Chapter 1
James Maddox went up and down the stairs to pick something up or to keep something down. That rush on the stairs woke Henry up.
A thirteen year old boy with brown hairs, shiny eyes just a carbon copy of his father,James. Henry opened the door while yawning.
' Dad! Why are you running up the stairs so early? '
' Henry, he is arriving today. '
' Today?! '.
' Yes '.
Henry hurried down to his mother, