A Drastic Change.

The poor little girl, Bethany slept, though the wounds she suffered once she jogged her memory to the misfortune that she and her doting parents had undergone, were unbearable.

Finally, the long night was over, ushering a new day.

Bethany stood at the balcony, where she watched the birds dancing and chirping outside.

The sun wearily shone from the welkin, kissing the enormous stone, at the ground.

"Hey!" Bethany felt someone patting her shoulder.

On turning around, her eyes laid on a pudgy girl of medium stature, with a rather rabicund visage.

"It's breakfast time. We gotta go," she uttered with great elan.

"I don't feel like," grumbled Bethany.

"No. Our aunties say that we should never miss meals. Now let's go." 

The girl held Bethany's hand and they walked away to the dinning hall.

Bethany gazed at her new environment wearily, watching as the children gobbled down their food jubilantly.

The girl who was standing beside her snapped her fingers to get her out of her revier.

"Hey, don't gaze around. Let's go and take our food. There's a great variety to choose from. You'll love it."

"Could you kindly list some. I just happen to be very picky when it comes to food."

"Lemon tea, muffins, veggie burger,sponge cakes,only to mention a few."

"Good. I think a veggie burger with turnips will do. And yeah,a cup of lemon tea." The two excitedly shuffled to ty counter.

"Good morning children. I hope you're all fine. Line up and take your breakfast,"instructed Mrs. Darwin.

" Okay auntie,"replied the children I unison.

" By the way, my name is Glenda Domingo, "said the girl, stretching her hand to take the test of food being proffered to her.

" Bethany Domingo. What a coincidence! "exclaimed Bethany.

" Oh, come on. Let's have our breakfast outside near the pancy."

The two secured themselves a bench, near the colorful garden, where a cool breeze blew from the east.

"Glenda, thankyou for staying by my side."

"It's nothing.I can see us making good buddies. You'll be my dollicute because you're really cute and I can bet nice. "

All of a sudden, tears welled up in Bethany's eyes, though she tried holding them back.

" Hey chap, did I saying something wrong? "Glenda asked worriedly.

" No. Not at all. "

" Please tell me Bethany. Your eyes portray it all. "

" Children, bring back your utensils, "Mrs. Darwin's voice was heard.

" Let's take the utensils and you'll tell me what the matter is. Okay?"she asked looking at her straight in the eyes.

" Well and good Glenda,"said Bethany," I promise.

"Bethany, wait!" they heard a rather baritone voice from behind. They both craned their necks and spotted a tall woman approaching them.

" Bethany,"she repeated as she drew nearer.

" Miss,"mumbled Bethany.

" How are you feeling today?"

" I'm good."

" I'm glad you recall me."

" How would I forget you whereas I met you I just yesterday night?"

The woman,Mrs.Torez,chuckled."Good day Glenda.We'll meet later Bethany."

" Okay miss."

The girls watched as Mrs.Torez went away,till they could spot her no more.

" Seems you know her well."

" Not really."

" Okay. Handover your utensils to me, I'll take them back to the kitchen and you'll go get a brolly. The sun is quite hot today."

" I agree."

Up the stairs, in the premises, Bethany went and got a brolly as instructed by her new chum, whom she then met outside and head on they went back to the pancy and sat on the well-trimmed green grass.

" Now you gotta tell me the whole ordeal, "said Glenda, wide opening the puce umbrella.

" I don't wanna talk much about it but all you should know is that my dad addressed me by that name, "Bethany said hoarsely.

" Oh, didn't know that. Sorry for that reminder, "said Glenda while gently patting Bethany's back.

" It's alright chap. What about you? Where did you get that name from? You see, I thought that was unique for me and my dad only. "

" Well, my dad too addressed me by the same name. Quite peculiar though, don't you think so? "

" Yeah. Where is he? " 

" He left me with my nanny and never came back. For my mom, I know nothing regarding her, "muttered Glenda as she wept.

" Sorry for that. My parents were murdered and that's why I'm here. ''

"Don't worry, we're in this together. Together, we're solid. ''

" Let's switch to a better topic. I'll tell you about my best friend Clark who I miss immensely. He is nice and would do anything for me. Al..."

Bethany's words were cut short by Glenda's nosy look. "What!"

"Are you sure he is just a friend?" she asked raising her right brow.

"I'm done chatting with you. Can't cope with such piffle!" Bethany swiftly stood and walked away.

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

Newton Stewart, near Galloway Forest, United Kingdom;

Emilia put on her red sandals and left for Claudia's room.

