Charity Helper

T W O

The last few days in the orphanage were hell. At least, close to it. My roommates wouldn't leave me alone about being adopted, asking me if I was happy to be gone. The leader of our room, designated because of her unbashful pride, teased me about my quietness.

"Would you really think you'll stay? You won't even talk to him, you'll have no sense of communication."

Like per usual, I ignored her comments, dispite knowing she was correct. She constantly chose to poke fun of my eating habits, and of my choice to rarely speak. I constantly chose to ignore her.

"Kai! Hurry up! He's waiting to pick you up! Do you need help?" Marianne called out, knowing she'd get no answer even if I did. I slipped the remains of my clothes into my bag, avoiding the glare from my roommates. Didn't they understand I'd probably be back soon?

I zipped my bag up, and stared at it for a minute. It was funny, really. My belongings only fit in one bag. All of them. And at once I couldn't keep my room clear of my stuff.

After I opened my door with my bag trailing behind me. Marianne gave me a smile. She opened the door more, allowing me to walk out further. I looked left and right, feeling relief he wasn't in the hallway to greet me. I was nervous to see him.

"You ready? He's filling out the last of the papers. Then you'll be off. Aren't you excited?"

No reply, just a shrug. Most teenagers would be thrilled to be getting adopted. But me? I knew I'd be sent home after a month. 

All I'd be to Mark was a charity case. Once we had heard about a celebrity helping out the orphanage, we were all required to meet him. And apparently, the lonesome, quiet, teenage girl gave him a vibe she needed helped.

But I didn't. Staying here would have been okay, I only had two years left. Then I could get a job somewhere. But now I'd have this complicated life. At least it would only be a short while, Mark wouldn't want me there permanently.

I was too busy in thought to realize I was being pushed down the hall. Marianne had my suitcase trailing her, a big smile on her face. I looked at her hand that grasped my arm, and tried to think at least somewhat positive.

Once she reached the door to the main lobby, I took a deep breath.

"Okay, Kai. You have to smile, look happy! Most teenage girls don't get adopted, because people would rather have the babies, or the younger kids. You're lucky! And for gods sake, please talk to him. You'll get nowhere without communication."

I shrugged, and she gave me a small, sympathetic smile.

"Alright. Jodie is out there, she'll be the one officially signing you out. Good luck," she patted my shoulder before turning and walking back from the way we came. I wish she would have walked out with me. Or hugged me. All I did was watch her walk away, wishing she would come back and hug me.

I faced the door, hesitating before slowly pushing it open. I was met with a burst of cool air, the lobby being one of the only rooms with air conditioning.

Instantly, three people turned their heads in my direction. All of them were smiling. A silence filled the air, and I certainly wouldn't be the one to break it.

"Kai, dear, come on out," Jodie beckoned, and I slowly walked out. What if Mark hated me?

I walked out, and closed the door slowly behind me. Jodie rushed over, putting a hand against my back and gently pushed me forward. Mark gave me a huge smile.

"You ready to go, Kai?" He asked. I nodded slowly, looking at Jodie. She nodded slightly, pushing me forward more.

"I'm sure Hannah has gone over her concerns with you?" Jodie asked.

"Yeap. And it's okay, I'll help her through it," Mark sounded so confident- I wanted to believe him.

"Then you should be good! You two can be on your way then," Jodie leaned down and gave me a hug. "Please talk to him."

Once she pulled away, I turned to the man I'd be living with. He opened his arms to pull me into a hug, which I slowly walked into. His arms wrapped tightly around me, as mine hung loosely around him.

He smelled nice.