Paper Ships

CHAPTER 3

"Wake up! Wake up!" All of the children groaned as the raspy woman yelled. "The ship is arriving soon, so get up!" They all got up and changed into their uniforms as Rafael walked out of the room. Hazel sat on the edge of her bed combing her hair while Samuel was putting on his gray striped scarf. He looked over at his sister, noticing a red mark on her cheek. "How is your cheek feeling?" Samuel asked as she turned to him. "It still hurts a little... but other than that, it's fine."

"Okay, good..." He smiled a little, adjusting the scarf around his neck. Once the children were done getting ready, they went to the docks. Hazel and her brother, however, weren't in this crowd. They waited for the children to leave so they could get a better view near one of the smaller buildings, away from the other children. "Why are more children coming here?" Samuel asked. "Not sure..." The large metal ship stopped beside the dock, opening its doors. Rafael rushed over to the entrance of the boat, leading the children out. Memories started to fill Hazel's mind as the children walked off the boat. She remembered the cold night, she remembered how that lady yelled at them to get off, and their mother... "Hazel? Are you alright?" She snapped out of it, looking at her brother. "Y-Yeah, why do you ask?"

"Your eyes were tearing up..."

"What?" Hazel wiped her eyes. Yes, they were tearing up. She sighed and wiped her hand on her skirt. "I'm fine, Samuel. Thank you."

"Are you sure?..."

"Of course."

After all of the children walked off the boat, they were sent to the auditorium. But the other children, however, had to work for the rest of the morning. Once the announcement was over for the newer children, they were all sent to the kitchen, Including the ones that were working. Surprisingly, there were enough tables and chairs for the other children. Hazel and Samuel ate but noticed two children and one infant sitting at a table alone. They looked glum. Hazel felt bad for the children, she understood how they felt. Alone and scared...

Hazel looked over at her brother. "Sam, we should sit with those children over there."

"Why?"

"They look... lonely. Maybe we can cheer them up."

"I'm sure they will be fine..."

"... I'm going to sit with them." She got up, carrying her bowl of slop, walking to the other children. Her brother looked at her as she walked away. Of course, he followed.

The two oldest siblings, a brother and sister, were quietly talking to each other as the infant played with her food. Hazel walked over to the table. "Hello there, I'm Hazel. Hazel Raymond." Noticing her brother, she added. "And my brother Samuel."

"How do you do...?" He asked politely.

They looked over at them. "Hi... I'm Zane Willams and these are my sisters, Rae and Maple."

"A-da!" The baby shrieked as she continued to play with her food. "Maple, you're getting your clothes dirty..." The girl said as she moved the bowl away from her sisters reach. Zane fixed his glasses awkwardly. "..."

"... So, I was wondering if we could possibly sit with you guys?" Hazel smiled nervously.

"Oh...! Sure, that would be lovely actually!" Rae smiled as she moved aside.

The Raymonds sat with the Willams. They talked about everything and even asked each other questions. This was the first time the Raymonds ate with other children that were actually nice to them. It felt nice... till Rafael saw the children.

"It was freezing cold on that ship, we almost thought we were going to catch a cold in the end..." Zane sighed.

"Yeah, it was like that for us as well-"

"Well, well, well. Hello children." They looked over to see the wicked lady, who was grinning evilly. "Your lunch break is over, get up." The three children looked at Samuel and Hazel as they stood up slowly. "Medea wants to speak to you two about yesterday." She sneered, leading them out. Hazel and her brother looked back at the three other children and waved slowly as they walked out. Is she going to hurt us or maybe talk to that witch about her hitting me...? Hazel thought as they walked to the auditorium in silence.

As scared as the children were, the both of them were about it learn many interesting secrets...