Surprisingly, she found Bruno, who sat at the edge of the bed, singing hymns for her.

" May I come in?" she asked politely.

"Well, you're already in, aren't you?" 

"Yeah, looks like you two are having a great time together. Claudia dear?"

Emilia proceeded inside shutting the fragile wooden door behind her.

"Yes, mamita," replied Claudia as she slithered from her rickety bed.

"How are you feeling now dear?"

"I'm doing good now. I mean how could I not be when uncle has been singing for me since dawn. "

" Really now? " Emilia squeezed herself on the small bed for a seat. 

" Dear, joy returned to this house since the day you came into our lives. We both love you so much, "declared Emilia as she cuddled her.

" I love you both too mamita. My baby went to school and I miss her so much. Look at that frock. I purchased it for her, "she said pointing at a doll's tiny cloth on the table.

" Good. Now dress up. We've an appointment with your doctor, remember? "

" Yes mamita. "

" Okay. We'll excuse you dear. Hurry up or else we'll get late."

Emilia and Bruno ambled outside to their stuffy living room.

" Bruno, I can't help it but feel nervous. Only God knows what the doctor will tell us today. " 

" Don't worry. Claudia will be fine. "

" But what if she regains her memory and leave us; maybe go back to her home and reunite with her kinsfolk. "

" Emilia, "uttered Bruno fixing his eyes on his wife," Even if Claudia reunites with her relatives, she will never forget about us, most especially you, because we are now part of her family. "

" Yeah you're right. Should I pour you some coffee. "

" Yes please. "

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

Daphne retired to her chamber, took a robe suspended over the blue-painted wall and put it on. She wearily looked at her better half, Bruce, who was busy enjoying an hourglass of whatever he was drinking.

She tied her long black barnet to a ponytail and with a rolling gait, she approached Bruce.

" Bruce, I wanna have a brief talk with you, "she stammered.

" What is it? I hope everything is good, "he said placing the goblet on the glass table beside the futon.

"Yeah, everything is fine. It's just about us. Hun, are aware of the fact that I can't be able to make you a fath…"

"I thought we were done talking about that already," lashed out Bruce gobbling down the drink.

"But it hurts deeply knowing that I can't bear children," said Daphne,her tears choking her.

"Oh, please, what do you want me to do about it?Huh!" he hissed.

" What if we adopt a child then, please Bruce,"pleaded Daphne.

" Do what you want to. I wanna sleep. I am deadbeat,"claimed Bruce and he dug into the bedding on their cosy bed.

Broken and shuttered, Daphne fell on her knees as her lanky legs became weak.

She broke into a blub, losing all forms of composure.

All in all, that was Bruce and he would never turn a new leaf.

He was the same grumpy man as always who was not the kind of husband anyone would wish for.

Daphne gathered her strength, wiped her tears away and left the room, escaping the annoying snor from Bruce.

She quietly ambled to her mom's room,who was busy doing her day's workouts.

"Daphne dear, what brings you here at the this time of the night?" the pudgy, light-skinned woman dressed in her Nike attires inquired.

"Mum, sorry for disturbing you. I just wanna consult you about something."

"Come on, have a seat on that settee please and tell me what the matter is. I hope is not Bruce this time or else he will get it from me."

"We just had a little disagreement. It's about my condition."

" What about your condition?"asked Mrs.Salvador,now looking more attentive than before as she leaned forward,closer to Daphne.

" You see mom,I am thinking of adopting a child."

" What!"exclaimed Mrs.Salvador.

" You don't like the idea either?"

" No,I love it,"stammered Mrs .Salvador.

"I had consulted a certain orphanage and I should go there tomorrow and take the girl I chose."

"Great then."

"Can you please accompany me as I don't think Bruce will agree?"

"I would be glad to. Let's hope my schedule is not too tight tomorrow."

"Okay mum. Thankyou for your support. I really do appreciate it."

"It's nothing. As for Bruce,Hugo and I will try talking to him. Come here," uttered Mrs. Salvador, spreading her arms widely for a hug.

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

AT THE ORPHANAGE, the following day;

Bethany's and Glenda's outspiciuous moment was suddenly interrupted by a sudden knock at the door.

"I hope it's not the bullies again," said Glenda opening the door wide open, where a tall skinny girl went inside.

"Bethany, Mrs. Torez is calling you to her office right now." she scramed outside.

" Glenda,I will be back. I hope everything is fine."

Bethany took a deep breathe, before she knocked and entered in the office. 

" Good day Bethany!"exclaimed Mrs. Torez beaming at the young girl.

