Chapter 2: Adopted Child

Isabella found herself sitting on the side of the road still not that far from the shadow of the church, tears streamed down her cheek. She was crying so hard that she couldn't even open her mouth anymore, because her throat feels sore. She's too hurt on how Mateo reacted when he saw her. It's far from what she expects. But more than that, she feel betrayed of what Nerissa did, she didn't even think of what she's going to feel. She bowed her heard seeing how her tears fell from her chin to her chest, as she look back on everything from the past that made her think that she didn't deserve all of this...

~

In the simple balcony of their home Isabella rushed through their living room when she heard her mother and father's voice calling her.

"Isabella? Darling, we are here!" When she reached the living room, she quickly jumped towards her parents and give them kiss on both of their cheeks and her mother hugged her for a while, as her father gently tapped her head. After a few seconds her eyes landed on the girl that she thought with the same age as her.

"Who is she, Mom, Dad?" she asked calmly while smiling at the girl who's looking around the house. She saw her father looking at her mother then nodded. Right after that her mother leaned closer to her.

"Darling, she's Nerissa. Your father and I adopted her, so she will be your sister." Isabella that time is already sixteen years old, she's already aware that her mother and father were planning to adopt someone since according to thedoctorr her mother can't get pregnant anymore.

"Isabella, I hope you treat her also like a real sister. You know that we've been planning this for a long time. Me and your Dad are getting older, and we don't want you to be alone when we already passed away."

"Mom, don't say that. You and Dad will still live longer, we still have more time to spend together. And of course, with the new part of our family, Nerissa." She approached her and give Nerissa a hugged. Their parents both looked with each other. They are happy that Isabella understand what they want.

"Hi! I'm Isabella, by the way how old are you?" Isabella asked with a gentle smile. Nerissa stared at her, from feet to head which made her feel a little uncomfortable, but she still managed to smile at her and wait for her response.

"15," she said. Then also show a little smile on her lips.

"That's good! But despite the one year age gap between us, I'll be your older sister." She turned to her father.

"Dad, can we sleep at the same room and bed?" Her father gave her a light smile and nod.

"As you wish, Darling."

"By the way, we are just going to arrange some things, Isabella. And while me and your Dad's busy fixing your room, can you guide Nerissa here at our home, so she can familiarize herself with it?"

"Sure, Mom! I would love to do it!" Isabella giggled.

"Nerissa, please don't be shy to Isabella, alright?" Isabella's Dad says, and Nerissa just nodded a little, before their parents walked upstairs.

After Nerissa tiredly put down her bag, her eyes roamed around the surroundings, but she couldn't find any excitement. The house seemed dull and lifeless, lacking the warmth and love she had hoped for. She couldn't help but let out a whisper, her voice filled with disappointment and bitterness.

"Orphanage is even much better than this house," she muttered under her breath. It made Isabella finally look back at her again, even though she actually didn't hear what she said clearly.

"What did you say, Nerissa?" Isabella asked, she's just afraid that Nerissa is telling or asking something important to her but she failed to hear it rightly. Isabella was a naturally cheerful and kind-hearted person, always wearing her sweet smile, as her parents had taught her to be kind to everyone, regardless of how they treated her.

Nerissa's eyes widened slightly, realizing that Isabella had heard her words. She quickly masked her true feelings and attitude behind a forced smile, not wanting to cause any kind of trouble or drama.

"Oh, it's nothing," Nerissa replied, her voice falsely cheery.

"I was just thinking out loud. This house is lovely, really, even though it's a bit plain and like an old house from a horror movie,"

Isabella's smile faltered for a moment, she wants to set a side in her mind that Nerissa's not happy and comfortable in her new home.

But Isabella knew better than to push, choosing instead to give Nerissa the space and time she needed to open up. She took a step closer, reaching out to gently touch Nerissa's arm.

"If there's anything bothering you, Nerissa, please know that you can always talk to me, okay? Please don't be shy! I am really looking forward to spend happy moments with you!" Nerissa's eyes landed on Isabella's hand, she actually not into this kind of scene, she hate dramatic moment. She believes that no one can actually treat her genuinely, that no person can able to feel her love, like what her unknown parents made her feel.

"Don't worry to much, Isabella. I'm fine, maybe I'm just trying to cope with what's happening in my life now. I mean... for the past years someone decided to adopted me."

"But you know, coming here won't change the fact that you are not really my real family."

Isabella's heart ached as she listened to Nerissa's words, so this time, she wrapped her arms around Nerissa to embrace her, unbeknownst to Isabella, Nerissa actually want to push her away. If they only know, Nerissa actually want to stay at the orphanage knowing that those person who adopted will just failed to give the wealthy and easy life she's always dreaming of.

"I know it's hard, Nerissa. But trust me, you're not alone anymore. We're family now, and I promise you, we'll make this house feel like your real home, okay?" As Isabella let go from her embrace to her, she give Nerissa a smile again, but didn't get anything returned, but a bored stare. She just think, that maybe Nerissa just need more time to process everything. So, she tried her best to forget the idea that Nerissa doesn't like her.