The Immigrant

Chapter 59| September 24 1813

The early fall sun casted a brilliant orange as it fell lowering into the sky. I had almost a skip in my step as I made my way through the ever familiar streets of New York City. Though the visions of the past haunted me, I tried to keep my gaze ahead and cherish the memories I had with Philip, Theodoisa...Burr, Hamilton and everyone else that played such an important role in my life.
Little birds flew from tree to tree as leaves shone the most vibrant colors of yellow, reds and oranges.
I came to the gate of the orphanage as I walked through with a pleased smile.
Children ran through the front yard as they giggled and shouted with joy. Many of the children greeted me with smiles as I said hello to them as I passed.
"Good evening Mr.Auditore." A little boy spoke, his eyes sparkled and hair was neatly tied back as he clutched a book in his left hand.
"Good evening to you, have you seen Elizabeth anywhere, I must speak to her?" I asked with a smile ruffling the boys hair as he laughed.
"Yes sir, she should be in the courtyard over by the garden." The boy smiled.
"Thank you, you are a fine gentlemen." I nodded to the boy.
The boy puffed out his chest as I passed.
For all these children I saw great potential for every single one of them. It reminded myself that I came from the very origins these children had faced being orphans. But no matter their hardship, I saw everyone with an equal opportunity to be what they strived for. With a bounce in my walk I saw Eliza digging in a bench in the garden as she read a book to a group of children that circled around her with curious eyes. I tried to make my presence unknown but a young girl named Sofia caught my eye as she bounded toward me with a laugh.
"Ezio!" She cheered as she ran up to me.
"Hello Sofia, how are you today?" I laughed as I looked down at the little girl.
Eliza looked behind her as she smiled, standing up to greet me.
"It's nice of you to come visit today." She smiled as I gave her a hug.
"It's always a joy to watch theses children." I remarked thoughtful as Sofia ran off to play with some other children.
"Sofia has taken a kin towards you." Eliza smiled as we both sat down on the bench.
I smiled as I watch the six year old skip around the garden with a bright smile. My heart fluttered warmly as I looked lovingly at the child remembering why I came here today.
"I would would with deepest pride and love to take her home, for her to have the opportunity to have a family." I said as I slowly looked over at Eliza.
Eliza's face dropped in surprise as a smile slowly rose from her cheeks. Tears of joy formed in her eyes as she gave me a big hug.
"Oh Ezio, she would absolutely love that..I..I don't know what to say!" She gasped as we broke apart from the embrace.
I smiled warmly at Eliza as I stood up, picking a flower besides me as I turned my attention to Sofia.
"Sofia my dear, would you come here for a second." Eliza called her voice brimming with excitement.
Sofia paused as she walked over to us with a soft smile. Eliza turned to me as I gazed warmly down at the girl.
"Sofia, would you like to have a loving home and..a loving father to call your own?" I asked my voice quivering as tears started to form in my eyes.
Sofia gasped then she squealed as she ran into my arms as I picked her up and held her tightly in my arms. A wave of emotion washed over me as I realized that I was now a father to this young beautiful and intelligent girl. I knelt down as I looked at Sofia. We looked at each other with pure happiness, tears rolling down our faces.
"I love you." She cried as she touched noses with me.
The same words said by my parents floated through my mind as I closed my eyes.
"I love you too." I whispered.
I stood up as I looked over at Eliza who gave me a loving smile, tears of blissful joy rolled down her cheeks.
"Thank you so much." I breathed as I hugged Eliza, a friend and loving figure who we both cared and loved each other sense the day we met on the ballroom floor so many years ago.
"Thank you." Eliza responded.
Eliza led Sofia out of the orphanage and to the front gate holding her hand while in her other hand held a small bag with the few of her belongings. A carriage rolled up as she marveled at the sight. Eliza knelt down as she kissed Sofia's forehead.
"Goodbye my dearest, I hope to you see again and I bless good fortune for the future that awaits you." Eliza whispered as Sofia nodded.
"Thank you Mis.Eliza for everything." She smiled.
With that Sofia looked excitedly at the carriage. I gazed at Eliza with soft eyes.
"I promise I'll come visit again, thank you." I bowed.
"I know you'll take good care of her, bless your heart." Eliza whispered gratefully.
Eliza smiled as she watched Sofia and I get into the carriage as it slowly rolled away from the orphanage.
I looked down at Sofia who looked eagerly out the window as the sun set below the trees as we made it out of the city.
"So where to next?" Sofia asked looking at me with a curious smile.
I looked a deep breath before I answered.
"Home." I murmured.
A place that I could call my own and share with my daughter.
The carriage skin made it to the house as Sofia gasped.
"Oh wow, it's so beautiful and big!" Sofia gasped as we approached the house through the trees.
I payed kindly to the driver as I eagerly followed  Sofia up the stairs and into the house while carrying her bag. Sofia giggled as she marveled at the new sight. I looked fondly at her as I followed her as she explored every room. She stopped in the living room and asked curiously.
"So which room is mine?" She asked.
I laughed.
"Whatever one you would like." I coped as her eyes shimmered in the candlelight.
I followed her with great amusement as she ran upstairs and stopped at a room right next to mine and two doors over from my office.
"I love this one so I can keep you company and bug you!" Sofia exclaimed.
I laughed as I looked down at Sofia, a tear was brought to my eye.
"A wonderful pick my dear." I amused as Sofia gave me a big hug.
"I love you, thank you!" She laughed.
I watch her with a keen eye as she got situated in her room, as I thought I could never keep my eyes off Sofia, I loved and cared for her so much.
The candlelight flickered as I set down my quill. The giggles in Sofia's room were now gone as I picked up the arbor and walked to her door. I opened the door and peered in. Sofia was sound asleep with a book by her side. I smiled deeply as I walked over to her bedside and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I love you so much my darling and may you have the opportunity to have a loving father that I will be, so you won't suffer as an orphan no more, and have this time to cherish your life to the fullest..." I prayed as I kissed her forehead.
With all the hardships that I faced with the passing of loved ones to my political rising. I finally felt complete as I found my source of happiness lay the bondage and love that I have for my now, sweet daughter Sofia.

Years came and went as the nation moved forward in deeming great success, but also tension spreads within the states as our lands expanded outward towards California, many seeking gold and new land. The city of New York grew as the nation did. The inventions of transportation like the locomotive and steamboat made traveling faster and more efficient.
My loving daughter Sofia has had a very successful life, marrying into a wealthy family and having children of her own, she visits me at home and keeps me company whenever she can get. A the years pass I cherish the memories I had with people that have long passed, as I live onward and tell the story of history many have yet to be heard.