Chapter 2: meeting the man

"Universe is constantly playing it's cards."

I remembered hearing this in an astrological show on TV. Why?

I did back then and it played me bad today. I had calmed myself down by saying that it would be fine. I can accept the change that would come but, I just found it hard to accept the change. Why? Remember Mathew Regar? The handsome billionaire who caught me sneaking out and wanted to send me back? Yeah... He decided to adopt me.

So how did we get to this?

It happened when we were at the end of the Layla and bringing of change conversation and...

A few hours ago:

"Thanks Ray. Let's go. I wanna see her off with a smile." I said. I am confident now. I will make sure the best comes out this situation.

"You're welcome. And by the way, it won't take long for you to get over this orphanage you know?"

"What?"

"Yes. You will soon be a part of a family."

"What does that mean? Some friend of that big shot has agreed to adopt me or something?"

"Yes. You really are intelligent."

"Don't spout nonsense. Who will adopt a teenager like me? I would be trouble to deal with."

"Hey, dont say that. You are no trouble. And I am not joking. Someone really wanted to adopt you. They have come here today. Infact, there's another friend of Jerry Carter who is going to adopt Sera and Maria."

"Those two are twins right? Both together?"

"Yup. He is Kevin Raymond, he is a famous producer. You know right? He said it would be heartbreaking if someone were to adopt one of the twins and leave the other one you know?"

"That's so sweet." I said that but if Jerry Carter is here to adopt someone and raise a child, that's their personal matter. Why bring your friends out here and let them adopt others like they were some sort of auction products.

And even Ray is not... No. Ray wants to earn and do something better in life, infact, the less number of children, the better for him. So he would let the children go. I don't wanna look like a maniac worrying about orphanage children. I should keep quiet about this whole matter. I don't need to think about them. After they get adopted, they will get lawyers to visit them every month, if they have any problem, they can talk to the lawyers.

I need to worry about myself and reject the offer if I feel anything bad from whoever has come to adopt me.

"You ok?" Ray asked me.

"Ah yeah. Sorry for spacing out. But Ray, remember. I won't go with just anyone. If I think the other person is not a good person, I would stay here."

"That's fine. You guys are not anyone's property or slaves. You can go if you think the other person is good. You can stay if you want. I gave this choice to Maria and Sera too. And they agreed to go with Kevin."

"I see." So he hasn't gone far for his dreams to sacrifice us.

Well I need to be non-judgmental and have a clear perspective of what's happening. The other party can be kind hearted too and not necessarily bad. I just need to be open-minded.

That was until shit hit the fan and in front of my eyes, I saw Mathew Regar.

"Ah..." I said

"ah..." He said. He was as shocked as I am.

"He is Mr. Mathew Regar" Ray continued,"And Mr. Regar, he is Jason." He then looked at me trying to say indirectly that 'greet him.'

Mr. Mathew was fixated at me. Not knowing what to say. His friends were looking at the both us such that atleast one of us would say something. There was an awkward silence spread throughout the room. Please someone say something.

"You both wanna talk in private?" Ray asked us.

"Yeah you should." Kevin Raymond who was beside Jerry Carter said to Mr. Mathew.

"Yes please-" Mathew Regar started but was shunned down by my very strong opposition to the idea which was conveyed by only one single word,"No!" I said it in a loud clear voice for everyone in room to be stunned.

There was silence everywhere. Mr Mathew asked me,"why?" He sounded disappointed. Why? Yesterday night, we were complete strangers and you scolded me so bad. No way am gonna go with you.

"I get sus vibes from you." I said to him.

"What does that mean?" Mr Mathew asked me.

"What's sus?" Jerry Carter who was holding Layla, asked his wife.

"Exactly", His wife Peggy added to his question and looked at Me. Kevin.

"What does vibe have to do here?"Kevin Raymond asked his wife as confused as the others.

"I think it means aura right?" Jullieta Raymond, Kevin's wife asked him back. She had come from a foreign country and had a very strong accent while speaking English.

What the hell. How old are they? don't they understand the language of this place? Disgusting.

"Please explain it to me too, Jason." Ray said confused.

"You too Ray?! Don't you all know English? Sus means suspicious and vibes doesn't mean aura, it means feeling. I meant to say, I feel he is suspicious." I was practically yelling at all the adults in this room. Gosh! uneducated people.

"Mathew he just offended you in every way possible." Jerry commented. He basically said it looking at me as if looking down on me and indirectly talking to me.

"I know..." Mr.Mathew had made such a weird face.

"He also called all of us old in every way possible." Mrs Jullieta said to her husband reflecting her whole life. I can hear you all. I hope you know that.

"You all should unlearn and relearn English. Toodles." I said. I should listen to what these all are saying. I hence just went down the hallway and turned right and hid myself behind the wall.

"The hell is toodles now..." Mr. Kevin seemed frustrated.

"We are old..." Mrs. Jullieta replied. Why are these two in shock for so long?

"Think over it again. You would have to deal with someone like that for a few years if you adopt him. That's why I adopted a newborn rather than some teen you know?" I knew I hated him the moment I heard about him adopting Layla.

"That's not nice! If he wants to adopt a teen it's his choice. You don't judge people for their choice. And it's getting late. So we better get going." Mrs. Peggy said. Well she seems sane atleast to me. Jerry didn't seem to like it considering how he didn't say anything to her after that. Man, now am worried about how it would go down with Layla over there.

"Ray when can we pick up our kids?" Mr. Kevin asked.

"It would take about two days to prepare the adoption papers. You can come then."

"Understood. Wait for us ok, Sera and Maria?" Julietta said. She seemed happy about adoption. I think Sera and Maria would be good under those two. I heard footsteps later on. I think they left.

I didn't hear anything from Mr. Mathew. Did he leave too? Is it good for me to come out?

"I will talk to Jason about today. I am sorry but he has some... insecurities. I hope you understand." Ray said. I think Mathew Regar is still here.

"Do you mind if I talk to him?" Mr Mathew asked.

What does he wanna talk about? And no. What am I even scared about? Because he caught me sneaking out and his bodyguard almost broke my leg? No I can't be this way. But that aura which I felt from him back then...

I am conflicted. Should I agree on talking with him? Surely he won't scold me again for sneaking out last night but...

"It's his decision. I would like to ask him once. Do you mind coming tomorrow?" Ray said. Never have I ever respected you this much Ray.

But saying no to a person because they cared about me seems unfair. I don't think I should do this. If adoption is my decision, it's my decision to talk with him too. And I will damn well do that.