Lara and The Mansion in the Woods

Against All odds

     “Wake up every one! Rise and Shine! Today Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher will pay us a visit! All of you must be on your classrooms by that time. We have to get moving!” I heard Ms. Alice’s voice through the speakers. “I want you all to dress up and behave well, no one is to loiter, shout or have a tantrum please just for this day please behave” she added. “There she goes again” I said faintly said to myself. It’s weird that she is the one on the speakers, it’s usually Ms. Jorge who is in charge with the announcements. The only time she did this is when a local government official will come over to inspect this orphanage. The Fletchers must be very wealthy and powerful. I can’t even imagine what they would look like or how they speak or dress. What if I got adopted? “Silly me” I thought to myself. No one is going to want me. I have a very tragic past plus; I don’t look that appealing to the eye. I looked on the mirror; I let out a deep breath. I look mature for a 14-year-old with my long curly brunet hair that covers my back, some say its my eyes that make me look mature. Most visitors who come by look for younger children. As a child like me grows older the chances of being adopted gets slimmer.  

    I fixed my bed made sure that everything is tidied then rushed through the hallway and went for the girl’s bathroom and luckily, the line to the cubicles is not too long. I chose the shortest line where only one girl was waiting and I will be second. I was about to run for it when suddenly, a girl rushed and took my spot. “I got here first; I just took something” said the girl with a bratty tone with her eyebrows raised as if I violated something. I just glared at her and looked to the other direction. Shortly after her friend arrived and she gestured her to come next to her. Great now I’m forth in line. I’ve been struggling with these kids, but I chose not to get angry and just calm myself. “Everyone! Move faster! The waiting line is getting longer” Ms. Alice reminded as she walks from room to room while talking through her lavalier microphone. She does this to make us feel the pressure of her taking rounds and seeing how everybody is moving. Today she wore a long green classic looking dress with long sleeves and her usual glasses that makes her look formal.

    As soon as everyone heard that announcement, the line moved faster. Its finally my turn after waiting for 30 minutes. The cubicle is quite narrow but long. There’s a small area for the shower and an area for changing clothes where the floor is dry. I carefully removed my necklace that mom gave me and put it inside the small red pouch I stitched when I was 10 during sewing class, I then put it on top of my towel. I immediately opened the shower and decided not to go for a full bath since the time is running out. I moved as fast as I can and quickly changed into a simple brown dress and a white headband that I brought with me. Everything is good and we all got seated in the dining area for the breakfast. Then we went to the classroom as we were directed to do. I sat at the very back while all the other kids sat at their normal seats. At the left corner of the room was the teachers desk along with two empty seats on either side of it. I gazed at the window. Thinking of something I might’ve forgotten. Is it my head band? no, I picked the best one. Is it my face? I’m in the middle of trying to remember what I might have forgotten when Ms. Jorge entered the room. She also dressed up like Ms. Alice except she wears a light pink color. “Kids take your easels and take some canvas and art tools, where going to do some art” it’s just on the back of the class and I can easily reach it. I was the first one to get them and the others also followed, got some tools for themselves, and went back to their seats. “As I can see everyone is ready and prepared, I want you all to paint something you think is special”. Some shouted bee, car, rainbow but me, I choose to paint a flower but not just any flower, I love painting and I want to convey a message in my creation so I choose to paint Iris. Mom loves these flowers. She used to grow some at the backyard. Sometimes she put it on the window by the kitchen near the sink and by the window near the porch where she can always see it. Ms. Jorge stood up went to the door and slightly opened and peeked. Guessing by the shocked nervous reaction from her face, I can sense they are here so I minded my painting and started with my work. As I was in the middle of painting, I’m still thinking of something that I’ve forgot to do. Something important; My heart pounded when realized, “My Pendant!” I loudly yelled. I can feel my sweat dripping down my shocked face I couldn’t contain my nervousness. I stood up from my seat and went to Ms. Jorge. As I’m approaching her, she’s busy aiding other kids while avoiding the paint splatters that will mess her look.

