His Purple Eyes

Chapter 4

The rest of the lunch went well. Everything tasted good. When Daniel brought me back to the orphanage, I couldn't stop smiling and telling the nuns all about it.

A week after that was the day I could move in with Daniel. I had all my bags packed. Well all two of them. I didn't own much. Everything was packed and waiting by the door. The orphanage had a party for me and some of the nuns were crying. I promised to visit. And I intended to. The orphanage was my entire childhood. I couldn't just walk away and never return.

I was wearing shorts and a plain sweater. My hair was up in a bun and a few strands were loose. I was so nervous that I paced back and forth. Daniel promised to come around 4:00 pm. All of the papers were signed and he was officially my guardian.

The honk of a car horn surprised me. I looked out the window from the stairs and I saw Daniel and his red convertible parked outside. He closed the door and made his way from the parking lot to the building. I dragged my bags outside.

"Arianna, are you ready to come home? Our home? Here let me grab those bags, they must be heavy." He smiled cheerily and put my bags in the back seat. ''I could barely sleep last night!" I jumped into the passenger seat and buckled up. He went to the drivers side and started the car.

''You do remember it is far from here right? It will be a boring ride but you can play on your phone or something to pass the time.'' He suggested. ''I don't have a phone, or anything electronic. Kids at the orphanage aren't supposed to stay long." I reply blandly.

"As soon as we get home, I promise you will get all of the stuff you could ever want. I already talked with the nuns and they gave me your size of clothing and some things that you like, so I could decorate your room. I can give you the world. That's not a maybe. That's a promise." I was so happy. I closed my eyes and leaned back in the seat.

"Thank you for giving me a chance..." Before I could say anything else, I yawned. I felt so sleepy. The sun was warm on my cheeks. My eyes fluttered closed. I should feel frightened. With sleep comes nightmares. But I don't care. Life is complete. If I have nightmares, Daniel will come and save me from them.

. . . .

I saw something move quickly through the snow. It was black and covered in fur.

I was freezing cold. I was bare footed and wearing a flimsy nightgown.

I was slowing dying, of hunger and frost bite.

My weak knees started to buckle.

I fell onto the cold snow.

Maybe this was the end.

I was never going to get to go to grade 1, never going to ride the scary rides. Mommy and Daddy wouldn't get to tell me the secret.

I was never going to do so much.

I couldn't cry tears.

I was too weak.

I laid back in the snow and stared up at the snow covered trees.

I closed my eyes and prayed.

Something hot blew against my face.

It smelled sour.

I opened my eyes and saw two red eyes staring back at me.

Black warm fur covered over me.

I wasn't frightened. I have seen him before.

He growled in my ear.