Oh, Brother

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 – Adopted

“That dress looked totally cute on you!!! Why didn’t you get it?” Jenny questioned me.

“Because I couldn’t afford it. You know I am saving up for when I get kicked out of this place.” I tell her.

By now we were done shopping and were sitting on my bed in my room.

“I know but you could have spent $20. You would earn it back in an instant. I know how much you get payed an hour working at the Mechanics.”

“Yeah, yeah. But that’s going toward my college funds because you know no one will adopt me so I won’t have anyone to help me pay tuition.” I complain to her lightly because we both know I have already accepted that fact.

Plus, I can easily afford it now that they have raised my pay for both of the jobs I have.

“Arianna, could you come down to my office for a moment please?” Mr Greene yelled.

“What lies has Roxanne told her parents this time?” Jenny asks me.

“I don’t know, but I should go and find out.” I say.

So I walk down and head to his office.

I knock quietly on the door.

“Come in.” Came Mrs Greene’s voice on the other side of the door.

So I opened the door and walked in.

As I walked in, I noticed a couple standing off to the side of the room.

“Arianna, this is Mr and Mrs Winters. They would like to adopt, would you be able to show them around and introduce them to everyone here at the orphanage?” Mr Greene asked.

Glancing around the room I saw a slightly pissed off Roxanne. She was probably annoyed that I got offered this instead of her. Again.

Where did my best friend go?

“Sure thing, sir. Follow me please.” I indicated to the couple.

They followed me out the door.

“So, what age are you looking at for adopting today? And would you like it to be a girl or a boy?” I ask them.

“We have no idea what age we would like to adopt at and both genders are fine with us. You can see that we are not overly fussed.” Mrs Winters tells me.

Mr Winters holds out his hand.

“I am Robert Winters and this is my wife, “ He indicates to Mrs Winters,

“Juliette Winters.”

I shake his outstretched hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meat you. My name is Arianna.”

“Arianna Greene?” Rob asks.

“No. I haven’t really got a last name because I live at the orphanage and have no real family. My middle name is Jade though.”

I say this to them as we pass all the rooms of excited children waiting to be adopted.

“Really? You mean that you have lived here your whole life?” Juliette asked me.

“Yes. This is my home, you could say. Though I will be kicked out by the end of next year.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I will turn eighteen by that time. I am sixteen now. It doesn’t matter though, because I have two jobs and plenty of money from working.” I tell them.

“ You hard working girl.” Juliette praises me.

“Thank you.” I say sincerely.

I see a bouncing red head and make my way over.

“Sarah, how’s it going little girl?” I say as we get closer.

As soon as she see’s me, she runs over and pounces on me.

I laugh and hug her back.

“Good to see you too hun.” I chuckle.

I stand up and turn towards the Winters.

“Mr and Mrs Winters, this is Sarah. She is four years old and is absolutely amazing.” And as I said amazing I ruffled the little ones hair.

Juliette knelt down and played with Sarah for a little while.

I felt a pang of jealousy because I had no doubt that she would be adopted by this lovely couple.

But as soon as it came, the jealousy was gone.

Sarah deserved a loving family and these people were just perfect for her. I felt sad because I would miss her terribly.

I felt someone’s eyes on me and so I turned to see Mr Winters watching me.

I smiled at him the best that I could and he smiled back but I could see the pity and sympathy behind the smile and in his eyes.

Juliette finally stood up and she and her husband shared a knowing look.

“Would you be able to take us back to the main office please honey?” Juliette asked me.

“Sure thing.”

I looked back at Sarah. She hugged me before letting me show them the way back.

“ I will see you soon, ok lovey?” I asked her.

She nodded and I led the couple back to Mr Greene’s office.

“Thank you for showing us around.” Mr Winters said as he and his wife went into the office.

“It was my pleasure, sir.” I reply.

The door closed behind them.

“We have made our decision.” I heard Juliette say.

“We would like to adopt the four year old girl Sarah…” Mr Winters said and I stopped listening.

See? I just knew she would get adopted today. Call it protective instincts but I just don’t want to let her go. But she deserves this, she is a lovely girl.

“Sarah.” I hear Mr Greene’s voice boom.

“Can you and Arianna come in my office please?” He continued.

I heard the excited footsteps before I saw them and I knew that Sarah must have known what she was being called down for.

She yanked on my arm and dragged me into the office to await her fate.

Still surprised as to why they want me in there, I let her drag me in there with her.

“ Now you two, go pack your things. You have been adopted by the Winters here.” Mr Greene said.

Tears burned in my eyes.

“Both of us?” I ask, unsure.

“Yes, both of you.” Juliette said, hugging me tightly.

The tears streamed down my face and Mr Greene looked at me with kind eyes.

“ I hope those are tears of joy missy.” He scolded lightly.

“Why would they be anything else?” I chuckle and everyone joins in.

“Thank you so, soooo much!” I say and hug her back.

Then I dash off up to my room to pack up all my belongings.

When I arrive back downstairs I see everyone there to wave Sarah and I off, and an impatient Sarah waiting by the car.

And then the next thing I know, I am on my way to my new home with my new parents.