“Ms., I lost my necklace can I go out and find it? I promise I will be quick”, I humbly asked

“No dear, Ms. Alice said that no one was to be caught outside specially if the Fletcher are here”, Ms. Jorge refused

“But...”,

“I’m sorry Lara, the Fletchers are just a few rooms away now, they are going to be here any minute now”

    I turned and faced away from her. I’m almost going to cry; I cannot be at peace if I lose that. It’s the last thing that mom had left me. I slowly walked back but when but I was about to pass the aisle leading to my seat, I clenched my hands took a deep breath and sneakily ran for the door.

    I never minded her calling me, this is more important. The adoption that I’ve always hoped for doesn’t matter now. I will shoulder any punishment they’ll give me I just have to find this pendant. I ran as fast as I can and never looked back. I went first into my room and searched my bed, under the pillow, on the bedside table and the drawers, underneath the bed but it wasn’t there.  I didn’t waste any second, I ran to the shower where I took a bath and where last saw it and there it was on the floor. I gasped,

“Lara you should have been mindful of your stuff”

    I said to myself and quickly ran back to the room.  As I approach the room, I can see the door of my classroom is the only room closed. The other doors are left open. They do this all the time when the class is over to make sure no one is left inside. I assume its left closed because Ms. Jorge was probably waiting for me. As I was about to enter the room, I heard Ms. Alice’s and Ms. Jorge’s voices but there were two other voices which I’m not familiar with. I assumed they were the visitor Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher. I peeked through the small opening in the door but Ms. Jorge noticed me and gestured her hand inviting me in.    

“What do you think?... I Don’t know Cecil… Ms…”   

Then they saw me, and everyone went silent.

“Oh there you are Lara, where have you been?”, said Ms. Jorge looking nervous seeing the face of disappointment from Ms. Alice.

“Sorry if I disturbed you, I went to find my necklace sorry if I ran earlier. I just can’t lose it “.

I shily replied as the visitors were both looking at me.

 “I guess we have to talk about it later at my office dear, Hurry on now and go sit at your desk.”

 Ms. Alice said to me, then looked back to Mr. and Mrs. Fletchers.

Well I know what’s going to happen next. I did violate some rules before, and God knows I hate her punishments. She made me clean the entire hallway when she caught me walking in the  during class hours. I usually do that when my thoughts are so loud just to keep my brain busy.

before I could start walking towards my desk Mrs. Fletchers said:

“Well aren’t you a sweet girl”

with a kind looking face and a very calm voice while looking at me with her amber eyes then flashed a warm welcoming smile. She looked perfect with the dress she’s wearing. I assumed her name was Cecil since I heard them before I entered the room. She shifted her look at the tall man with neatly done hair, gray sideburns and green eyes. Wearing a suit, makes him look older and fatherly.

“Thank you, ma’am,”

 I replied and smiled. She stooped down looked at me closer and brushed my hair away from my face

“tell me, your name is Lara, right? What were you doing earlier?” asked Mr. Fletchers

“I was outside looking for my pendant, mom gave this to me before she died” I answered with a shy tone.

“That’s why you love it so much do you. Well I understand, I didn’t really grew up with parents either” His voice sounded wistful 

 The lady smiled and stood up now facing her husband. “Adam, I think she’s the one” said Mrs. Fletcher to Mr. Fletcher with a reassuring look in her face.

Am I really getting adopted? I thought to myself.

“Lara, why don’t you sit on the corner while we talk” Ms. Alice instructed me while letting out an awkward smile.

I never minded her reaction and walk towards where I was seated earlier now staring at my unfinished Iris painting. Is this the day I’ve always hoped for? From the many kids here, its against all odds that I’m going to be chosen. Shortly Ms. Alice and Mrs. Fletcher walked over and looked at me.

“Lara, you are going to be adopted.” Mrs. Fletchers said.

She told me with a smile, arms stretched gesturing for a hug. I ran for her and hugged her while tears fell down my cheeks. My heart is pounding I couldn’t believe it. I’m getting adopted.