Chapter 3: The Escape

A stream of cold water rushed into my body. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the bathroom.

Things are gradually returning to my mind. Why do I keep catching a glimpse of that woman? I stood up and looked in the mirror. Our face is the same shape as hers, identical, but her hair is curly blonde. Who is she?

“Eliana,” two knocks were on the door before the familiar voice yelled.

“Yes, Mary, I am going out,” I said while drying myself on the towel.

“Are you okay?” She asked, giving me my dress and undergarments. I smiled and assured her that everything was fine. “By the way, we’re going out tomorrow. Will you accompany us?” She voices out.

“What are you going to do?” I asked, wearing my dress.

“We’ll watch movies outside because it’s Saturday. We are fortunate that the headmistresses have agreed to this.” She responded, giggling, as she walked up to the door. They appeared to have forgotten my birthday, and I watched her leave with a sad smile on my face. I noticed the meal on the side table and began to eat it. It is the best option. I won’t have any trouble leaving. I cleaned our room after finishing my meal and stared out the window. The youngest orphans are happy being adopted. They are incredibly fortunate to have parents. A dream I will never have, and I must accept it. I’ll be of legal age tomorrow and have to be a responsible young woman. I hope I’ll be able to deal with whatever comes my way outside.

I left after cleaning the room. The hallway is too quiet, and no one is around. Maybe the orphans had a long day. When I saw Miss Lalita and Martha, I returned to the room. They are widows, and no one knew if they had children until I came to a complete stop when I heard them talking.

“What’s the reason you don’t want to tell Diana?”

“Martha, keep your mouth shut.”

“Why? Are you afraid Diana will reject you?”

As I heard the revelation, my heart began to pound. Now I understand why Miss Lalita’s blood boils at me because she always wanted to be a rescued mother to Diana whenever she was in trouble. I can’t blame her and looked out the window, “By tomorrow, you won’t have any problems with me, and I hope you can tell Diana.” They turned to look at me, which surprised me. I sat on the floor before moving to my bed in the far corner. Their footsteps stung my fear, and I dashed to my bed and covered myself with my blanket. The door squeaked open.

“How come Eliana is sleeping here?” Miss Lalita yelled.

“She needed to rest, according to Headmistress Rosie.”

“Wow, what a spoiled brat!”

“Oh, not anymore, because she has to get out of here tomorrow by hook or crook. Rosie will never have anything to show to let her stay.” Miss Lalita laughed. I could hear their footsteps as they walked away. I took off the blanket and looked at them. Will I be glad that she remembers my birthday? Or should I be embarrassed that she wanted to get me out of here? I decided to lie down; it was already morning when I awoke. The girls are still sleeping, as are Risa and Mary, but, strangely, they’re covering their entire bodies.

“Today is Saturday, after all. There will be no classes or chores.” I muttered as I removed my blanket, fixed my bed, and went to the bathroom to shower. I will make the most of my last day at the Safe Haven orphanage, and it’s a memory I’ll cherish. I’m no longer a girl but rather a mature lady. I took the black ponytail and tied it around my hair.

After a few moments, I went out.

“Surprise!” My eyes widened as I noticed the orphans and headmistress Rosie.

“Eliana, happy birthday!” Risa gave me a warm hug and a smile. Then Mary came after.

“Happy birthday,” said the Headmistress Rosie, holding a chocolate cake with my name written.

“Thank you,” I sobbed, and they began singing. After that, I hope the orphans here will have a good life, and then I blow out the candle.

“Let’s go; we’ve got something for you,” Josh stated. We went outside and saw the orphans and Headmistress Rosie’s sad faces. The small party they had planned turned out to be a disaster. The balloons have deflated, and the chair has stumbled. A cat and a dog ate the food.

“Hahaha, do you love our surprise? Happy birthday!” Diana burst out laughing. My body erupted in a blaze of rage, and my eyes darkened. I pushed Diana.

“Why are you doing this to me? Do you know how much time they allotted to prepare this for me?” I screamed.

She smirked and yanked on my hair. “Diana!” Headmistress Rosie yelled, but Cali held her back.

“Don’t get involved in their fight.” He said. Miss Rosie shook her head, but she stopped before she could get close to us. Miss Lalita snatched my shirt and threw me to the ground.

“Why are you still inflicting pain on her?” She smirked.

“No! Diana is the one who destroyed it.” Miss Rosie stated, collapsing on the floor before Miss Lalita could say anything.

“No!” I screamed at her and dashed away. “Please assist us.” Josh rushed over to assist me in carrying Miss Rosie to her room. “Thank you,” I mumbled. Josh nodded and exited. I took out a damp towel and wiped Miss Rosie’s face. She is constantly in trouble due to my actions, and I don’t want her hurt. I need to leave here tonight. When the door opened, I cried silently and hugged her.

“Go get her!” Miss Lalita’s command to Cali.

“Let me go; I’ll follow you outside, but please ensure Headmistress Rosie is okay.” I insisted.

Miss Lalita smirked and released Cali’s grip on my arms. I followed them.

“Go to the detention room and think about the mess you’ve done here!” Miss Lalita shouted as we reached the dark blue door on the ground floor, and I walked into it and sat on the chair. There is no light here nor window. I closed my eyes and imagined happy things I could cherish at Safe Haven.

After half an hour, the door opened. “Lucky you, Miss Rosie, get conscious now. Get out of here and go back to your room.” Miss Martha said with a stern voice.

I went out and went back to my room. It is already night. Am I wrong that it is only half an hour? As I went inside, Miss Rosie rushed at me.

“Drink this,” she said, handing me some green water.

“What is it?”

“A calming tea.” She uttered and let me sit beside her. “Here,” she handed me a small black bag.

“Thank you, but I don’t need a gift,” I said.

“No, it belongs to you. I know you heard from Diana that your parents abandoned you at that gate, but I think they have good reason to leave you here. You can see everything on this bag once you’re ready.” She responded and hugged me firmly. I cried out and will miss her so much once I leave here. “Hey, don’t cry. It is your birthday. Just do what you decide to do. You will see happiness at the right time and change your destiny.”

“Huh?” I asked as she said those statements. She just smiled and patted my back.

“Go to sleep now.” She whispered. After she closed the door, I looked around the room. All the girls are sleeping now. I got the bags under my bed and quietly put the letters on Risa’s and Mary’s beds. I opened the window and glanced at them one more time.

“I will miss you,” I uttered, jumping on the window. It is an excellent time to escape since it is dark. I walked until I reached the gate. The guard had already locked it, and I had no choice but to throw my bags outside and climb on it. I gulped as I saw the dark alley and started walking. Why does it seem so quiet tonight? I gazed at the sky and spotted a full moon. My scar pierced and directed at the moonlight. I touched and whispered. “I am fine.” Suddenly the pain was gone. Before the Orphanage building vanished from my vision, I waved my hand and started traveling on the dark road. Suddenly two men with mustaches appeared in front of me.