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Day 2

"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes."

Day 2- Ellie

I have a day off, so I stay at home and read a book. The orphanage is quiet and empty, because all the other kids are at school.

I sit at the dinner table eating some toast while reading my book. Without noticing, a little girl makes her way to the seat next to me.

"What are you reading?" Ellie asks, grey eyes reaching up to mine.

"I'm reading The Fault In Our Stars, it's a book from John Green," I answer, before taking another bite.

"Can I see?" she asks, holding out her right hand.

I close the book and give it to her. She looks at it very carefully, almost like she doesn't want to damage it.

"What is it about?"

"It is about two people who love each other," I answer, chuckling.

"Do you think two people will love me?" Ellie asks, raising her eyebrow.

"Of course," I reassure her, "one day, you'll find two parents who will love you for the rest of your life."

Ellie nods, smiling a little. I get up and hug her, before tucking a strand of her brown hair behind her ears.

Just when I let go of her, the doorbell rings. I make my way to the front entrance, opening the door.

It is Maggie Sawyer, who is standing in the rain with a box of chocolates.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I ask with a surprised tone.

"Oh, I just wanted to pay a visit. I bought you some chocolates. You once told me that it is your happy food. Well, you told that it was your happy food when we had to introduce ourselves to the rest of the class. May I come in please? It is because I'm getting very wet."

"I've got no other choice than letting you in, right?" I reply, grabbing Maggie's arm, and pulling her into the hall.

Maggie looks surprised, noticing that the orphanage is quite large. I never told anyone that I'm an orphan, so she must've assumed that this is my house.

"Who is it?" Ellie asks in a tiny voice, coming to the hall.

"This is a girl from my school. She needs me for something. Why don't you go play in your room? I'll be right upstairs when I'm done with this, okay?"

"Okay," she says, before turning to Maggie and asking "what is your name?"

"I'm Margaret Sawyer, but everyone calls me Maggie. And what is your name?"

"I'm Ellie. It is nice to meet you."

"It is nice to meet you, too." Maggie answers, while drying off her face to her sleeve.

"Ellie, can you please go upstairs? Maggie and I have to talk." I utter, giving her a glance.

Ellie nods quickly, before running up the staircase.

"Is that your little sister?" Maggie asks, raising an eyebrow.

"No, that's just a girl I know from this place here."

"Where are your parents? Do they have to pick you up?"

I shake my head. "No. They're dead. Don't you get it?! This is a big house where a lot of other children live, too."

"So wait... Y-You live in an orphanage?"

"Yes, I do. I'm an orphan."

Maggie looks down, as she gulps. "Oh." She raises her head, glancing at me. "I'm sorry, I didn't know. But, how come I never knew?"

"I've never told anyone this. I don't want to be weak." I sigh, tears forming in my eyes.

"But you are allowed to cry sometimes."

"I've done that enough. Don't you get it?! This is one of the reasons I want to die. I'm sixteen and in two years, they're going to kick me out of this place."

"But someone can adopt you, right?!"

"Yeah, right. I'm a sixteen year old and I don't think someone is going to want to adopt a teen. I don't have money, so I can't afford college. And how am I going to find a place to stay? I will be a homeless person and I will live on the streets. I think it's better if I just die, no?"

"But you can get a job, and raise up for an apartment," Maggie pointed out.

"You've got parents who can help you. I've got nothing! It's better if I die now," I snap, almost screaming.

"No. Day two and it's time for reason two," Maggie says.

"Good luck, what is your reason today?" I reply.

Ellie yells from upstairs. I walk up the staircase, go to her room and find her playing with some toys.

"Will you play with me, Alex? I feel lonely," she asks with a soft voice.

"Of course, little bug," I say, before kissing her forehead and taking a seat next to her.

"Can she play, too?" Ellie asks, pointing at Maggie.

I look behind my shoulder and see Maggie standing in the corner of the room.

"Of course. She can play the princess," I answer, chuckling.

Maggie comes closer and crouches beside me.

"Here's your number two, Ellie." Maggie whispers, as she takes the doll in her hands.