Marshall

Adoption

Another few months passed, nothing really changed. Yes I'm here again, sitting on my bed , feeling restless and sad. You're asking why or what happened since last time? Lots of things..
Remember how I was supposed to meet a couple? Well after Mrs Rosa informed them that I'm having problems and mourning, they said it's fine and they'll wait patiently to see me when I'm ready.
I pulled myself together, I wanted to meet them.
...but in the end they never showed up at all.

Only a few days till Christmas. People kept coming to adopt children. Kids were leaving almost everyday. And here I am, still alone.

- What should I do Dan? Mrs Rosa said another couple wants to meet me today..but.. will it be different this time?

It was always like this. Before the holidays, people were adopting more children than during the year. I never cared that I wasn't picked. I wasn't this lonely before.
But now, when all of my friends are gone and I am the only "original" child here. It started to feel like all adults were the same as my parents. They didn't need me. No one did... I was full of life they said, but decided not to care. When I was depressed, they wanted someone more "lively". The irony, I guess. It felt like I was cursed. Life probably hated me as much as I hated it.

- I..just go to school. Only a few more days. I'll tell you about the day when I'm back.. rest well Dan

After school I had to go to Mrs Rosa's office .  I wasn't nervous or excited. I was hopeless.

- They won't come
- Now, now. Not everyone is like those two, right? This couple will come and they'll be really nice, you'll see.

Soon they really arrived. A couple in their early thirties. Mario and Sandra Ranger. Mrs Rosa talked to them first then she let them have some time with me.  The man started first. He seemed nice, but the woman... There was something in her eyes that bothered me.

- What's up buddy? My name is Mario, it's a pleasure to meet you.  Do you mind talking about yourself a bit?
- My name is Marshall.. I'm 8 years old..and I like to...
- Yeah, that's good.  Can you wait outside for a while?

I knew. The woman grimaced. She found something to criticize. What a surprise. Mrs Rosa nodded and allowed me to leave.

Gabriel's POV

- Is there something wrong Mrs Ranger? Marshall only began to introduce himself.
- Yes but it's not important. I'm done here.
- Honey ,why are you doing this again? Let's give him a chance. He seems like a good little boy
- I don't care , he's white. We agreed to get an African American boy.

When I thought I finally got that child a nice family , this woman proved me wrong. Mr Ranger seemed interested and he was friendly. But his wife? On the contrary. I understand someone has preferences but she should have told me before I let Marshall meet them.

- I apologize Mrs Ranger but Marshall is not white, he's Latin American, therefore creole. And he is indeed a good child, he's been through a lot yet he's being strong. He definitely deserves a loving family.
- I don't want creole either and he is obviously white. You can't fool me. I agreed to get a boy although I wanted a girl, fine. But white? No thank you.
- I don't understand the problem . He even speaks English fluently
- Yes, I can get a parrot and teach it English. This child is far from interesting or special. I'm done.
- Sandra, we'll never have a child if you keep being like this! He really was a sweetheart. What's your deal now?

I hate this. They came to see Marshall and now they're arguing. You know, he deserves better than this woman.

Marshall's POV

I wanted to know why I was sent out. I know it's not nice to eavesdrop but I was curious.
I wish I didn't..because everything that woman said felt like stabbing.

*Not interesting or special*

This is why I pulled myself together? I should have just went back to my room. My heart was aching. Why is it so hard to accept me? I was crying silently when Dr Sanchez came up to me.

-  Hey, why are you crying? I don't assume anyone tried to hurt you. You're like the toughest child here.
- All adults bad! All ! Ugly!! They don't love me...! Why I'm alive??
- Ssh, no..come on. What's going on? We're friends, remember? You can share
- The couple who came to meet me ... The woman is bad. Said she doesn't want me because I'm not black..
- Are you sure it's not a misunderstanding?

They were now arguing because of me. I heard everything clearly.

- I don't want to waste my time here! I thought we could adopt a child but no! I don't want this one!
- Sandra, stop this! We could adopt already, but you're so stuck to your idea to get a black child! I'd not care what race they are!
- Of course you don't. He wasn't even cute! More like an ugly duckling! I can't be seen with an unattractive child! I need a talented, cute one!
- I'm sorry to say but are you serious? I shouldn't say this because my words would ruin the reputation of this orphanage but...

Even Mrs Rosa risked her job just to get on my side and scold that woman. Once I noticed, Dr Sanchez was gone.

Victor's POV

I couldn't believe my ears. What an arrogant woman! I'm naturally a calm, tolerant person but I couldn't just listen her idly. I left the poor child alone and stormed into the office to have my words.

- Ma'am, if you really want an African American child we have only three , only one of them is free but she's sick and can't be put on adoption yet. I sent you Marshall's documents, you said you want HIM.
- Well I don't, he's boring and he'll never find a family.
- Do you have the slightest idea how much pain you're causing to the little child who's standing outside and literally hearing all the nasty words you're saying? Marshall was set up to a meeting with a couple but they fooled him and never came. Poor child is suffering, you were even informed about his mental state yet you're kicking him more!
- We apologize.. my wife is being picky. Marshall was cute and we will give him another chance
- No Mario! You know who's cute? My puppy, Daisy.

I'm not like this, I'd never say mean words to anyone but this woman deserved it. And if they leave? And if they leave? Good. Marshall deserves better.

- No wonder you got no real child. Only an animal loyal as a dog, can tolerate this arrogant personality like yours.

I could hear her jaw dropping and hitting the floor, it filled me with satisfaction. She rushed out embarrassed. That's what I wanted and an apology to Marshall , but I know she'd not give any.

- I'm sorry..my wife can be really rude. Please tell the child that I'm sorry and he really does deserve better than this..

After the husband left, Mrs Rosa turned to me. I knew a great scolding was coming my way.

- Dr Sanchez. What the hell were you thinking?
- I deeply apologize. I know my action was unnecessarily mean but I couldn't tolerate this any longer. Marshall is so young and his life is a misery.
- I know but I could maybe talk to the woman in peace.
- You guess? She wouldn't change her mind. And even if she decides to adopt Marshall?  She'd not love him as he deserves. She didn't deserve him, or any child if you ask me..
- I know you meant no harm but it's not your place to decide who can adopt this child. If I'm not mistaken, your job is to be their therapist and not their step father.

I had no regrets. Maybe she's right but I know, it was for the best. Once, he'll find a family and won't even remember these people at all.