Nine

"Hey Abby, how are the kids doing?" I say as I hug her.  It's finally Friday night, and I had planned to surprise Ryan since he's expecting me tomorrow.

"They're doing great. Well, apart from Ryan. You know how he is when you leave." Abby says with a chuckle, and I slightly smile.

"Yeah. That's why I came here sooner. Where are they?" I ask

"Homework. You know nothing has changed here, Jada." She chuckles a bit, but I only nod, then excuse myself. I greet the other two women who stay here. Kaely Potts and Skylar Saturday. I didn't see Conner. He's probably out with his friends.

These people are my family. When I came here, I was cold and emotionless at first when I escaped from the Italians, but they took me in. My walls were so high and unbreakable, but they still nursed me. They tolerated me and helped me get on my feet once again. I would always protect each one of them. I would give my life for theirs. 

I walk towards the last room on the second floor that housed the youngest kid here with hair as black as mine. I see him writing my phone number that only he and a few other people have on the computer screen, making me curious. I walk silently to see what he's doing, and I notice he's looking for my location.

I laugh out loud when I see the confused look when it shows I'm in the facility. He turns around so fast and runs to me. I hug him, and he tries squeezing me for about two minutes, not believing that I'm here.

"I thought you we're supposed to be doing your homework." I say when he releases me from his hold and grins.

"I already did it. It was so easy." Ryan says proudly, and I try to give a stern look as always.

"What did I say about that attitude? You'll feel that you're better than other students, and no one will start talking to you because you are a snob." Ryan says the words with me and starts laughing by the time we finish. I laugh with him and look at the computer screen.

"So. Who taught you how to find me? Is this what you do every day?" I ask.

"No. Every time I miss you. You should quit and come work for me." He whines, and I laugh. This is the happiest I've been since I last saw him.

"Go brush your teeth. Then we'll sleep in my room." I say, and he lights up immediately then runs to his small bathroom. The orphanage was sponsored by some rich people that all kids had their rooms and bathrooms. The house belonged to a very rich old businessman who died years back and had no one. The founder was his family friend who had a dream to cater for lost and orphan children and so was handed  the house to start.

"Can we watch Avengers before we sleep. I promise to make the bed tomorrow." Ryan comes out of the bathroom in his pajamas.

I smile. "But you never make the bed. You only say you'll do it, but don't do it." I say, and he looks at me wide-eyed. I love his green eyes. We walk to my room on the first floor , and I rarely sleep in. Everything is as I left them. Ryan runs to the bed and jumps as he takes the tv remote and switches it on as I take some clothes and head to the bathroom to clean up and change.

"Ryan, Leo told me about you." I say while watching his movie.

"Yeah. He's the boy I was telling you about. He's cool." He says in excitement. "He even gave me his helicopter. Ms. Potts doesn't want me to play with it. She says it'll destroy the house and other things." His excitement decreases until he pouts.

"We'll find a way to talk to her. As long as you do as she says." He nods to this. "Leo told me you miss your mummy. Did you mean me?" I ask, and he looks at me surprised and then in fear.

"You're my mummy. I've always wanted you to be, and when you leave, I miss you so much. Can you please take me with you?" Ryan asks, and my heartbeat accelerates.

There was this time I wanted to adopt him, but I decided against it. Here, he has friends throughout the day and outside. I'm always busy with cases to solve. I'm an assassin, for heaven's sake. Won't that be bringing trouble to Ryan?

I only kiss his forehead and bring him closer to me. "I was supposed to have a baby your age right now. My baby left, and I found you." I open up for the first time, one of the things that has brought me pain.

"Is your baby a boy or a girl?" I look at his face and see sadness.

"I didn't know. They took the baby, and some hours later, I was told the baby died." I say tears forming in my eyes. Ryan detached himself from me and hugs me.

"I don't have a mummy. She left me and now I have you. I can be your baby." With that I cry. I take him and hold him how he was and continue watching the movie. Ryan sleeps twenty minutes later but I continue holding him as tears start falling afresh.

Isabella Kings gave me the gun. I shot Marko Russo between his eyes but I never got my child back. I never got my family back. I never got the answers. Why would they kill my family? Why would they torture me and kill my baby?

I place Ryan carefully on his side of the bed and kiss his temple. "I love you so much Ryan." Ryan doesn't move and I tuck him in and get out of my room and head to the kitchen.

I always found Jayden in the kitchen at night deep in his thoughts. I would see him through the cameras but I would still choose to go there with my black hair and blue green eyes. For what? An awkward talk? I sigh and take a glass of water.

I've been with the Williams for only a week, but I'm already used to them. Used to Leo. And I miss him. He's a lot like Ryan.

A hand caresses the length of my arm, making me jump slightly, making me aware of how I'm I not alert these days. Maybe because this is the only place I let my guards down? But it also happened in the Williams' mansion. TWICE.

"Hey, it's me." The familiar voice says next to my ear before I feel kisses from my cheek down to my neck, and I let out an involuntary moan.

"I missed you." I say before my hand is tugged to the room opposite mine.