Just One Last Wish

Chapter Two

My mind was full of questions as I swept the kitchen. Heat pressed into me, making sweat flow down my face. I swipe at my forehead and continue to sweep.

"Ela."

An adorable baby voice says behind me and I turn slightly knowing exactly who it was. Ellie stands in the doorway to the kitchen and I stop sweeping and move towards her.

"Yes?"

I ask bending down to reach her height so that I'm eye level with her. I try to read her face, find a clue. But, there is nothing but flatness.

"The visitors are here."

She says with a sense joy in her voice. Keeping her eyes on the broom that I have left leaning against the counter. I nod and then take her hand in mines, and squeeze it tightly. I see a flicker of laughter flash in her eyes, but just as quick as it came, it's gone. I rise to my feet, and she scurries away. I resume sweeping for what seems like forever when Ms.Daphne enters the room. A thin smile on her face.

"Elana you're free to go to your room. You may take a break from your chores."

I feel relief flutter in my chest as i brush past her up the stairs to the rooms.

When I get into the room, all the girls are in chaos. Melissa, a slim 18 year old girl with brown hair and blue eyes, gestures towards me from a group of girls. She smiles at me as I seat myself next to Makayla who wraps an arm around my shoulder.

"I heard it's a lot of people here."

Stacey, a skinny 12 year old girl with red hair and green eyes, says to me.

Melissa nods.

"Yes. When I was working in the yards I saw many cars in the driveway. This is good girls."

She says brightly.

Nena, a fat, pungent smelling girl nods.

"I mean..we could get adopted."

"Then again. We couldn't."

I say, putting out the theory that we had all been thinking, but all had been to afraid to say.

Makayla nods, and then sighs.

"We-"

The door swings open and Ms.Daphney strolls in, followed by a group of people. Who search faces as if they've been looking forever. Everyone is so surprised when they walk in, that nobody moved. We stare at the people as if they have just told us that we were all about to die. Ms.Daphney gestures at us.

"These are our older kids. The younger ones are across the hall. We usually separate the young ones by infant to nine years. And anyone older is in here."

The people search faces, taking in all the children.

"My this is many children."

A short woman states. Her voice is pinchy. I blink and turn slightly towards Makayla, who mirrors my expression. Shock. A woman steps in front of me. I look up at her. She's gorgeous. Her blonde hair curls and bounces around on her shoulder . She smiles, a dazzling smile.

"Why hello there beautiful. My name is Addison. And you are?"

I stare at her, unable to speak. Unable to breath. Melissa nudges me with her elbow.

"Speak."

She whispers behind me. I take a gulp before saying a word.

"I...I'm Elana. And I have a little sister called Ellie."

She smiles wider and nods her head.

"Ah. I remember seeing a girl who looked just like you."

I smile very weakly. She turns towards Ms.Daphney.

"Ms.Daphney?"

Ms.Daphney steps up, an uncertain look on her face.

"Yes ma'am?"

Addison looks over at me.

"I would like to adopt those two girls."