Chapter 1_ The birth

Amidst a torrential downpour, the Saint Louis orphanage was abuzz with activity as a woman went into labor and prepared to give birth.

"Take a deep breath and push. I can already see the baby's head. Just one more push - you've got this,"encouraged the nun attending to her. Finally, after much effort, the sound of an infant's cries filled the room.

"It's a girl,"announced the nun with joy.

"May I see her?"inquired the woman.

"Of course, please wait a moment,"replied the Nun as she diligently cleaned and swaddled the infant. Once finished, she tenderly placed the baby into the arms of her mother.

Overcome with emotion, tears streamed down her face as she gazed upon her beautiful child. "Her name shall be Grace,"she declared before placing a gentle kiss on the baby's forehead and turning to address the Nun.

"A fitting name for such an angelic being,"acknowledged the Nun.

The mother then made an unusual request of leaving her newborn in their care. The Nun was puzzled but listened intently as she explained,

"It is not that I am incapable of caring for my child; rather, this is undoubtedly one of safest places for her to thrive and grow. Please save her from herself and those who may come looking."As she spoke these words while staring lovingly at her little one, tears continued to flow freely down her cheeks.

"Oh my goodness! She has his eyes,"cried out the mother through sobs.

"Kindly oblige me by taking her in,"she implored. "I assure you that I will return for her once everything is resolved,"she beseeched. The Nun acquiesced, having no other option. She accepted the baby and turned to glance at the mother.

"What is the child's surname?"she inquired.

"Lockwood... Grace Lockwood,"replied the mother as she rose from the bed to dress herself. The Nun was taken aback.

"Pardon me, but where are you headed?"asked the Nun.

"I must depart, lest they discover her whereabouts,"she expressed with a sense of trepidation.

"You require rest. Besides, it is late. Simply wait until dawn,"The Nun attempted to persuade her to remain, yet she declined.

"No, I must proceed. Kindly ensure her well-being,"she conveyed before departing the premises.

*********

After eighteen years, Grace was dashing through the orphanage when a group of teenagers obstructed her path.

"Where do you believe you are headed?"the first one inquired.

"How is that any of your concern?"Grace retorted, unafraid of their presence.

"Just because Sister Mary favors you does not grant you superiority over us,"another child interjected.

"Are you envious?"Grace remarked with a smile directed towards them.

"You're no different from the rest of us; we're all orphans and confined to this place,"stated one of the other kids.

"I am not like everyone else here. Sister Mary assured me that my mother will retrieve me,"explained Grace confidently.

The youngsters erupted into laughter at her naivety.

"You've been saying that for eighteen years now, Grace, and yet you're still here with us. Let me make it clear: you are an orphan with no future ahead of you. You will grow old and die here,"said the tall boy among them as they all burst into laughter.

"You're lying! All of you!"Grace shouted back. Without hesitation, she charged at the boy and hit him before he could even react. The others quickly tried to intervene but were thrown back by a powerful force emanating from Grace. Some even hit their heads on the wall without ever touching her, as if struck by a strong wave.

They were all struck with fear, prompting one member of the group to hastily summon the Nuns for aid. Upon arrival, they were met with a harrowing scene: Grace was relentlessly striking the boy and blood had spilled everywhere. However, what truly shook them to their core was her appearance - she exuded a fiery red aura and her eyes had darkened completely. They instinctively took several steps back in terror.

Sister Mary bravely called out to Grace's name, fearing that she may take the boy's life.

Eventually, the crimson glow dissipated and Grace collapsed onto the ground.

***********

Upon awakening, Grace realized she was in her bedroom and sat upright on the bed. As she surveyed her surroundings, she noticed that darkness had already descended. She promptly rose from the bed with a startle.

"How could I have slept so late? They must have already begun their evening meal. Goodness gracious, I am famished,"exclaimed Grace as she hurriedly exited her room.

Upon arriving at the cafeteria, all of the other children began to move away from her in fear of what she might be capable of doing. Despite being taken aback by their behavior, Grace paid it little mind given how ravenous she was feeling.

