Elle Jones

Chapter 23: Letting Erykah Go

After walking out of the Chinese restaurant, Erykah and I ventured forward trying to get past an army of wandering people.

While a few of them carried their phones, some dragged suitcases along the spotless white floor.

As we walked, I made sure Erykah stayed close with me. Her hand tightens around mine, her dark brown curls bobbed up and down, and a sad frown stained her lips. 

By now, Erykah is getting used to the smells of frying food, the constant murmuring of anxious people, and blinding lights.

But even if it were the case, Erykah became a little upset that she couldn't come to Australia with us. She hoped to see more excitement than living in a shady orphanage.

Can't say I blame her, though.

When I was her age, I too would constantly pester my older brother Jacob into taking me to one of his school field trips.

I remember being jealous of Jacob going to movie theaters, restaurants, and other cool establishments. But as for me, I would stay at home or in a boring classroom listening to the teacher droning on about subjects.  

Giving Erykah an earnest look, I said to her: "Look, I get how much you hate Saint Adam's, but I think it would be better for you to stay there."

Erykah, who was busy looking at her wandering feet, clamped her mouth shut and didn't say anything.

"You are going to be safe, " I promised. "Think about all the clothes you'll wear and the friends you'll make."

"I still don't want to go." Erykah murmured.

"Just, please think about it." I sighed. "I know Saint Adams is the last thing you want to go to, but it's better than living in the street."

Erykah puckered her lips as if she tasted something sour.

"But what if I hate it?" she inquired.

"You are not going to hate it, " I insisted. "I can promise you that."

Erykah placed her hand on her hip. "Have you ever been there?"

I nodded. "Yeah, on most occasions, some nurses and I would go to Saint Adams to hand orphans Taco Bell gift cards, Pizza Hut coupons, and candy." 

Erykah looks at me in disbelief.

"Really?" she asks. "Because I don't see you as a Christian girl."

I laughed. "That's because I am not a Christian. It's not that I believe in God, but making miracles happen? There is a chance of pigs flying."

In the meantime, I noticed Lisa near the telephone booth, talking to a friend, Lindsay Gordon.

Lisa is a beautiful Chinese college girl with olive-brown skin, slanted eyes, brown eyes, and a lovely smile.

She wore a black leather coat with skinny blue jeans, silver charm bracelets around her wrists, and brown knee-high winter boots. Long dark hair covered her straightened back as the cool wind played with the strands.

In the meantime, her college friend, Lindsay Gordon, has strawberry blonde hair, bluish-gray eyes, and a bitchy face.

She had on a white cashmere sweater, jeans, and heelless brown shoes, exposing Lindsay's embarrassingly large feet.

Approaching Lisa, I gave the college girl a happy grin.

Hi, Lisa." I greet. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

Hearing her name being called, Lisa turns to see a sixteen-year-old rebel wearing dark clothing, a fake stud, sunglasses, and a gray beanie covering her dreadlocks.