Chapter 5 The Secret

THREE STRANGE WORDS

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CHAPTER FIVE

"ready kids"

"yeah" they screamed

"let's go" we held each other as we left the orphanage. I've got today all planned out. my boss at the grocery store gave me a day off. ma'am Collette refused so I threatened to quit her restaurant and because she didn't want to lose her moneymaker, she had to consent.

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We went to the fare accompanied by Mom Theresa and Claire. Martha stayed back to watch over the orphanage.

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the kids were excited and so was i. I've never seen their eyes spark up like it was today. Every single day with them gives me a strange kind of happiness. they're my only family and I love them.

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"Hi Astral" Kristen waved running towards us. she wore a simple but beautiful gown. I just dressed up in a T-shirt and blue jeans. like I care, about how I look anyway.

"you look adorbs" I smiled

"you too"

"Hi, Kristen" the kids greeted. they knew her cause she sometimes visits the orphanage.

"Hi guys" she responded beaming with smiles "so are you ready for your day?"

"sure we are"

"me too." she turned to look at me

"it was a great thing your stepmom allowed you to come with us" I tucked my hair behind my ears as the wind blew it across my face.

"oh, she doesn't know. told her I got some chores to finish at work and since it's work-related, she let me off because she thinks some amount of money would be involved" she explained.

"wait till she gets nothing," I said rolling my eyes and she giggled

"yeah. I'll make up another lie trust me"

she said and dragged me to a corner.

"Astral are you sure you can afford this stuff? the ride and other snacks are quite expensive" she bit her lower lip

"I'll try. I promised so I can't go back on my word."

she held my hand.

"don't worry, I got your back"

we walked over to the kids.

"so which ride do you wanna go on first," I asked and they chartered excitedly.

"the choo choo train" Lisa suggested.

"and after that, the roller coaster and the Ferris wheel. they're the best ride at the fare" Eden added

"alright. let's get you started"

"Yayyyy" they chorused

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Kristen and I helped them on the ride. They all sang happy songs. guess they were having a great time.

Mom Theresa and Claire watched from a distance. they were waving at us. I took some money to get them snacks and candyfloss but I ran out of change. so I decided to ask Them for some money. Kristen was right. everything is damn expensive.

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Mom Theresa POV

I watched as, Astral played along with the kids. she really has, a good heart. She is our light in all situations. our only hope. Just as her name implies Astral which means Light.

I was smiling looking at them that I didn't even realize that mom Claire was saying something to me.

"Y...yes Claire" I asked coming back from my quick reverie

"Astral is such a sweet little child isn't she?" Claire asked and I nodded

"she was heaven-sent."

"Theresa?" she called. I could sense that she was worried.

"What is it Claire?" I asked

"don't you think that she deserves to know?" she asked

"Who deserves to know what?"

"Astral." she said plainly "don't you think it's high time you tell her what happened Seventeen years ago. she's come of age and I think it's the right time... "

"no Claire. we can't risk it"

"you know you'll have to tell her the reason behind why she didn't get adopted all these years. More than 50 families came for her adoption so we can't keep saying no one ever liked her. she was a sweet little child"

"she belongs to this orphanage Claire" I snapped

"the girl is growing up thinking that the whole world hates her and if we don't change that very soon then it'll be too late," Claire asked almost half yelling

"think about it Theresa... maybe, just maybe, that promise you made seventeen years ago might not work out, cause if likely a family comes this time for her then I might accept"

"you will do no such thing. No one will tell astral anything.... "

"Tell me what?"

we turned to see her behind us. has she been standing there all this while? did she hear our conversation?

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Astral's POV

"Tell me what?" I asked them. they just stood there staring at me.

"Mom Theresa, Mom Claire? is there anything you're not telling me?" I asked again

"no child. it's nothing believe me"

"sure looks like something. both of you were on the verge of arguing"

"she was just saying I should tell you that I wasn't feeling too well today but I refused cause I don't want you to get worried," Mom Theresa said smiling

"OMG Mom Theresa are you okay," I asked holding her hands

"yes I'm a fine child"

"Okay don't hide stuff from me okay?"

she nodded and I smiled

"So where are the kids?"

"on the ride. Came to ask if you have a fifty. I wanna buy them something but ran out of Change" I explained. she opened her purse and gave me a fifty

"thank Mom Theresa"

"now run along child" she hit me playfully and I went to join the others.

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Mom Theresa's POV

"You just have to tell her?" Claire urged on

"no, not now" I reply still maintaining my stance.

I can't give up on my promise just like that. I know I owe her a big secret that I've carried for seventeen years. but I can't bring myself to say it now... At least let's wait until the time is right. Forgive me Astral but I'm doing it for your good...

I wish I could tell you but it's not yet time.