Teddy Bear Love

Chapter I - The Opportunity

Lucy 

With steady hands, I gently kneaded the tacky dough. Images of my trembling hands embedded with shards of glass flickered vividly in my mind.

My movements were thoughtful and precise until they formed a smooth elastic ball. Disoriented and stumbling over my own feet, I approached the burning overturned car.

I placed the dough ball into a deep bowl and covered it with a clean cloth. The intense heat from the crackling fire licked my face, reminiscent of the hot embrace of an oven door swinging open.

As I rinsed flour off my hands in the sink, I took a moment to breathe in the kitchen's sweet vanilla and yeasty aroma. I choked and coughed on the thick smoke. My breathing was shallow. My consciousness was fading.

"Is that the last thing, dear?" The headmistress inquired, stirring me away from my thoughts. Her voice was tinged with uncertainty as she eyed the countertop in awe. It was adorned with an array of fresh muffins, cookies, cakes, and sourdough I had been preparing all morning.

I turned to her while reflecting on her question. "Quiches?" I suggested. "Perhaps I could prepare some before I go. The girls love them." She shook her head and took my hands into hers. "You've done quite enough already, Lucy. You should be preparing to leave."

Leave... Said so easily as if this place wasn't my home. I love helping the headmistress and caretakers cook and clean. Even tending to the girls and helping them with their schoolwork fulfills me. Mercy Home Orphanage for Girls has been my home since the incident there's nothing else out there for me...

A small, self-doubting laugh escaped my lips. "I've been an orphan for as long as I can remember. Never once considered for adoption." My shoulders dropped as I confessed. "Honestly... I applied for the work-study without really believing I would be chosen..."

The woman's smile carried a tinge of sadness as she cupped my cheeks in her frail hands. "A prestigious family is offering you the opportunity to live with them. You'll complete high school at Beckington Academy while gaining work experience. Possibly even a scholarship to Uni."

The words unsettled my stomach with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Beckington Academy is the oldest and most illustrious high school in the world. It's a place for the children of politicians, royals, celebrities, and the wealthy—not for orphans with untraceable lineage who rely on charity.

I bit my tongue, "I'm very grateful for the opportunity."

"This arrangement is the first of its kind, and if it goes smoothly, the school will partner with us." She beamed while I mustered my best polite smile.

I untied my apron, hung it on the rack, and said, "I should finish packing." She nodded in agreement as I made my way towards my former room. I stopped in front of the door. The pink, white, and purple flowers painted on it brought back warm memories to me. On the eve of every girl's fifteenth birthday, they get moved here. When I came, it was me and three others. In a short time, we all became so close, akin to sisters. We called ourselves The Lost Girls, after one of our favorite books. We all knew it was a matter of time before the headmistress was forced to give us our 'Aging Out' counseling.

Here are the only options for us:

1. Leave and fend for yourself.

2. If you have extended family, reach out to them.

It is not the most extensive list, but most girls who had a family had already been rejected by them. In my case, I had no family. It was just my mum, dad, and me when they passed away. With a gentle exhale, I whispered to myself, "Everything will be okay." As I stepped into the room, the stark emptiness of the bunk beds struck me. I was the last one, soon to be followed by other sweet girls dealt an unfair hand. I packed up the rest of my last belongings. Cradling my small duffel bag in my arms, the weight of my entire life compressed into a mere 35 pounds, I took a deep breath.

I would soon be paving the road for a new opportunity. Exceptional grades would get girls a tuition-free education at Beckington Academy, and a willingness to work for a host family would get them room and board. This was exceptionally better than the other two alternatives.

I made my way out of the room and into the hallway, where a line of young girls stood waiting. They enveloped me in hugs and showered me with sweet farewells and promises to miss me dearly. The headmistress and caretakers who had raised me cried while embracing me for possibly the last time. The walls echoed with the girls' hushed chatter as I walked through the corridor, each step becoming heavier. This was my home, my family, and soon it would all be left behind.

My eyes widened when I saw a limo waiting for me outside the orphanage. A chauffeur exited the limo and took my duffle from my hand. "Is this all?"

I affirmed, "Y-yes, sir." He opened the backseat door for me and said, "Very well." My heart plummeted into the depths of my stomach as disembodied screams of agony resounded in my ears. The dark abyss of the open door felt claustrophobic and suffocating. My hands tightened into fists, and sweat formed on my brow as I stammered, "H-how l-long is the drive?'"

"Bout 4 hours, I believe, miss."

"Oh my, that is quite the drive." My feet were still anchored on the ground, not moving forward.

"Don't worry, miss, I'll have us there in 3."

With a forced smile, I took in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Excellent," I said as I reluctantly settled into the seat. My hand instinctively rummaged through my purse until it found my pills. I quickly swallowed one, feeling it slide down my dry throat. After buckling myself in, I put on noise-canceling earmuffs and a sleep mask. Then, I laid back and curled up into a tight ball, hugging my knees to my chest. As the limo began moving, I winced at the slight motion. To calm myself, I quietly repeated, "You're okay. You can do this." The medication soon started to take effect, lulling me into a peaceful sleep.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope y'all enjoyed this first chapter!

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