Discovering Shadows (Completed)

Chosen

Mark wasn't here. He couldn't explain the information my mind was flooded with. He couldn't help me this time...and I couldn't do it on my own.

So, I didn't understand that the lady chose me in that split second when she saw me through the window. That she made the choice to take me.

But I do know now that she protected me.

While the man pushed The Headmistress away I didn't notice that the woman had entered the front room through the side door. That she saw me huddled against the rickety bookshelf. Saw the books start to fall from the top of the shelf. When she entered the front room, she ran straight to me and grabbed me just in time. I don't realize this until I look at the pile of books on the floor where I was sitting a few seconds ago.

It takes me a few seconds to understand that I am being held in soft arms and being rocked while she cries in my hair. I don't know why she's crying. She wasn't the one to almost get crushed by a pile of the largest books I've ever seen. But she just sat there and held me while she cried and whispered into my hair. She didn't even notice when the man walked over and stood by us or when The Headmistress stood in the door glaring at me. She didn't see the other kids peek out from their hiding places to stare in shock, surprise and envy. But I did.

I saw every expression and everyone staring at me. I even saw Mark freeze in the other door way as the wrapped box fell from his hands to the floor. I will never forget his expression. It screamed shock, anger, fear, defeat and pain. I didn't know what it meant until I was carried to a car outside that drove off while I stared at the orphanage, at Mark standing in the window with tears in his eyes.

Mark didn't leave me.

I left him.

Alone.