Paper Ships

CHAPTER 2

Days rolled into months and months rolled into years as the children grew up. They did the same thing every day; eat slop, work, eat more slop, then sleep. They even had to wear uniforms. For the girls, a skirt with a black blouse. For the boys, long jeans with a black tuxedo. It was like a never-ending cycle for them. Samuel, who was now 13, was a lonely child. The only company he had was his sisters because of how all of the other children made fun of him for being the smallest and the weakest. But aside from his looks, he was very smart just like his older sister. Samuel would sometimes think of ways to get back at the children. Once, he found a clear wire that he tied between the two smallest buildings. This plan, however, failed. Instead of the children going through the wire, it was Rafael. She broke one of her elbows from the fall. Hazel, who was now 15, would spend most of her free time watching the ocean from the balcony. She loved to watch the waves roll gracefully across the sea. Sometimes, she would even spot a sea turtle or two looking for sea kelp. Hazel didn't mind doing the chores that needed to be done, the only thing that truly bothered her was the fact that some of the children would make fun of her little brother. Rafael was another issue. She despises these children more than the rest, she would always say that they were both "untrustworthy". So if she did do something wrong, like try to stop the children from pushing her brother around, she would have a far worse punishment. They both felt like the whole world was against them...

Today was a special day for the orphanage, the metal ship will be coming back with a handful of children. Nobody really knew why. But tonight as a celebration, they gave the children bread and meat. It was a small amount, but it was so much better than that green slop. All of the children were eating like wolves. But Samuel and Hazel, on the other hand, were eating like well mannered children and took their time. A snotty boy with freckles all over his nose took a piece of meat from his plate and put it on the end of the spoon, holding it back and aiming for Rafael. He then flung the slimy piece of meat that hit the witch right on the back of her head. The other children gasped as she turned around, her face red with anger as she removed the piece of meat from her head, holding it up. "Who," She began, grinding her teeth."Did this?" All of the children pointed at Samuel, who looked up in confusion, as Rafael stormed over to Samuel, shoving the small piece of meat in front of his face with rage. "What is the meaning of this?!"

"I-I didn't do anything ma'ma!" He gulped.

She growled and grabbed him by the collar. "Don't you dare lie to my face!" He was afraid and Hazel could see that. She stood up from her chair. "Stay away from my brother, WITCH! There is no proof that he threw that fillet at you!"

"And there is no proof that he didn't, brat! Now get out of my way!"

"No! You put my brother down immediately or-" She then did something she had never done before. Rafael dropped the boy and hit Hazel across the face. Hazel fell down hitting the chair as she winced in pain. "Hazel!" Her brother rushed to her, making sure she was alright. Hazel, the brave child that stood up to her brother, was crying.

"Go to your rooms, now. I will report this to Medea. She won't be happy with you two..."

The children did as they were told, they left the kitchen and went to the orphan tower while the other children watched them leave quietly. Samuel pulled the covers from his bed preparing to lay down while his sister was going through her suitcase, grabbing a few books. "Sam," Her brother turned. "Would you like to read anything? Perhaps 'The Great Gatsby'?"

"No thanks."

"Are you sure?"

"Mhm." He then sat on his bed removing his shoes.

"Alright..." Hazel closed her suitcase after grabbing one of her favorite books to cheer her up.

"... You know you didn't have to do that back there."

"Well, I didn't want to just sit there and let that god awful woman abuse you like that... you're my brother."

"But still, she hit you on the face because of it." He looked at her. "Hazel, we can't stay here any longer... things are just going to get worse and worse..."

"I know... I promise I'll think of something..."

The night was long and the children were depressed, thinking that there was no way for them to leave this mess... but, this night will be a night they would never forget.

(Sorry this chapter was so short?? Haha, I promise more is coming.)