Ashes

Drained

     The next morning, I went to the orphanage. "Adelyn, where is the head mistress? I need to talk to her." She guided me to the office of the adoption services. Adelyn left the room and I sat down in the chair from across the women with the large, bee-hive resembling brown hair.

     "Yes?" She asked.

     "I'd like to adopt Adelyn."

     "Adelyn Mysteeke?"

     "I believe that's her name. I want to adopt her." Suddenly, a huge packet of papers slammed down on the desk, along with a pen. The woman with the bees nest hair pointed to different places to sign, so I gladly did. I was going to protect Adelyn, no matter what it took. I signed almost everything in that book. I'm sure everything said "Liam Payne" in big, cursive letters. Adelyn was called in by the bee hair woman.

     "Pack up your things, Adelyn. Mr. Payne has adopted you." A smile immediately appeared on Adelyn's face as she ran out of the room. I could hear her yelling to her friends all the way to her room. I got up, and slowly made my way to help her pack up her things to bring to my house. She seemed very excited to come move in with me, and I was excited too.

     We managed to pack up all of her things and we threw her bags in the back of my car. I made her sit in the back seat, and she didn't complain. We managed to make small talk. "I never really got to hear much about you. How old are you? What do you like to do?"

     "Ten. I like to swim, write, draw, and make jokes!" She giggled.

     "Would you like to go swimming, Adelyn? I can take you shopping for a swimsuit of your choice." I smiled, she started bouncing in her seat.

    "Yes! Yes! Thank you, Liam! Thank you!" She laughed and I pulled into the parking lot of a summer type shop. I helped her out of the car and held her hand through the parking lot. She ran inside, and I watched as she went through loads of swim suits. "This one. This one, Liam!" Her face brightened as she pointed to a rainbow one piece swimsuit with a white outline and straps. I took it off the rack and held it up to her. Perfect size. I handed the swimsuit to her and she ran up to the cashier. She set the bathing suit on the counter, and right as I was about to hand the cashier the money, Adelyn smiled and said to me, "Can I do it?" I nodded and handed her the money for the swimsuit, her setting it in the cashier's hand.

     "Is that all for you today?" The cashier asked, putting the money in the cash register and handing me back change. I nodded and she bagged the swimsuit. I took the bag and walked Adelyn back out to the car. I lifted her up into her seat and she buckled herself in and closed the door. I got into my seat and started the engine. I drove her home, Adelyn looking excited as ever. She immediately jumped out of the car, taking her swimsuit and running inside.

     I laughed and walked in after her. "Adelyn, the bathroom's the first door on the right upstairs. Just get changed, and don't get in the pool in the backyard until I come out with you." She ran into the bathroom, and I walked up to my room. Such a ball of energy, she is. I changed into my swimming trunks and just a plain tee-shirt. I walked downstairs a minute later, Adelyn nowhere to be found. I ran outside, to see two arms struggling at the deep end of the pool. I jumped in immediately. I carried her to the side of the pool, setting her on the concrete. "Addy, I said to wait."

     She had tears, or water running down her cheeks. But I assumed tears. Her voice shook as she hugged me. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She repeated. I just held her close as the figure appeared again.

     "Good job. You managed to save Adelyn yet again." The figure spoke. Every last bit of water dripped off of her and then a wound in her arm opened. "Let's see if you can again, guardian angel." Then the figure left, yet again, leaving a bullet behind. It hit the concrete, and made a small noise. I still wondered why the figure only appeared to me. But nevermind that, I had Adelyn to protect.