Lucifer - The Penthouse (J.SH) [REWRITE]

one.

12 years ago.

As children ran around with joy and laughter, one particular girl sat in the corner of the room. Her small form was hidden by the shadows while her little fingers moved the chess pieces around. Brown hair pulled back from her face by a black ribbon. The table moved a bit as someone ran past in front of her. She looked up and stared at the playing children.

She couldn't find herself to enjoy this carefree moment, knowing well enough the director would return and cast wrath upon them. She knew they would be forced back into child labor no matter how young or old they were, and if they dared to disobey him, they'd be punished. It was terrifying how even at a young age, she had to endure the price of being an orphan. The young girl was left on the orphanage's doorstep in a box as a baby with nothing but a blanket with her name stitched on it. She wondered if her true parents truly didn't want a child so they decided to leave her there. At least that's what the director had told her.

The rest of the children could care less where she'd come from. It's because they probably came the same way. Left in a box for someone to take them. Parents didn't want them because they were a mistake or couldn't afford to raise them.

Being adopted wasn't even the safest choice for them after they found out most of the children were living in even worse condition. Physically and mentally. She wondered if there ever were good people in this dark, cruel world.

She moved the pawn up.

"Why are you playing all by yourself?"

She looked up from the chessboard to see a boy in his late teens. He was wearing glasses and a flannel shirt over his thin figure. He pulled the chair across from her and sat down, his eyes looking at the chess pieces before he looked back at her. "May I?" He gestured at the board.

The girl nodded. Letting him make the next move.

"You didn't answer the question." He said.

"... I like playing alone." She answered.

The boy nodded. He then glanced behind him where his parents were watching the other children at the doorway. "Do the other children not treat you well?" He asked.

She shook her head. "They treat me well." She moved a piece up. "I just prefer to be on my own."

"Are you here to adopt one of the children?"

"You don't think you're going to be adopted?"

She took his knight. "The director said I'm good for nothing. Not worthy of an adoption."

A hand placed on top of hers. The girl stared at it before moving her gaze to the boy. "Never think that you're not good enough for anything." He said. "Based on your moves, you're a smart girl for a 3 year old. I am sure someone out there would be happy enough to adopt you."

The king moved to the side.

She stared at him, unsure of how to accept his kind words. It wasn't every day they were spoken nicely of. They were children— not exactly angels in their eyes but more of a pest. A burden that's needed to be taken care of. Only behind closed doors, away from the director's eyes, were they able to feel safe. She gave him a small smile, feeling slightly better and turned back to the game.

Her Queen was moved. "Checkmate."

The boy smiled at her and lightly clapped to congratulate her win. He then offered his hand to her. "Good game." He complemented. "My name's Logan Lee. What's your's?"

She placed her hand in his and shook it. "I'm Aera."

Logan smiled. "Nice to meet you, Aera." He said.