" With me, is Mrs. Derwood, accompanied by her mother-in-law,Mrs. Salvador. They are our visitors today."

Bethany already knew what the word 'visitor' meant.

" Good morning Mrs. Derwood and Mrs. Salvador,"Bethany greeted them politely.

" Good morning dear," they both answered.

" Bethany, I know it's yours and everyone's wish here to have a family of their own, and that's why these ladies are here today. Mrs. Derwood here wants to adopt you dear."

Silence befell the little group for some time like a dead weight.

" I have no objection auntie, is just that I don't want to be separated from Glenda. I don't wanna leave her."

" Who is Glenda?"Daphne asked.

" My best friend."

" Dear,you have got nothing to worry about as I'm gonna take the both of you."

"Yehey!"exclaimed Bethany in great elan.

" Ummm...Mrs. Derwood, it's not that I'm doubting you or something of that sort, but are you sure about this?"

" Yes, I'm certain. Kindly prepare Glenda's papers too. In the meantime, I think you should go and pack your stuff and Glenda too."

Right away!" Bethany flung the door open and left.

"She seems thrilled," commented Mrs. Torez,a huge smile printed on her rubicund visage.

"Mom, thankyou. I'm now going to be a mother to two girls," said Daphne as tears of joy rolled down her crimson cheeks.

"It's fine as long as you are happy. You know when you got married to my son,I promised your mother that I'll make sure you're happy. "

Bethany ran to Glenda,eager to tell her the news.

" Hey,Tina, have you seen Glenda around?"

" Yes Bethany. She is at the pancy." 

Bethany ran outside,to the pancy,where Glenda lied on the grass sobbing.

" Glenda, Glenda, what's wrong, Glenda?"

" I just heard that you will be leaving. They are gonna adopt you, aren't they?"

" Come on, and you think I'll leave you? You're coming with me Glenda. They're adopting both of us so we're are now sisters as we now have the same mother!"

" What! That's great! We will at last have a family!"

The two shared a warm hug before running inside for their stuff.

Despite the fact that they were leaving and have a family of their own, the mood was sombre as they would part ways with the family they had made there.

" Guys, bye!"they both said before putting their bag and baggage in Mrs. Salvador's porsche maresque, hoping that they would meet their friends again someday.

Finally, they hugged Mrs. Torez and got into the posh car, ready to start a new life together.

Not long after taking off, they arrived at their new home which seemed like the welkin to them.

As they got out of the car,they couldn't help it but stare at the enormous mansion in front of them. It all seemed like a dream come true.

"Welcome to your new home beautifuls!" declared Daphne enthusiastically.

"Thank you miss," they answered politely.

"Oh, no darlings. From now on you will address me as mommy as I'm now your mother. Okay?"

" Yes mommy,"they agreed gleefully.

Daphne fished a handkerchief from her handbag, unable to control her emotions. 

" And I'm your grandma. Let's go inside. The gale is quiet strong out here girls. Daphne, come on in. Hey, Brandon! Make sure my car is clean by tomorrow, understood?" " Yes ma'am."

" Hurray! You're back grandma!"excitedly exclaimed a young boy with a frizzy barnet,who was left baffled on seeing Bethany and Glenda.

" Yes Rex." "And who the heck are these pretty girls?"

" Have some courtesy Rex. These pretty girls over here are my daughters and therefore your cousins ."

"Sorry aunt Daphne. That's cool as I now got people to play with in this big mansion. I'm Rex, Hugo's one and only son,"Rex introduced himself.

" Nice to meet you Rex,"replied Bethany.

" I almost forgot. I got new names for you guys. You wanna know?"asked Daphne teasingly.

" Yes mommy!"

" Ok, here we go,"said Daphne," As for you Bethany,you will now be addressed as Lesley Derwood and Glenda,Felicity Derwood. You like them?"

" Absolutely!"they both declared happily.

" Good to know. Now go to your rooms upstairs, have a warm refreshing shower and put on your new attires. Nanny Paring, kindly show my beautiful girls upstairs to their respective rooms that I prepared for them."

" Okay Mrs. Derwood. Let's go children."

The two excitedly ran upstairs,tailing Nanny Paring.

" Oh wow Felicity! This house is gigantic! Everything around here seems to be damn expensive!"

" You're right Lesley. I'll at last get to live the kind of life I have always dreamt of."

" I'll miss our friends though."

" Oh come on. What's up with the long face when we are finally living as princesses. What more do you want? Let's go now. I can't wait to get into a jacuzzi! Cheers to our new life in paradise!"

