You're It

Part 2

Paris let her fork rest on her empty plate. She felt uncomfortably full and could barely move to face the door. Julian had spoken to her for a little while after handing her the pie and she'd started to warm up to him a little. Perhaps this place wouldn't be quite so bad. If Renata and Ursula and the actual children themselves were as Julian described them, Paris thought she might be able to stay in such a place. Not just for Lilian's sake.

She waited impatiently for Lilian, ignoring Julian's shouts from the kitchen, insisting the children came and washed their dishes. The children all rose and left, one by one, and she was left to wait restlessly in an empty hall for hours.

'Would you like me to show you to your room?'

Paris jumped, startled. Ursula retreated from behind her, slightly cowering. 'Sorry for that. Paris, isn't it?'

'Yes, Miss Paris Garland.' Replied she, quite contrary in appearance to that of which was provoked by a sudden visitor. She stuck out her hand politely. Ursula shook it vigorously, beaming.

'Right, Miss Paris Garland. Would you like me to show you to your room? I had a couple of the boys help to take up your cases. Personally, I think you have the best room of the house.' Ursula smiled.

'Oh.' Paris said. She quickly plastered a smile on. 'That's great but I'd like to wait here – for my social worker.'

'Oh, of course you can. But they'll be a while though.' Ursula patted her shoulder. 'Are you sure you don't want to see your room? I done it up for you today.'

'Sorry.' Paris said. 'I said I'd wait.'

Ursula nodded and squeezed her shoulder before leaving. Paris sat for hours, making her boots dance out of boredom, tapping her nails on the table.

It was almost 3pm by the time Lilian withdrew from the office with Mrs Hammersmith. They shook hands and Mrs Hammersmith retreated into her office once more. Lilian ran to Paris, beaming. 'Finally! All that paperwork is out of the way – we can concentrate on you now!' She sat beside her. 'Were you waiting here this whole time?'

'Yes.' Paris laughed. 'I don't suppose you have to leave now? I'd rather you stayed with me for a while, helped me unpack perhaps?'

It was Lilian's turn to laugh. 'Really Paris, is this why you waited for me? Gosh, I just love my job!'

'No, no, that's not why!'

'I know.' Lilian said, still laughing. 'But I can't stay any longer. I've got two other children to sort out today.' She caught Paris' eye. 'I'm sorry, I really am. I'd love to stay for you but it's just not possible.'

'I understand.' Paris said. 'Really, I do.'

Lilian smiled, sadly. 'I know you do and I'm sorry.' She ruffled her hair. 'I'm sure you'll get along well with everyone, you're such a sociable girl. If the others turn out to be absolute morons, you can always call and tell me.'

'I know.' Paris said. 'I know you're always there for me, Lilian, just like a big sister. I'm really grateful for you. You're not one bit like a social worker.'

Lilian almost burst into tears. Her love for the child had convinced her to oppose the rules and create a close sisterly relationship with the child. She wasn't allowed to hug the child or give away her personal contact details, but Paris' charisma had charmed her. She was close to adopting her herself.

'Come here, Paris,' They cuddled each other for a while until Paris let go. 'You should leave now. It'll be too hard later on. I'll call first chance I get, ok?'

Lilian hugged her again. 'Ok. Goodbye, Paris. I'll see you soon.'

She left, Paris waving and waving long after she'd exited those doors.