Things change around the 11-year-old orphans from Grace Field as they approach their twelfth year of life.
✦ Will these four eldest children, who have placed so much faith in their sole guardian, Isabella, be able to betray that trust after learnin...
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Chapter Ten | Plans
[Narrator]
In a tense moment, Don and Gilda found themselves staring into Ninelie's somber eyes, their expressions contorted with horror upon hearing her devastating news about Conny. Don, trying to reject the unbearable truth, scoffed in disbelief, "What are you saying... right now?"
"They found Conny's rotting body there," Ninelie elaborated. "Or how else would you like me to put it? It's hard to sugarcoat these things,"
"Ninelie!" Emma exclaimed, greatly alarmed.
Fueled by anger and denial, Don grabbed Ninelie by the collar, pulling her closer as he shouted, "You're lying!"
"I'm really not, though," Ninelie gave him a frustrated look.
Releasing his grip on Ninelie's collar, Don stepped back, "Conny was sent out to bad people, and the others too. They're still alive, but they're in danger."
"Don," Ninelie scowled, questioning his approach, "Don't make things harder for yourself."
"Emma and Norman went to the gate; they saw exactly what happened. But where were you? You didn't even see anything, did you?" questioned Don.
"Of course not, I was here in the House. I knew about Conny's death from Emma and Norman."
"But you never saw it for yourself, you liar!"
Don's remark made her glare at him harder, "I'm a liar, now?"
Ray climbed down the ladder and went to Ninelie's side. Seeing how distressed she was, he patted her on the shoulder.
"I think that's enough, Nina," muttered Ray.
Ninelie clenched her fist and looked away, feeling more frustrated than she's ever been, 'Damn it.'
[4:30 AM]
In one of the bedrooms, Ninelie stirred awake from her bed, her heart racing with anticipation. She knew what she had to do, and it couldn't wait any longer. With a calculated silence, she tiptoed towards the bedroom door, gently closing it to avoid any creaks that could betray her escape.
Creeping down the creaky staircase, she reached the entrance, where her outdoor shoes patiently awaited her. As she slipped them on, she couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement. The night outside was still and mysterious, beckoning her to venture forth.
