No Ordinary Fairy tale

CHAPTER ONE

(the entire story will be written in Zach's point of view)

I was dreading this day. My 18th birthday. I usually liked birthdays but today was going to be different. I would be kicked out of the place I was forced to call home my entire life. I'm an orphan. I was told one reason as to why, however I know it's not the real one. 

As much as I didn't want to, I opened my eyes. The sun still managed to shine through even though the curtains were closed. It was here. I was leaving. I didn't  hate it here, I found it quite nice. My room mate was my best friend. His name was Clyde Johnson. He was a couple years younger than me. He still has a chance. 

"Happy Birthday Zachy" He yelled. I forced a smile and gave him a slight chuckle. "You can't be sad, Zach, it's your birthday."

"Yeah, but Clyde, it's my 18th." I pause and inhale a sharp breath. "I'm gonna be thrown out."

His smile faded but he quickly put another smile there to replace it. "You can't be sure that they will kick you out today."

"They asked me to pack my bag last night. I'm gonna be thrown out on the street." Unfortunately I don't have much of an optimistic view on this world. If I did, maybe I would've been adopted 10 years ago. 

"Why you always gotta be so down? It's your birthday." He keeps poking.

I finally snap. "Clyde!" He goes quiet. I forgot the reason he was in here. "I'm sorry, I just- You kept poking and I was annoyed. I just wanna go have a good last meal" I knew that even with my job, I didn't have enough money to buy or even rent an apartment. After today, I was officially homeless. 

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Clyde and I walked downstairs. He was still very quiet after I had yelled at him but he managed to forgive me. As soon as we reached the bottom of the spiral I was greeted with my owner of the orphanage, Miss Anderson. 

"Happy birthday my darling boy" She treats all of us like her own. The only rule in this house is that no boy or girl is left without love. She is the one that works to ensure that that rule is always active. She knew all of our names. All 300 of us. "I know today isn't going to be like other birthdays, and I really am sorry. We're all going to miss you." A tear escaped both hers and my eyes. 

"Why do I have to go?" I asked trying to contain myself.

"I'm sorry but you are no longer a child. In all honesty, I should've made you leave 6 months ago." She confessed. My head hung low but I somehow managed to nod my head. We walked with Clyde to the dining hall. The room fell silent as the loud doors opened. People knew my name, they knew my face and they knew what was going to happen today. A lot of them were my friends. A lot of them like siblings. I guess this is why you should never get too attached to something or someone. You don't get to stay with the forever.

Nevertheless, the people in the hall began to sing. 

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Zach, happy birthday to you." I had tears in my eyes for the second time in 5 minutes but I didn't care. 

I didn't realise Miss Anderson had left my side until she returned with a single cupcake. It had a candle in it. With that, she had an envelope. I made a wish and blew out my candle. I then opened the envelope. It had in it a card and a voucher. I read the car first.

Dear Zachary,

This card is written on behalf of every single person in this house. In the entire 18 years of you being here I have yet to hear a bad word about you. 18 is a special birthday. No one should spend it alone. So, because of the help you have given me, I am offering you one more night. Take it if you want it. We would love it if you did.

As for your present; We cannot buy you a house. We cannot get you a university education. However, we can give you a voucher to keep you warm this coming winter. Inside this card are two vouchers. One for clothing and blankets. One for food and beverage. Please use these wisely.

This card is signed for you from all of us here at the 'Stonebridge Orphanage'.

We love you Zach, Sincerely,

Miss Anderson.

I closed the card and blinked away the few tears I had left in my body. I managed to croak out a thank you before giving her a hug.

"As for the offer, saying goodbye tomorrow will be no harder than saying goodbye today. I can't take this offer. I have to walk away. I'll take these vouchers and use them only when needed. I'm so grateful for every single person in this room." I stopped to take a breath. I knew everyone could hear me because of the echo. "I will cherish the last hours I have with you guys. Today will be my last." I finish. I take the cupcake and go to where I usually sit. Clyde already being there. 

"Why didn't you take the offer?" He asked.

"Because, it'll only get harder to let go." I say before having my breakfast.

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I had decided upon myself to leave at mid day. It gives me enough time to find a nice spot to sleep and still find something cheap for dinner. I was in the shower when the clock chimed signalling it was now 12pm. As well as the clock, realisation struck. This was going to be my last hot shower for a while. Maybe forever.

I finally got the courage to turn off the water and dry myself off. Once I was dressed I looked at myself in the mirror. This was it. My last moment of warmth before I stepped outside and the cold took over. I knew that eventually I would learn to not feel the cold. In fact, I knew that over time, I would learn how to not feel a thing.

I walked into my room to grab my bags. As soon as the bathroom door opened, Clyde was at my side. "Don't go, please" He cried. I wasn't going to break. That's what I told myself. 

"I have to" Was all I said.

"No, you can still take the offer." His stubbornness was one to look up to. 

"Clyde, let me go." I say. I hated myself for sounding so bitter. But I had to go. 

He finally let me go and I got my bags. I made my way downstairs. Everyone was either in the foyer or in the rooms surrounding. I remember standing there for the people who, like me turned 18 in here. This time, however, it was me who was leaving.

"It's not too late to take the offer my boy" I heard Miss Anderson say.

'Unfortunately it is. My bags are packed and my mind is set for the sleepless nights. Thank you for everything you have done for me these past 18 years. Good bye, everyone." I walked to the door and opened it before being a typical cliche and turning back around. "Goodbye Catherine." I say and walked out. Once the doors closed behind me I knew it was real.

I'm homeless.