" Yes chap."

" Girls, you'll have to share this room for now. There are your garments. I trust that both of you know how to yourselves."

" Yes nanny,"replied Bethany.

" Good. I'll leave you now."

" Glenda!"called out Bethany.

" It's Felicity!"grumbled Glenda.

"Okay G,I mean Felicity. I'm just not used to that name. Stop staring around. Let's do what we are supposed to right now." 

" Okay baby boss,"uttered Felicity, rolling her eyes.

The two hurriedly took a shower, eager to try out their new outfits.

They stood in front of the mirror and adorned themselves beautiful in their chic clothes.

" I'll go and show mommy and that cute boy,"said Felicity, scramming out of the room.

" Hey, wait. You haven't zipped your frock!"shouted Lesley, running after her sister.

Daphne joyfully watched kids plodding down the spiral flight of stairs towards her.

"Mommy, I am done!" exclaimed Felicity, falling into Daphne's arms.

"Nice. You two look good. Come here Lesley."

Daphne lovingly cuddled her children.

"I love you more than anything in this world," she said.

"Dinner is ready Mrs. Derwood," said Nanny Paring.

"Okay, we'll be there in a minute. Children, let's go and eat. Nanny, kindly call Rex down stairs."

"No, I will call him instead. I mean you don't have to climb up the stairs while we're here," said Felicity.

"That's so nice of you. Hurry up so that your food don't get cold," said Nanny Paring as she beamed at her.

There and then, the door was opened and two elegant men joined them. 

"Daphne,hi," uttered one of them who was Bruce.

"Hi," muttered Daphne, avoiding an eye contact with him.

Bruce gave the girl standing beside Daphne a dirty look and took a pew on the couch.

"And who do we have here?" asked the other man with a rather frizzy barnet and a well built body.

"Ummm, Hugo, she is Lesley. Lesley Derwood, one of my beloved daughters," Daphne answered boldly, holding Lesley's right hand.

Out of shock, Hugo's eyes popped out.

"What! One of your daughters?"

"Yes Hugo. You heard me right. Felicity,Rex, hurry up down stairs!" shouted Daphne.

Without even uttering a single word, Bruce arrogantly plodded upstairs.

Daphne gazed at him all the way,till he locked himself in their chamber.

Felicity and Rex then went chatting and convulsing all the way.

"Dad,I missed you!" declared Rex, hugging his doting father.

"I missed you too son. I got you a new play station as I had promised!"

Hurrah! I love you so much. Come on, let's go and eat. You look quite worn out."

As all and sundry had settled at the dinning room,in exception of Bruce, Lesley led the in a short and brief prayer of Thanksgiving to you their Deity and eating commenced.

"Children, tomorrow I will enroll you at Rex's school and we'll later go to the mall and do some shopping!"

"Great!" "Thanks mommy," uttered Lesley, after swallowing the food in her mouth.

"Toast to Lesley and Felicity!" declared Daphne and they'll sipped their drinks.

In no time, their lives (Daphne, Bruce, Felicity and Lesley) took a new turn as Lesley and Felicity now lived the kind of life they had always been dreaming of and Daphne enjoying the feeling of finally being a mother.

On the other hand, Bruce struggled to be a father to the two, though at times,he ended up failing at it miserably.

The three,Rex, Felicity and Lesley,grew up together as sibs, enjoying each other's company.

Being teens, they blatantly grew mischievous, but would oftenly get punished for every bit of their slip ups, especially by their dear grandmother, Mrs. Salvador and that would lead to Daphne and she to be at logger head with each other,due to Daphne's poisonous love for her daughters.

Within that short span of time, Felicity had also started entertaining hatred towards her sister, due to her unhealthy feelings for her cousin,Rex.

A DECADE LATER.

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

Clark put on his sport shoes, ready to take his leave. 

At their small compound,was his mother, hanging the washed clothes.

Clark watched the birds joyfully chirping on the trees, ushering in the new day. He tied his blue muffler around his neck as though the morning was bright,it was still chilly.

"Son, where are you headed to this early?"

"Mum, didn't I tell you I am looking for a job at the mines to earn some cash for my college fee?"

"Yes you did tell me about that but I hope that's the only reason. I hope you are not after them anymore."

"Mum,you have got nothing to worry about. I am not after them. Trust me,"Clark convinced his mother,who gazed at him with a frowned face.

" I trust you son. Just don't over work yourself. You know I can always find a way to pay your fee."

" Okay mom. Bye for now or else I will get late,"said Clark, waving at her mom.