The Underground Review

Chapter 2

"Welcome to St. Paul's'." I was greeted with open arms by a fairly large, elderly woman.

I did not want to appear ungrateful or disrespectful, so I set down my suitcase and tried my best to return the hug, "Thank you." I replied as enthusiastically as I could, though I'm sure she could see through my thinly veiled attempt.

The embrace lasted a little longer than, what I would argue as, normal but when she was finished she grabbed me by my shoulders and held me out at arm's length, only to shift her gaze to the police office, "You can call me Tanny," She smiled, "You can go now dear, we will take good care of him from here on out."

The police office turned and left quite hastily. I could imagine he was laughing to himself, grateful that he wasn't in my shoes.

"Now Chase, I know you have done your share of running away, but please give us a chance here at St. Pauls. The kids here are lovely and the orphanage itself has so much to offer during your stay with us," She proceeded to grab softly by the shoulders while she continued, "I have indeed read your file, and I can assure you that there is no reason to run from us."

I didn't want to argue with Tanny, as she seemed very sweet and caring, and I was sure this place would have been perfect for any other orphan out there. Just not for me, "I'm sure it will be great here."

Satisfied with my answer, she let go of my shoulders and pulled me for a hug, "You're going to fit in just fine here." She said as she pulled me from side to side while hugging me against my will.

"I hope so."

"Now," She said as she let go and smoothed out her gown, "you just grab your suitcase and I'll show you to your room. It is a wee bit late, so the children are winding down for the evening, so we will do most of our introductions tomorrow during breakfast." She instructed in a surprisingly energetic tone. It was nearly ten in the evening, so seeing someone her age so alive this late was perplexing.

"Most of the introductions?" I repeated quizzically.

She turned to smile at me, "Well, it would be rude of me not to introduce you to your flat mates."

Just what I wanted, roommates. This means I get to play twenty questions all night long. It never changed, everyone wants to know where I'm from, where have I been, and why I run away so much. I understand the urge to ask, but it does get old quickly.

"Here we are," She said as she knocked on the door, "you're going to love your new friends."

I tried to give her a genuine smile, but I could feel the awkwardness. The door opened and a thin red-headed boy, no more than thirteen, opened the door. His face lit up at the sight of me.

"Is this the new guy?" He asked, full well knowing the answer.

Tanny smiled back and stepped to the side, "It sure is. You two make him feel welcome, but don't keep him up all night, he has a bit of a day ahead tomorrow."

"Thank you again." I said as I entered the room.

"My name is Chris," The boy began, "and over there is Greg, he doesn't talk all that much." Chris continued as he shut the door behind me.

The room was small, just enough for a bunkbed, a standalone bed, and one long dresser between them. There was a window above the dresser, and an area rug in the center of the room, that was it for aesthetics. I was surprised at how clean the room was for a pair of teenage boys.