Into Your Heart

Prologue

Prologue

~♡Aria♡~

“Did you pack everything?”

“For the ninth time, yes Sister. I did” I replied, rolling my eyes and smiling at her consistent questions.

Morning came, and I had to leave for a new state by myself. A new life had just begun, moving to a place where no one knows me or anything about me. A fresh start. That was the dream and it was finally happening.

“Here is your bank book and the keys to your apartment.” she handed me a book and a set of keys. I took a glance at her and noticed her eyes were slightly tinted and watery.

Was she crying all night?

“Sister,” I drawled and pulled her into my arms, consoling her, but the tears I didn’t know I'd been holding, poured down like a waterfall, and we ended up becoming a sobbing mess.

I didn’t miss St. Anthony’s home and I wasn't going to miss it. I was grateful for the memories created and everything, but I'd always wanted to leave St. Anthony. However, I was sad about leaving my baby brother, Mael, and Sister Juliet, who was like a mother—more than a mother even—to me.

She was my best friend, sister, teacher, instructor and everything. It was sad to leave her, but I had to. My time at the orphanage had expired, and I was finally getting all I always wanted. Freedom.

I knew the world wasn’t a bed of roses, but I needed to see what it was worth and find my place, as sister Juliet says.

“Oh, my sweet beautiful Angel,” She whispered, her fingers swiping against my cheeks, wiping the tears away. I wrapped my arms around her again, swatting her veil a little to the side, so I wouldn't accidentally pull it off her head.

We stood in each other’s arms for quite some time, whimpering. Mother Juliet whispered encouraging words, a few hail Marys and more prayers. I didn't mind and welcomed it, as I basked in her scent—warm and soft like a soft autumn breeze. She chuckled when I drew closer and placed a kiss on my hair, stroking my hair to calm my sobbing self.

“God will be with you always and will guide you all through, my angel and I know...” she stopped, pulled away slightly, then cupped my cheeks with her warm rosary beaded hands and continued. “You’re so smart, and I know you’ll achieve everything you’ve ever wanted. Just be careful and remember to always pray to Baba.” I nodded, a smile weaved its way to my face at the name and her words assuring her.

Baba was the name I used to call God when I was a little. Sister Juliet was my mother and God was my baba.

A familiar sweet ache coursed through my veins as memories flooded in. Maybe I shouldn’t go.

She kissed my cheeks.

“Take care of Mael, I’ll be back for him very soon and take care of yourself Sister. I’ll miss you deeply” I quavered, not able to hold my tears in.

“Of course, my darling child, Mael is in safe hands; no need to worry” I smiled at her words and hugged her again.

I made the decision to come back for him and adopt him once I was stable enough—that is if he wasn’t already adopted. I felt bad that he wasn’t here, but if he was, I doubt I’d be able to leave easily. My heart couldn’t handle it. I loved my (future) younger brother, but I needed to get better first. I was glad he was still asleep and my sister agreed not to involve him. It would have been very painful.

“When you get off of the plane, your new guardian will be there to help you and show you your place. Take care my Angel”

“Thank you, sis…. mother” her eyes sparkled with tears as I called her mother, which I rarely do despite loving her so much. She may be the convent and orphanage’s mother superior, but she was my mother; my special mother.

Another round of tears and hugs came in. I felt like I shouldn’t go anymore. If there was ever a hugging and crying competition, the current situation was going to win the first prize.

Kissing my head and hands, she said more prayers for me. The other reverends were present too and bid me farewell. I won’t miss them—they weren’t awful to me, maybe strict, but we didn’t connect on the level of how I and sister Juliet did.

I turned and gave one last look at the orphanage, the place I had called home for seventeen years—and three months. It didn’t sit right calling it home, but it did feel like it right now. My gaze fell down to the little crowd of dark blue and white waving at me, some crying, some on—which is normal—some kept a neutral expression. Far right, I saw Padre John, smiling at me and waving.

I waved back before turning to the awaiting minivan waiting to take me to the airport. I made one mistake of glancing at the orphanage again, sunken that the kids weren’t there to see me leave.

The van’s engine came to life and I took a deep breath as it began to move towards the direction of the airport.

I had no idea what life had in store for me, but as Sister Julie always said to me, “Live it and have faith”, I was going to live my life to the fullest and achieve so much more. I was a free woman or so I thought.

The realization I was leaving the two most important people of my life behind—even though not for good—hit me like a bulldozer. I had never been this far away from them. I missed them already.

Belrose High school, the fifth school I attended, and hope it will be the final one before college. It was a famous school known for its noble prestige, so getting into the school was nearly impossible except with connections and even at that, one had to be very brilliant. Students from Belrose were regarded as scholars, noble beings, new generation Einstein and other names. I was lucky to get a scholarship, a good one covering my fees for my last year and my college fees with my choice to choose any college I wanted.

Maybe life is making up. Ha-ha

At first, I took the exam as a joke because I knew I could never get in, especially someone my caliber. No scratch that, it was impossible, but surprisingly I got it, my hard work and studying all night paid off. I remember when I got the mail saying I was accepted, and I was on a fully funded scholarship for my senior year and college. I screamed in fright. I had so many hilarious thoughts, like my name being switched with another like in the movies.

I really hope it’s worth it and different from all the schools I went to. Even though I was happy about the new school, I’m still nervous, and I don't plan on changing schools again. Although I don't like mingling with people, I do hope to have a little fun and my life will get a little bit interesting.

Well, like my beloved sister Julie said, I can overcome anything and with God by my side I’m okay.

I said my final bye and left for my new life away from my past.

************

I’m never getting on a plane again. Ah, I felt sick from the flight, but I had to unpack, which is another thing I hate ugh. “This is the house”, my new guardian, Mr Griffin, interrupted my thoughts. “Oh, thank you, Mr Griffin”. I bowed a little to show my gratitude.

He handed me the keys which I gave him at the airport and helped me with my things. I looked at the building, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was just suitable for a teenager. It was a little bungalow just a little further from the city and was closer to my new school, as Mr Griffin said. Although I was independent, there was still a need for a guardian to be on a safer side, and he was going to act as my guardian on paper till I graduated, but I was on my own as I wanted. He was just here just in case and to act like a parent pertaining to school matters.

Mr Griffin is a man in his mid-forties or so, I don’t know, but he didn’t look that old, neither did he look young, he had a rough image like a gangster, but he was really a kind man. I learned he was married and has three kids as we unpacked. I got to know more about him as we packed but not many words were exchanged. Just like me, he was a man of few words.

I’m going to be fine. I know for sure I will.

The whole building was cozy and set for me; the bed, the kitchen and everything.

They really did their best.

Seeing all this brought tears to my eyes and I started crying again. I suddenly felt bad that I didn't do much for them, but they did so much for me. I sobbed for a while.

I’m glad Mr Griffin gave me space and didn’t ask what was wrong. It seemed like he knew, but he kept helping me pack in till I finished crying.

I was through packing thanks to Mr Griffin. I had to go grocery shopping, and he had to show me around town, but I skipped the tour and just went for some shopping. I still bought food from a restaurant as I was too lazy to prepare anything. Mr Griffin said his byes after he dropped me and left to his family.

Too tired to even take a bath and pray, I laid down and closed my tired eyes letting the sleep engulf me.