Stone: The Unknown Society Book One

Letter

On a breezy April morning, our story starts with Emillia Wallis. A woman who, by some strange circumstances, is recently made in charge of the orphanage across the big oak tree standing in the city square. This woman hated things that are too cheerful or too bright, but today was an exception. She was feeling a bit happy that she actually opened the doors of the orphanage to "get some fresh air inside".

However, seeing two teens she presumed (she has a very bad habit of assuming things, even if most of her assumptions turns out to be untrue or far-fetched) are lovers sitting on the bench beside the big oak tree across the street snapped her to her usual mood, and from that moment, a very, very bad day is born.

She slammed the door with a bang loud enough to be heard on the next town, but not after giving them her scowl.

After that small episode the day started like how Ms. Wallis wanted it to be. By that, it involved a lot of scowling and yelling and sneering while following her schedule.

It ran like this:

By six in the morning the children (she pursed her lips at the word) should be up to clean the halls, sweep the floors, make the beds, throw the garbage and the wilting flowers that must have sat on the tables for months ago must be changed. The process should end at seven and the floors should be squeaky clean--not a speck on anywhere or else.

After this the children should hasten up to get cleaned and dressed in their best (which, by the way is not much). Then a quick (really quick) breakfast should follow.

By nine in the morning all of them -- Ms. Wallis on the front line-- should be waiting in the parlor to wait for their honored guest.

The guest mentioned is no ordinary one. No, this mystery man came from a long line of a certain wealthy family that has always been the greatest benefactor of the Orphanage. The only person who knew this man is the former headmistress of this building. Ms. Wallis, being only recently made the next to replace the formidable lady, is ignorant of the identity of this man. She knew, however, that the man is in his early thirties, and is very, very handsome.

That's why she was thrilled when a letter came and in it said that this man would like to make a visit. However, the blessing also comes with a curse; the man wanted to meet all of the children of the Orphanage throughout his visit. This condition would ruin her plan to marry her way to riches and she does not want this opportunity to pass her by.

The thought of her plan made her grin silly. She tentatively arranged her black ribbon and her crimson dress and tied her dyed blond hair (she had to dye the already graying spots) in a tight bun.

The day is perfect. All that was left to do is to check if everything is going smoothly. She turned her back and walked to the stairs that would take her to the rooms of the children under the care of the G---Orphanage.

Outside, a chilly breeze took off and gently brushed the oak tree. The tree's leaves rustled and fell on the bench beside it.

Only the bench was now sitting empty. The "lovers" who sat there a while ago and had the honor to receive Ms. Wallis' scowl is hiding at the back of the great tree. Grim expressions etched on their faces. A tense silence hung above them.

The "lovers" are comprised of a young teen wearing a black coat. His beady black eyes are fixed on something far. Every now and then he would turn to look at his watch and run his hand along his raven hair.

Beside him, a red headed teen is biting her pinkish lips. Her hands are shaking and her foot is tapping impatiently. She seems to be waiting for something too. Worry is evident on her chestnut brown eyes.