Chapter 12: You Will Abandon Me

"Ana... It's fine"

"But... he is the reason why you fell"

"I'm alright. Nothing bad happened. Let's not make this a big deal. Sister Evangeline doesn't like children who cause trouble. After all, I'm used to it so there is no need to worry"

He put down Ana's hand and tried to calm her down. 

"But..."

"Ha ha, that is a funny joke... Um... Everything is settled... Right? Shall we head inside? It's almost mealtime already"

"Sister Evangeline I assume your clock is not working well. There are hours left before it becomes time for lunch. Should I buy you a new clock for you to notice? A tower clock... Does it sound nice? The bigger... The better..."

The Sister attempted to smile about the insult that Oliver conveyed. It was a word speaking about the watch but there is a hint of threatening hiding behind it.

"How benevolent of you Mr. Olive"

She was countered with a fake smile. Just like what she gave to Oliver from the very beginning.

"Hey brat"

The little kid that is floating due to his grasp silently looks at him as if he is a small little hamster faking a big frightening lion.

"Apologize"

A small sound of feet hitting the ground was heard. The arrogant little boy started to kneel on the ground due to the fact that Oliver keep staring at him with a threatening eye.

"S-sorry"

"That's it?"

"I... I mean... I'm sorry for what I did. Please forgive me..."

"Ana, will you forgive him?"

"But... It wasn't me whom he have to apologize to..."

Ana look at the little boy standing beside him. Some kids left a gasp as they were about to witness a scene that they never once imagined. The boy who was a big bully among them is now apologizing on his knees for what he did. 

"I'm sorry. I won't do it again..."

'Won't do it again... I bet that is a false remark'

"Do you take his apology or does he have to make something to appease you?"

"Thank you mister but... I accept his apology"

The little kid didn't raise his head and kept on looking to the ground as he kneel with his hands touching the surface of the dirty and rough cement. A hint of regret can be seen on his face. He is mad, he is feeling agitated that tons of eyes are looking at him. He wants to cry but he doesn't show it on his face. 

'I won't cry, I won't cry'

He keeps on telling to himself. A young lad who was abandoned by his father, has a gambling addict and an alcoholic mother... Sister finds pity in his situation. But due to that favorability, he grew up as someone who dominates others. 

'Be strong'

He once heard coming from the old lady who is the first one to give him sympathy.  Her eyes looked at him as if she cared for him. He didn't notice that it was something so natural for the kind sister. She is good to every other kid. Still, due to those simple words... the poor little kid thinks of it in a different way. 

'I am strong because sister wants strong children.  I am not as fragile as a glass bottle. I won't break and shattered easily'

Bullying other kids who he thinks as fragile and weak, he grew up being backed up by the old lady. 

'I am loved'

He thought as almost all the circumstances where he shows his incendiary as he is the only one who always starts a quarrel, the old sister is always favoring him. Hoping that one day he will be mature enough to stop doing as a little kid. Due to that, his traits become like this...

"Very well..."

Oliver said as he clap his hand to call the attention of everyone. 

"Head inside. I shall give you a small little treat to bite"

Al the kids clapped their hands with felicity and excitedly rush inside the establishment. Some are laughing as they talk to one another but some just wait patiently until the crowd disintegrates.

The only one who's left in the courtyard was Sister Evangeline, Oliver, Herald, and the three kids. 

"Herald, bring the two kids inside"

He received a nod as a response. "Mr. Olive-"

"Sister Evangeline, I will just speak a few words with this kid" she was ineffable as she can't find the right words to express what she wanted to say. 

"You don't have to worry. I do not lay hands on a small kid"

"Please, think carefully about your words. Kids have a very fragile heart and mind. They are easily hurt with-"

"I know"

"... if you may excuse me..."

Oliver didn't leave any sign of changing his mind. The silence filled the whole courtyard.  No vehicles are leaving a sound in the empty road. The kid is still sitting on the ground.

"How long will you stay like that?"

The kid didn't utter any words in response. 

Oliver put his palm inside the pocket of his clothes. 

"Are you aware of the fact that what you did is wrong?"

"Yes"

"But why did you do that?"

"Because I want to be strong"

"Strong? For what?"

"I want to be strong so that Sister won't abandon me. I want to be strong to prove myself. So that they won't be the one to hurt me..."

"Strong person is not someone who hurt others. Strong are those who know how to protect. Both themselves and others. Strong are those who keep going even if they fail. Strong are those who won't fight someone due to the act of anger. Lastly, strong are those who accept their flaws and make use of it to become better"

"Can I be strong?"

"What's your name"

"Chez. They call me something like that"

"Everyone can be. As long as you have a will to do so"

"If I become strong, will Sister not abandon me?"

"Abandon who?"

"Sister?"

"Chez, who told you I will abandon you?"

Oliver silently left the two. On his way, he ordered food for the children to eat. It came soon after Sister Evangeline and Chez talk. Everyone was surprised when Chez bow down and offer his apology for everything he did. Everything went well but then Oliver notice how quiet Ana became.

"Ana"

"Master.... thank you for this beautiful dress and for the tastiest meal I've ever tasted! It's... a wonderful memory that... I will always cherish..."

"Why are you saying such things?"

"Master, it's fine. I know the reason why we came here..."