Adopted

chapter 1

~Mason's POV

At the young age of 24, I never thought I would find myself standing outside of London's largest orphanage.
However, my girlfriend of four years, Kimber, claims this will prepare us for our future together. And when I really think about it, having another person at home wouldn't be so bad.
"Ready to go in, love?" Kimber was standing with the entrance door half open, with a big smile on her face. "Sure" I replied. So I followed her in and began wondering what
qualities we would want in a person.
Once we were inside, we were greeted by a friendly looking older woman sitting behind a large desk. "Hello, how may I help you?" She asked. "We're looking to adopt." Kimber said unsure, looking to me for help. "Well, come on over here." The receptionist told us.
We both walked over. "Do you know what age group you're interested in?" I thought about it. To me, age didn't really matter. "Which orphan has been here the longest?" I asked. "I think that would be best for us." Kimber nodded her head. "Let me have a look." She began to look through some files.
"I've found her." She told us. "Her name is Natalie, last name unknown. 16 years of age. Height is 4'10, weight 90. Cause for being here is neglect and abuse, she was admitted here at the age of 10." She paused. "Oh wow." Kimber said. "Could we meet her?" "Sure. Her room is on the second floor, room 12." I nodded. "Thank you." I told the receptionist, who smiled politely at me.
   I put my hand on Kimber's shoulder, and we both walked up. "Here's the room", I said "Are you ready?" She sighed out. "What if she doesn't like us, Mas?" "We've never met her, and we won't know until we do." I gave her a reassuring smile. "You're right, let's go in." She said back to me, turning the doorknob.
   Once inside, we saw a small girl sitting on the edge of a bed, staring out her window, admiring the city. Her hair was to her shoulders, with loose curls, and the platinum blonde color was almost white. "Excuse me." Kimber spoke
Up. "Are you Natalie?" She turned around and didn't say anything. Yet she stood up, and slowly walked over to us. She tried to stand tall, but her head was only a few inches below my armpit. Short was the word to describe her, too short for her age. "I'm Natalie." She said, and stuck her hand out for me to shake. I shook her hand. "You're proper." I told her. She nodded her head. "Netiquette is best when you're looking to get out of here." She told us. 

I did not argue with her, as I know she was correct. This is probably something she has been told for many years. "Well, I'm a sucker for politeness." Kimber told her. She had no reaction and her face showed no emotion. She just nodded slightly and waited for one of us the continue the conversation.   

"I'm no good at conversation." She unexpectedly chimed in. "However, please do not lead me on. This is what I look like, you know my name and other important details, if you want me, take me. If you don't, please don't stick around for much longer. I might get the idea that you're actually interested." I didn't know how to respond. I kind of just stood there, thinking of an appropriate response that would suit the mood.

"Mason, let's adopt her." Kimber said smiling. The look on Natalie's face was very confusing. For a split second, I saw her face light up with joy. But the next second, she was pale, and almost green in a way. She looked ill, and I can't say that don't blame her. With a past like hers, who wouldn't feel uneasy about this?

"Is that okay with you, Natalie?" I asked her, not really expecting a reply. She stuttered on her words, but finally managed to say, "Yes, I am okay with that." Kimber smiled at me and my heart skipped a beat. I definitely was not expecting this to happen today. "Let's go sign the papers, then." I told Kimber.

This was real. This was happening.