Hallor Chronicles

CHAPTER XVIII. - FACING OFF PAST AND REKINDLING THE POWER

Even though I hate waking up early and leaving Draco's warm and comfy bed, I am making an exception today. Going back to the orphanage is stirring up some unwanted memories and feelings from my childhood, but I brush it all off because I want to go there. I need to go there. Maybe seeing it will help me get over my past and I can forget it all.

I tugged away some of the presents I wanted to give the kids in the orphanage, and after handing out the presents to the workers in the Evren's company, we visited other charities first. Mr. Evren asked me everytime we finished if I want to go to mine choice, but I am still nervous about going back and randomly popping out in front of the nuns again, so I gladly let them drive us around the city. It didn't last long and now we only have one stop left, the Holland orphanage. I stop joining the conversation Draco and his siblings have buring the drive, and only stared at my hands while playing with my fingers. Using nails I kept removing invisible dirt from under the ones on my other hand or twisted my fingers. Suddenly, a big hand landed on top of mine and grabbed it. I looked up to catch Draco giving me a reassuring smile. I would love to do this with Reilly, but having Draco around is good as well.

We pulled up to the drive way and as I got out of the car, I saw three familiar faces waiting for us. In the middle is Mother Superior who got assigned to the orphanage a year after I joined. She noticed me and gave me a smile but I knew that it's a fake one. Besides leading the nuns, she was also a leader for the punishments. Mostly my punishments everytime I was brought back. She was convinced that I am possessed by a demon for sure. I don't know if she knows about the existence of magic or is a really strong devotee. Maybe if she knew they really exist, the punishments would take a different turn. After seeing her again, my mouth dried up and gulping saliva felt like there is sand paper in my throat. My insides churned and pushed up an acidic liquid. With my trembling hands I squeezed my stomach and tried to resist the urge to puke. I probably would if it wasn't for Draco who slided in front of me, blocking the way. He placed his hands on my upper arms, brushing them up and down, telling me to try and calm down.

Danielle: You two lovebirds mind giving us a hand?

Draco didn't reply to her sister and I couldn't even open my mouth or I would risk throwing up the breakfast and lunch we had. Draco leaned closer to me and said that it's okay if I don't go in. Danielle yelled at us again but Draco kept looking at me, waiting for an answer.

Draco: I don't know what happened to you in here, but if you are not feeling good, we can stay out here. Just let Danielle know which gift is for who and she will manage the delivery.

Me: I want to go. I was just reminded of things and I it hit me harder than I thought it will.

Danielle: You guys!

Draco: Kaitlin just needs time. She feels a bit sick.

Dantes: Are we getting a niece or a nephew already? Maybe we should keep some of these presents to ourselves then.

Draco barked back at his brother who is smirking at us and also at giggling Danielle. But this little joke took away some of the darkness hovering over my mind and I laughed. In my head I know what that joke implies but imagining that future is like a spark in that helped me calm down my mind. I told Draco that I am okay now and we can go inside.

Luckily for me, all I had to do is greet the Mother Superior and the two nuns accompanying her, since she talked mostly to Mrs. and Mr. Evren, thanking them for the donations. I took the presents I picked personally and sneaked away into the common room that used to be mine.

I hesitated when opening the door but I got here so there is no point in turning back. I got inside with the familiar screeching noise of the door. They haven't bothered to fix it. Besides the noise of the broken door, the whole room is silent. Only my steps and the crackling sounds of the paper bags follow me as I leave the small lobby and I enter the room.