New Challenges part 2
The paperwork was overwhelming, but Hannah struggled through it. She handled the housecalls, the investigations into her past, the almost constant questioning of her lifestyle and career choices. She took it all in stride, knowing that it would all be worth it in the end.
But all the breaches of her privacy could not have prepared her for this moment. Hannah didn't remember the orphanage to be so... daunting. A part of her was screaming to run for her life as she was buzzed in.
The receptionist brought her to a small room in the back that was packed with toys and books . Hannah was too nervous to sit on the seat she was offered.
"First visit?" The receptionist asked with a small, knowing smile.
Hannah nodded, not trusting her own voice.
"You'll be a great foster parent, don't worry miss Hart."
"How.. How do you know that?" Hannah managed to squeak out.
"Because you're nervous, you care. If you weren't nervous, I'd kick you out of here." The woman gave her a pat on the back.
"Hannah, good to see you again!" Mona walked into the room.
"Hey," Hannah shook her hand, "Eh, where's Alessandra?"
Mona looked behind her, "Oh, for fuck's sakes! Hang on a second."She ran back out.
"So, Ali?" the receptionist raised an eyebrow. Hannah nodded. "Good luck with that one." With that the woman left her alone.
Mona quickly came back, this time dragging Alessandra with her. The little kid was obviously sulking.
"Found her! So Hannah, you know the rules of visiting hour?" Mona asked.
"Yep, one hour, and we have to stay in this room." Hannah recited.
Mona nodded, "And if you have a problem, you push this buzzer, and I'll be right here. Have fun!" She left the room, leaving Hannah alone with Alessandra for the first time.
"Hi!" Hannah crouched down to the girl's level, "I'm Hannah."
No response.
"We, eh, we met before, remember?" Hannah tried.
Nothing.
"So, what do you want to do? We have an hour? We could play a game?"
Silence.
"What's your favorite game?" Hannah was starting to get desperate, but Alessandra still didn't acknowledge her.
Hannah sighed, running a hand through her hair, "Look, I'm going to be honest with you, okay? You're a smart kid, you can take it." She moved so she sat on the floor, "I read your file. I know everything that happened. And I'm really sorry that you had to go through that." Hannah kept her eyes on the child, still hoping for some sort of a reaction, but she was met with a blank stare.
"I get it," Hannah went on, "I get why you don't talk. I know that you don't want to trust anyone. So, if you never want to talk to me, that's fine. We can figure something out, I'll learn sign language, I don't care. But I need to know that you hear me, I need to know that you... want this? I don't want to do anything you don't want, Alessandra. I don't want to be anyone that you don't want me to be." Hannah sighed again.
Alessandra walked away from her, and Hannah felt her heart sink in her shoes. She doesn't want me.
Just as Hannah was getting up to call for Mona, Alessandra came back, carrying a book.
"You want me to read to you?" Hannah asked, feeling the relieve wash over her. She took the book from the child, and settled back on the floor. Alessandra sat down too, still leaving a good distance between them.
But Hannah didn't even notice the distance. She happily flipped the book open, and started reading.
"Sam I am. I am Sam..."
YOU ARE READING
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