However, soon after sitting down to eat, Grace overheard murmurs amongst the other children directed towards herself.

"I have heard that Sean is currently hospitalized,"one of the young women remarked. "According to the physician, all of his facial bones are fractured,"she added.

"Yes, and it has been said that she sent them flying without any physical contact,"another boy chimed in.

"Furthermore, her body was radiating an eerie glow and her eyes were as black as coal,"he continued.

"I am uncertain how we became acquainted with her. I suspect she may be possessed,"the initial girl stated as everyone else nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing this conversation, Grace abruptly ceased eating. As she gazed down at her hands, vivid recollections from earlier that day came rushing back to her mind causing a surge of fear within her which prompted a hasty retreat from the room. Once safely ensconced within the confines of her own quarters, Grace gave way to tears.

"I am not possessed, I assure you. What is happening to me?"She sobbed uncontrollably until she was interrupted by a knock on the door. She composed herself and proceeded to answer it.

Upon opening the door, Grace noticed that the Nun took a step back in surprise. However, this reaction did not faze her given how other children had behaved towards her at the cafeteria.

"Please come with me, Sister Agnes wants to speak with you,"said the Nun as she stepped aside for Grace to exit.

Without hesitation, Grace followed behind her until they arrived at their destination where all of the Nuns were gathered including Sister Mary who avoided eye contact with her. Taking an available seat, Grace settled down anticipating what they had in store for her next.

Sister Agnes cleared her throat before speaking. "Grace, due to the events that transpired earlier today, we regret to inform you that it is no longer possible for you to continue residing here."

"What?!"Grace exclaimed as she stood up, causing those around her to take a step back.

"Your actions were not accidental and we all know this,"Sister Agnes replied calmly in her role as Mother Superior. "It has become apparent that you pose a threat to both the other children and this orphanage. Therefore, it is necessary for us to send you away."

Tears streaming down her face, Grace asked with desperation in her voice: "Where am I supposed to go?"

"You will be returning to your mother" Sister Agnes answered firmly.

"What? My mother is coming here?" Grace asked, wiping away her tears. She felt a twinge of excitement.

"We cannot confirm it yet, but we have sent word to her,"replied Sister Agnes.

"Wait...does that mean you have been in contact with my mother all this time?"Grace was perplexed.

"Not exactly. However, she has always had someone come by from time to time to check up on you and donate to the orphanage,"explained Sister Agnes.

Grace could only nod her head; she didn't know what else to say.

"You will need to pack your belongings as you are leaving tomorrow morning."

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

The following day, Grace perched on her bed, gazing at her suitcases and pondering the nature of the life that lay ahead. She had numerous inquiries to pose to her mother - why she abandoned her in an orphanage and especially what had occurred yesterday. Lost in thought, Sister Mary arrived to notify Grace it was time.

"Grace, it's time,"Sister Mary stated as she approached Grace and grasped her hands.

"Don't be frightened; everything will be fine."

"I believed you would loathe me like everyone else,"Grace confessed through tears.

"No, I don't feel that way. Never assume such a thing,"Sister Mary replied while embracing Grace tightly.

"I love you so much. And I'll miss you dearly."cried Grace.

"I'll miss you too. Now stop crying; after all, you're a big girl now,"Sister Mary said reassuringly.

"I'll miss you too. Now stop crying, you are a big girl now" sister Mary tried to cheer her up.

"Shall we depart?"Sister Mary inquired of Grace, and together they exited the orphanage. As they emerged, their attention was drawn to a black SUV where two men were donning black suits.

"Do not fret, my dear,"Sister Mary reassured Grace with tears welling up in her eyes. Over the years she had grown quite attached to the young girl and knew that she would miss her dearly.

The men collected Grace's belongings and beckoned for her to enter the vehicle. Before doing so, however, she turned back to embrace Sister Mary one last time.

All watched as the car pulled away from view; even some of the children peered out from their bedroom windows.