CHAPTER ONE: The Orphanage

. "I got my eyes on you,

You will never be alone."

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"Ranz!" Shouted by Clara — one of my best friend here in the orphanage where I was given after what happen with my family.

I was daydreaming while walking, what a nice timing, my friend.

"Yes, Madame. How can I help you? I said then bows to her like she was Queen.

"Crazy, woman! They said we will have a camping at night for three days next month, are you gonna join?" Clara asked while pouting and acting like a cute.

"Are you asking me or persuading me to join, Clara?" I asked sarcastically.

"Both!" She said then looking at me like you-must-say-yes-or-else look.

"Okay, fine, I'll join for you." I surrendered, and laughed when she hugged me so tight like she won a lottery.

She really wanted to go outside, since we enter this orphanage, we rarely go outside. I was only five years old when our house burned from the fire and my family died. Back then, I don't understand what is happening, that's why it feels like I was okay but as soon as I started understanding the world around me, it feels so heavy to think and to remember that night, it feels like a nightmare that I will never ever forget.

It's been almost 5 years, I still remember every inches and seconds of my memory of that night. Sometimes I wish I also died that night, however I didn't which gives me more reason to live and fight for this life, I am alive for a reason and I will not waste the effort my Dad did to save me.

"Uhm, Ranz." Said slowly by one of the classmate named John, he is acting like he was really shy and don't know how to say a word.

"Hi, John. Do you wanna say something?" I asked curiously.

"I just wanna give this to you." John said then handed me a brown box. I curiously open the box and found a bracelet with color green beads, it's simple but pretty.

"It's pretty, but you can't accept it, Esperanza." I said to myself.

"Did you say something?" John asked worriedly.

"Ah, no. I said, I am sorry it looks pretty, however I can't accept it, John. I don't want you to hope for nothing from me. Though I greatly appreciate your kindness and generosity." I explained even though I don't need to, I just don't want to hurt him so bad.

"Oh, okay, th-anks." He said then immediately run away from me and go back to his seat.

I am sorry.

"Okay, class! Good morning." Our Teacher Glenda shouted to get everyone's attention in the room.

Everyone stood up and greet our teacher including me. Our orphanage named Angel's Haven is the largest orphanage here in our city because it also has it's own school from kinder to secondary education. The government including different private company sponsors or donating to our orphanage which given them a funds to start an own school which is good because not every child here will be adopted, they will support us until we graduate senior high, on that time, we can already support ourselves.

As of now, I am in 5th Grade and I will stay in this orphanage until I graduate senior high school. I was already 5 years old when I got here, and nobody adopted me, usually parents like to adopt children below 5 years old and they knew how traumatic my past which also the reason no one adopted me, they think it will be so hard for them to parent a child with tragic past.

I still remember my 6 years old me hoping that someone will adopt me until I heard our orphanage's chief talking with one of the parents trying to adopt a child.

~ flashback~

"I think Esperanza is such a sweet and beautiful girl." A woman said which made me hope and smiled.

"I totally agree, however we need to know her background." A man replied.

which made me worry and sad.

"Ms. Chief Bernadine, may I know the background, age, story and why Esperanza's here?" The woman asked our Chief.

"She is Esperanza Cruz Martinez, a six year old girl. Se preferred to be called as Ranz." Chief said and sighed then continues telling them my personal details and past story which shocked the both parents, and I can see the worry for the both parents.

I left when I heard the parent started asking about other children. I know they will not choose me anymore.

After few hours, I heard our Chief entered our room.

"Annabelle! I have a good news, the parents chose to adopt you." Chief Bernadine said while hugging Annabelle and they left.

~ End of Flashback~

"Okay, thank you, everyone! I think everyone already heard that we will be having a camping for three days next month." Teacher Glenda said and everyone started talking excitedly.

"Silent everyone! Here's a paper, to those who likes to join in the three days camping, please write down your name here and after it, ass to other person." Teacher Glenda instructed.

I rather read my favorite history book than join camping, however I think Clara already written my name in the list. I looked at Clara and saw her done writing and mouthed to me,

"I already written your name." Clara said.

I just sigh and nod.

I hope I can bring my history book there. It will be very boring without anything to read.

I suddenly look outside the window of our room with no reason and saw the branch of the tree moved even though there is no wind, that is the only tree that is moving, the other weren't.

That is kinda weird.

I heard Teacher Glenda started writing at the board, I quickly focus myself and listen to Teacher Glenda, I don't want to failed and extend my years living here.

...

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

The story is just starting. I hope you like it. Thank you for reading until here, I hope you continue reading. Love you all! Spread Clover! 🍀