Chapter 2.5:

We left North Haven at the break of dawn so that we’d arrive early at the Orphanage.

I had very mixed feelings about going back. I was very happy to be going with Abram and Paul to get adopted, but I was also afraid of what the matrons would say about my little escape.

Even before we arrived at the fork of the road, I could already see the Orphanage to my right. Kids were moving in and out doing various chores before morning lessons. And one of the matrons was supervising.

I tensed up instinctively as we approached.

Before long, our caravan was pulling up to the front of the Orphanage right as the bell was rung for morning lessons. The kids filed two by two inside as we dismounted and approached the matron shepherding them in.

“Greetings, madam.” Abram said with a bow to the matron.

“A good morning to you, sir…?” The matron replied with a small bow of her own.

“Ah beg your pardon madam, my name is Abram Finch, adept appraiser and master merchant from North Haven.” Abram introduced himself.

“I am Sister Anna, currently the acting head matron of the orphanage. To what do we owe your visit?” The matron said in response.

Abram called us over. I stayed behind Paul the entire time trying to hide from Sister Anna.

“This is my son, Paul. And I believe this young man behind him is no stranger to you.” Abram gestured to us.

I peeked behind Paul and gave Sister Anna a shy wave.

Comprehension dawned on her face as she saw me and then it was replaced with anger.

“ADI! Oh, you naughty boy! How could you up and leave like that with just a note! Oh, my word, of all the reckless, irresponsible... Get over here!” Sister Anna said as she lunged at me to bring me out of hiding.

I surrendered to her grasp since I was also overwhelmed by guilt. Sister Anna was always really nice to me and I felt bad for making her worry.

“I’m so sorry, Sister Anna.” I said as my voice cracked from trying not to tear up as I felt her smack my bottom.

“Oh you…” Sister Anna stopped mid-slap as her anger seemed to be dissipating. She let out a sigh. “Go inside my study. You will write lines as I discuss with your companions.”

I looked at Abram and Paul who had very confused looks. “This way to the study,” I said sullenly as I led them in.

In the hallways, I could see some of the kids recognize me and I gave them a small wave.

“It’s Adi!” A small girl yelled.

“No way, I thought he died!” Someone else responded.

This is kind of embarrassing.

I kept my eyes on the floor as I felt their curious gaze on me. Behind me Paul was sniggering. “You came back from the dead apparently. We should have dressed you up in tattered clothes and painted your face to make you look like a zombie. That would have been hysterical.”

I shot him a look but couldn’t think of a retort so I just trudged along and let my shoulders droop even further.

“Hush now. Everyone head back to your lessons.” Sister Anna shushed the kids around us.

We arrived at the study and I proceeded to the small desk that already had pieces of paper on top. I grabbed a small pencil and started writing lines: “I was wrong to run away and make everyone worry.”

I looked up to see Abram and Paul sit on the couches nearby. Abram gave me a small sympathetic nod while Paul was just smiling at me.

I continued writing lines.

Sister Anna came in after a few minutes carrying a small pot of tea and some cups. She set it down in front of Abram and Paul and shot me a look.

I immediately looked back down and continued writing my lines.

They then started discussing everything that happened once I left the Orphanage. I’m glad Abram left out the part where Lady Vela tried to kill me, that would have really upset Sister Anna.

“And that brings us to our present request. We would like to adopt Adi.” Abram concluded.

By this time I had filled up ten pages of paper and I brought them over to Sister Anna to inspect.

Sister Anna looked over my lines and gestured for me to sit.

She laid down the paper on the table and poured me a cup of tea.

I thanked her as I let the warmth of the cup soothe my writing hand.

“I would love nothing more than to let you adopt Adi.” Sister Anna started. “Unfortunately, only the Head Matron is given authority by the Royal Registrar to approve the adoptions of wards of the State. Not even City Registrars can do that.”

“Pardon me, Sister Anna, but I thought you mentioned you were acting Head Matron?” Abram asked.

Sister Anna let out a sigh. “Yes, but this is only a temporary capacity and only really grants me the basic authority to keep the Orphanage running until the Head Matron, Mother Elaine, returns.”

“What happened to Mother Elaine.” I asked as I sipped on my tea.

“A few days ago, she disappeared. She only left a note saying she had some urgent business at the Capital and that I needed to take charge in her absence.” Sister Anna explained. “Seems leaving a note has become quite a popular way of saying goodbye these days.” She said as she shot me a look.

Guilt wracked me again and I kept sipping my tea.

“Do you have any idea when Mother Elaine would return?” Abram pressed.

“As I’ve said, she didn’t really explain herself much, only that she had urgent business.” Sister Anna repeated.

“Seems we’ve hit another roadblock, boys.” Abram said sadly.

“Well, you could always make the journey to the Capital and file the petition directly with the Royal Registrar.” Sister Anna suggested.

“Ah, that’s a splendid idea, madam.” Abram replied.

“Here, let me write you a formal recommendation explaining the situation. That should help with the processing of your papers.” Sister Anna offered as she stood up to head to her desk.

“You shouldn’t have any trouble though. Lord Jerome loves children. It was through his initiative many years ago that the Head Matron was given authority to handle adoptions directly to expedite the process and to encourage people to adopt. He also regularly visits to see how the children are doing.” Sister Anna said as she wrote her recommendation.

“Well, this all worked out well then. It just so happens that we also have some business at the Capital.” Abram responded as he received the recommendation letter.

I gave Paul a quizzical look to which he only shrugged.

Abram didn’t mention business at the Capital before. Is it about the permit?

After we sorted everything out, Sister Anna accompanied us outside. It was already past noon.

I gave her a brief hug. “Thank you, Sister Anna, for everything.”

She gave me a hug in return. “You’re welcome my sweet boy. Please take care of yourself. No more running away, hmm?”

I looked at her sheepishly and nodded. She ruffled my hair in response.

Sister Anna waved goodbye as we pulled away from the Orphanage.

As we rounded the fork on the road heading towards the capital, I turned to Abram. “What other business do we have there, Abram?”

“It’s a secret, my boy. You’ll see when we get there.” Abram replied mysteriously.