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A New Family?

After the bath I put on a new, clean underwear and a bra. Then I brushed my teeth and Ms.Lily combed my waist-length hair. Then I looked in the mirror. I could finally see my whole body. My actual body, who I actually am. Not dirt or mud, but Natalia. The real Natalia. Sure I was still skinny, practically just skin and bones. But my skin was glowing. It was anywhere in between a brown and an olive color. My hair was softer and much cleaner. My teeth were shining white and my body smelled as sweet as ever.

"You're beautiful. But wait till you put this dress on, you'll look even more beautiful especially since your new brother bought it for you". Ms.Lily gasped. I must admit though, the dress that was supposedly picked for me by my 'brother' was actually really nice. It looked so expensive and I actually felt pretty bad to wear something so valuable. It was a beautiful black dress with lace straps and a beautiful pattern on it. When I put it on, both Ms.Lily and I were stunned. It fit my body nicely and it looked great on me.

"Wow, you look amazing"! Ms.Lily exclaimed.

"I never looked like this is my life". I said. For the first time in years, I smiled again.

"Oh my you're perfect! But let's not waste any more time, we need to get you something to eat and drink". Ms.Lily said. She guided me to a cafeteria and sat me down. She then returned with some really delicious looking food. I was just so hungry I began to eat like a pig. Ms.Lily sat there and crossed her arms with a look of disapproval.

"What's wrong"? I asked with my mouth full of food.

"You won't see your family until later this afternoon so I think we should work on a few things. You want to give them a good first impression. This is how you should eat". She said as she began to teach me proper table manners. I actually caught on pretty quickly.

"Sometimes no matter how hungry you are, appearance matters. Young ladies look so much better when they are neater when eating. Plus, when you eat slower and in a more beautiful manner, you'll get to enjoy your food better that way. Think about it, if you stuff your face with it, it'll disappear in seconds. Whereas you can take your time and enjoy it longer". Ms.Lily explained. I did as she said and realized she was right. I began to enjoy the food a lot more and for a lot longer.

After the meal, Ms.Lily took me outside of the hospital. We sat on a bench in front. The sky was cloudy and it was slightly windy yet the temperature remained warm. Perfect weather for summer, not too hot nor too cold.

"So, what can you tell me about my new family"? I asked Ms.Lily.

"Well, as much as I know, there's a father and his son. So, sadly, you won't really have a mother. Being able to take you in as his daughter was very hard for a single father. He just insisted on it and did all he could to have you under his care. He said that you have so much potential, you're so young and can he knows you can become something. He's already arranged a way for you to receive a proper education. He's found a private tutor for you so you can catch up on what you've missed in school. As for his son". Ms.Lily began to giggle.

"What about his son"? I asked eager to know more.

"His son was actually the one who wanted to have you as his new sister. His mother left him years ago and he never had any other siblings. He said he would be a great big brother and was just so excited when he found out you'd finally be allowed as his new sister. I was told he cleaned out one of the guest rooms in the house and prepared it specially for you. Then his father and him went shopping for your clothing. I heard he picked out the dress you're wearing and said 'If I were a girl I'd really want to wear this. I want to see my new sister in it'. Oh that was so sweet of him to say something like that. I'm sure you and him will get along just fine". She explained. He sounds like a really nice person. But how did he know about me. Didn't I just wake up in the hospital today? I can't really remember what happened before but only a day has passed since I was asleep. How could some kid already know about me and decide he wants me as his sister. Was I put up for adoption or something? If that wasn't the case, I really don't know anyone else in New York. I've never made any friends here.

"What's his name"? I asked. She thought for a while.

"I'm pretty sure his father said his name was Jimmy? Or was it Jamie? Oh I'm terrible with names. I think it was something along those lines. I can't really remember exactly what it was but it sounded like a Jimmy or a Jamie. Either one of those". She said. Well I don't know how these people know me but I could care less. They just sound like a great family as Ms.Lily describes them but, I'll just have to wait until I can meet them in person.

"Well how old is this Jimmy or Jamie"? I asked.

"Oh I remember that"! She exclaimed.

"17 years old". 17? He's just two years older than me.

Ms.Lily and I continued to talk and she told me a lot of things. She explained to me that life is hard and sometimes when you feel like it's over, that's when it's just starting. She taught me so many things and helped me understand things I could never understand. She's such a nice person, so intelligent too. I don't think I could ever be as smart as her. I wonder if my brain is even capable of remembering so many useful things like Ms.Lily's. The farthest I can remember is when I was being harassed by some kids. I ran home and my dad beat me. He called me worthless and said he doesn't want me. He said those kids should've killed me while they were at it. That's the most vivid memory I have.