THE SILVER HAIRED TEMPTATION

Chapter One Aurora’POV I pushed the front door open and smiled. The orphanage always smelled the same. A mixture of old books, freshly washed clothes, and the faint scent of the wooden scented air freshener Mrs Clara insisted on spraying throughout the halls. I heard the familiar sound of children’s laughter. I hadn’t been here in two weeks. Not because I didn’t want to come. Because every time I stepped through those doors, leaving again became harder. “Aurora!” I barely had time to react before a small figure came running toward me. I laughed as Hannah threw her arms around my waist. “You’re here!” I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her tightly. Hannah pulled away, looking up at me with those familiar eyes. “You promised you’d visit sooner.” “I know.” I sighed dramatically. “I’m sorry.” She rolled her eyes. I laughed. Hannah was fourteen, but sometimes she still felt like the little girl I had carried around on my hip when we were younger. We had grown up in this place together. When our parents died, the orphanage became the only home we knew. I had aged out years ago. Hannah hadn’t. And leaving her behind had been the hardest thing I’d ever done. I sat beside her on the small bed in her room while she told me everything that had happened since my last visit. School. Her friends. A teacher she hated. A girl who had stolen her favorite pen. I listened to every single thing. Eventually, she rested her head against my shoulder. “When are you going to take me home?” My heart squeezed. I looked down at her. “Soon.” “You always say soon. “I mean it this time.” I reached for her hand. “I’m saving.” “For what?” “For us.” She stared at me. “I’ll get a better apartment. I’ll get everything ready. Then I’ll come back for you.” Her eyes filled with hope. “Really?” “Really.” I smiled. “I promise.” It wasn’t an empty promise. Every shift I worked, every tip I earned, every bill I managed to save was for one thing. Hannah. I wanted to give her the life neither of us had ever gotten. A real home. A bedroom of her own. A kitchen where we could cook together. A place where she wouldn’t have to worry about someone eventually deciding she was too old to stay. After spending several more hours with her, I finally stood. “I have to go.” Her smile disappeared. “Already?” “I have work tonight.” She sighed. “Fine.” I hugged her again. “I’ll come back soon.” “You better.” “I will.” I walked to nurse Suzie’s office. I knocked twice. “Come in”. I went inside and saw nurse Suzie sitting on the chair. “Aurora my dear, I didn’t know you’d be paying us a visit today.” Yes nurse suzie sorry for not informing you earlier. I came to ask about Hannah’s health. “Ah yes her condition is the same.” I lowered my head. “I know you’re doing your best but you need to be fast with the money.” Nurse Suzie i’m trying. I said. The she said something that i have been dreading to hear. “Soon her hair will fall out.” I couldn’t imagine the pain she’s feeling and she keeps hiding from me. I excused myself. I walked out of the orphanage with my heart heavier than when I’d arrived. The evening air was cool against my skin as I made my way back to my apartment. My apartment was small. Very small. One bedroom, a tiny kitchen, an old couch, and a bathroom that sometimes had a mind of its own. I have to work harder for Hannah. I dropped my bag onto the couch and looked at the clock. I had barely two hours before my shift. I showered, ate something quick, and started getting ready. Working at the club wasn’t exactly the dream I’d imagined for myself. But it paid well. Much better than most jobs I could find without qualifications. And I needed the money. I stood in front of the mirror and brushed my long silver hair until it fell smoothly down my back. My green eyes stared back at me. I studied my reflection for a moment before sighing. “One day at a time.” I grabbed my things and left.