The Song of Our Hearts { Completed }

三

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Lǐ Míngqín
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When class finished early at 3:00, I gathered all my books and placed them in my bookbag.

I really didn't want to go to the after school study session...especially now that we have a new kid to talk to. The chance of us actually getting something done is 0 to 1 so I decide to skip it today.

Tàiyáng's desk was already surrounded by students who bombarded him with questions. Without a second glance, I flee the classroom and make sure I miss the usually student traffic after classes. Taking out a crumbled piece of paper from my pocket, I squint at the messy handwriting. The government official that is in charge of me (who I call my legal guardian) suggested that I get a job. Evidently they want me to reintegrate myself into society again.

I smirk at that thought. What's wrong with being an outcast? In Asia? Everything.

Unzipping my jacket, I walk past the fast cars and try not to slip on the wet pavement. As I make my way through the mazelife city, I finally find the correct address.

Opening the door, a small bell rings above me which announce my presence. The business creates a home like feeling.

"What do I want to buy?" An elderly man asks me as he busily hands change back to his current customer.

My eyes quickly scan the name of the store to make sure I was in the right place.

Mei's Miànbāo diàn (Mei's Bread Shop)

"Ah, yes. I am here to apply for a position here." I said as I hand him the referral my legal guardian gave me.

Quickly reading it, he nods his head before calling for his wife. A woman's voice yells back before appearing up front.

"This girl is our new worker." The man introduces me as I bow to the woman. She looks me up and down as she scutinizes every part of me.

"You don't look very strong." she frowns. "We'll fix that soon. " She promises as she leads me behind the counter to begin my training.

After training, she gives me the leftover bread and gives me directions for a delivery.

Recognizing the address, I quickly followed my first orders.

By the time I arrived at my new destination, a slight chill had set in throughout my body and my hands were trembling.

Good thing I brought this jacket.

The eerie looking building possessed a metal nameplate that had 希望 Xīwàng (See-Wang it means Hope) Orphanage engraved upon it. Taking a deep breath, I knock on the front door before entering.

When I stepped inside, the temperature was the same as it was outside. The thin walls allowed the draft wind to blow through as I kept my coat on.

Taking my shoes off, the sound of bare  feet running down the creaky stairs made me smile.

"Jiějiě!" (Gee-Yeah- Gee-Yeah it means older sister.) A boy of eight years that was too frail for his age yelled as he ran right into me and hugged my legs. Leaning over, I embraced the small boy and rubbed his soft black hair.

Xiǎo. (See -ow)When he arrived at the orphanage, he was just a baby. Seeing him grow up every day was a blessing as well as a bitter moment for me.