The Rich Orphan

Chapter 28

Chapter 28 

I walked into the house for no one to be around.  It was strange for a place usually so lively to be so quiet, I used to hate how the noise never stopped but now weirdly I felt empty without it. I walked into the sitting room, ready to sit down only to stopped in my tracks; a small boy was sat on the plush carpet, he had his back facing away from me, he had sandy hair and a very small frame.

  “Are you okay?” I asked, his fragile looking face snapped to mine. Terror crossed his face before he gasped and sprinted to the other side of the room to hide behind a wooden pillar. I stood frozen watching him. 

“I’m- I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to scare you.” I stuttered, “Where are your parents?”

The boy cocked his head looking at me.  Carefully I walked to him, I was even more scared then him, I was terrified he was going to attack me. I don’t do children. It’s as blunt as it sounds they panic me; I am always worried I will hurt them. I slowly raised my hand, waiting patiently for him to react. His penetrating eyes stared at me before he slowly raised his too and took hold of mine.  His soft tiny hands felt strange in my sun beaten worn ones.

  “What’s your name?” I smiled quietly.

  “Teddy.” He whispered.

  “And mine’s Eliza.”

  “I know who you are. Everyone knows who you are.” He noted absently.

  “That’s not true.” I laughed silently. “So Teddy why are you in a house all alone?”

  “My Mummy went out, my big brother went look for her, he will be back soon.”

  “Where did your Mummy go?” I asked.

  “I don’t know if I should tell you that.” He whispered, nervously.

  “Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone.” I smiled reassuringly.

  “Mummy went to a bad place. She goes somewhere that makes her into a different person, she always stubbles to the nearby lake.” Teddy stopped, taking in a deep breath. He looked at me hesitantly. I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “She shouts and shouts begging that Daddy will come back. She sometimes comes home and is mean to us. It-It’s no-not nice but if she’s out late then my brother goes looking for her.”

I took in a sharp intake of breath. “Well should I go and see if I can find your brother.” I started to get up for him only to tug and me with a strong force.

  “No! No don’t!” He shouted, for him to only clamp his hand over his mouth. “I- I’m sorry I-I-I shouldn’t have shouted, but please don’t go just no yet.” He stuttered.

  “It’s okay.”I whispered pulling him into a hug stroking his soft sandy hair. “We won’t go yet, let’s wait for half an hour then we will go and see him. Okay?” I smiled, pulling out of the hug looking at his beautiful face. He nodded his head giving me a small smile. It felt strange having to care for someone, I hadn’t had to look after or reassure someone that everything is going to be okay. I felt peculiar to hug someone, however it can completely natural like I needed it. I had spent so long separating myself from society that when I slightly submerged myself with people, I wanted more, I craved it.

  “Well what do you want to do?” I asked Teddy. He only shrugged. I looked around the room searching for inspiration. I found it.

  “Hey do you want to see something cool?” I grinned at Teddy, he nodded his head, it seemed these were the only things he was capable of. I picked him up and walked over to the beautiful black piano, I placed Teddy on the top and myself on the stool. It felt weird sitting in a place I hadn’t sat in for a long time. However I had never forgotten. I placed my hands in the well-known position and played the song my mother had played to me and my siblings so many years ago.