. Zendaya knuckles were going to the door again when she heard the occupied voice of the lady from inside.
“Enter and have something meaningful to say to me!“ Nora Roberts warned. Zendaya held the doorknob and twitched it open. She walked in and closed the rough door behind herself. Zendaya walked straight to stand in front of the woman holding a bright blue rosary. Zendaya glimpsed at it. It was always in-between her fingers and Zendaya quickly reasoned if she said it all the time.
“Good morning, Mrs Nora Roberts.“ Zendaya greeted. She knew why she was at the white lady's office. To complain about Clinton's evil act on the young child, Gideon. She saw what he'd done as something very wrong. Zendaya knew he should be punished.
“What brings you here?“ The woman was staring at her face. By Nora Roberts' gaze, Zendaya could sense she was being disturbed.
“Clinton's evil act on a poor child.“ Zendaya went direct. Mrs Nora Roberts looked at her for sometime. She was surprised by her words even though it wasn't the first time she was hearing of how Clinton treated the kids.
“What has he done?“ Nora Roberts puts down her rosary on the table and claps her hands together to hear her out.
“Very early this morning, Clinton slapped a child hard across the face simply because he bedwetted on his bed.“ Zendaya complained. Nora Roberts was quiet for awhile, possibly thinking about what she'd said to her.
“How did you know? The kid told you.“ she asked.
“I witnessed it myself. The scar is still on the little boy's cheek.“ Zendaya's tone was going loud. She'd examined Gideon's face in morning and had seen the red mark showing large fingers. It was horrible.
“Although, I would say what the boy did wasn't right, but, I would also condemn Clinton's act on him.“ Mrs Nora Roberts was aware of how upset Zendaya would get when she saw a wrong being justified. “who's this boy?“ she said to her.
“Gideon. Only 9 years old. He shouldn't be beaten because of what most kids do.“ Zendaya stated her point. She was slowly pissed. Zendaya had already made up her mind of telling the priests, the owners of the orphanage, if Nora Roberts doesn't do anything to punish Clinton.
“Still, he shouldn't be destroying the orphanage property.“ Nora pointed out. Zendaya refused the urge to raise her voice at her. She tried so well in controlling herself.
“I want Clinton punished for what he did to that child. This time, I would not allow him get away. If you don't do anything, I'm sure the priests will.“ she said to the woman who was immediately understanding what she meant. Nora Roberts knew how courageous Zendaya was and was sure she would carry out whatever she was threatening to. Nora Roberts sighed in the cold air.
“How many years have you been working in the Orphanage?“ Zendaya saw the woman's eyes hit her face.
“It's more than 10 years.“ she replied.
“10 years is actually a lot of a working experience I would say.“ Nora Roberts eyes fixed at the young lady she was far older than. “Zendaya, I would punish Clinton for what he did. After all, he was wrong.“ Zendaya nodded. “Thank you for being considerate. I'm expectant.“ she said and was walking away.
“Don't.“ she called her back. Zendaya stopped and turned her face to the woman. “go anywhere.“ she completed. “You must prove your claim.“ Her fingers had gone to the telephone laying on her desk. “Clinton, I want you in my room at this moment.“ The phone went down. Zendaya waited patiently for minutes before the tapping on the door came.
“Come in!“ Mrs Nora Roberts called. Zendaya saw the tall bearded man stride into the room. His eyes had gone to hers. She was sure he could guess the situation.
“Nora Roberts.“ the man bowed a little to the woman. Zendaya saw his dirty shoes and could almost think of how bad it would smell. She nearly puked. “you called me.“ his hands jammed together at his back.
“Miss Zendaya, here, came with a disturbing news that you slapped a child earliest this morning, is this true?“ she looked at her rosary and then at him.
“He bedwetted on his bed. He's always doing that.“ Clinton told her. He didn't dare to deny. He knew Nora Roberts would come at him the hardest if ever she figured he lied to her. She hated lies. She believed it was unpleasant to God, making you the Satan's child.
“He's only a child, Clinton.“ Nora Roberts said slowly.
“But he's old enough to know what he does is wrong.“ Clinton tried to defend himself.
“Clinton, you shall be suspended at the moment. You are not allowed anywhere close to the children or their room. Due to the rate of unemployment in the country, you shall continue working here but your job would be with the gardener. You don't have to worry since you shall receive the same salary every month. Am I clear?“ she stated. Clinton wanted to argue but didn't see the head. By her look, her words stands.
“I heard all you said.“ he dropped his head a little.
“Zendaya, you shall take his place. Wake them up and have them dressed every morning.“ she told the young lady who nodded. Zendaya was satisfied although she wanted him to be penalized the more.
“You can take your leave.“ she was referring to the both of them. Zendaya watched him cross her with his limp. He was frowning so hard.
“Thank you, Nora Roberts.“ her sounded tone was lesser intoned compared to how it had been. She closed the door behind. Zendaya was happy the boys would be free from Clinton's cruelty. She smiled and was heading to the dining to see the boys she cherished deeply.