Orphan

Chapter 6 - Maria

"You know Edward? The butcher? He said he's going to give me an apprenticeship to work at one of his local butchers. And to top it up, he also said that I can send meat to the orphanage. Evelyn, you're not going to need to eat those scraps no more. You will be able to eat big chunky meat pieces!""That is amazing! Good work Jason! I wished I could try but..." I couldn't hold it no more, I had to tell him "I got adopted too!""Then that makes the two of us. Wow. I can't believe we're both going to leaving on the same day." "Ah, I am going to miss you bringing all those scraps home that you.""And I am going to miss your helping hand.""Jason, do you have time? I would like to find Maria, and look around the orphanage one last time before I go.""Of course. I was thinking of doing that myself.""Thanks, Jason! You're the best. Heaps better than Clarke who just wanted me to take him to see my adopted parents and see if he could leave too.""I can't believe him. He just doesn't appreciate what the orphanage has done for him. He said this place is trash and has nothing worth remembering.""That's Clarke for you. Always the opportunist! But let's find Maria. I remember seeing her upstairs."We climbed two flights of stairs and turned right, and standing with her body bent over holding a broom was sister Maria. I let go of Jason's hand and rushed toward her. Spreading my arms apart, wrapping my arms around her. "Maria!""Eve, Evelyn, what's wrong? Did Jason bully you again? Why are your eyes so teary?"I was quiet. I didn't know what to do, I just wanted to hold her tight, I wished time could freeze right now. I was going to miss her. Miss her nagging at me, screaming at me, and telling me stories. "Best if she tells you herself, Maria."I let go, dropping my arms down, and stepped back. I was going to tell her the big news. Was she going to be okay? It was everything she hoped for, right? Maybe, I should've said no to Lisa and Giovanni. I felt so bad. My heart ached and it felt as if a knife was stabbed in and was being twisted. Taking a deep breath, my eyes blurred and soaked with tears. I had to tell her, Maria's soft gentle eyes were watching me, one of her eyebrows raised up, she was worried, I could see the lines developing..."Maria...""I am listening.""I'm not sure if you're going to be happy...""It's okay silly, you can tell me one step at a time." "Maria...I...I...got adopted."I could feel my heavy tears roll down my cheeks. Why was saying goodbye so hard?"I am going to miss this wonderful place, the food, the bed, the multiple times I sat on the floor and played marbles with the other kids. But most of all I am going to miss you."I couldn't help it, I had to hold onto hear at least one more time, I grabbed her and pulled her close, feeling her face against mine. She was patting me."It's alright my dear, it's for your future. I am so happy for you.""But...""You could always come back and visit me.""But...none of...""Nothing is stopping you from being the first." "I...I'll definitely come back.""I'll be waiting." * * *"Jimmy boy, how are the preparations going?""It shouldn't be too long sir, just a few more candidates.""Are the items ready?""They've been hidden and scattered across the field.""Good." * * *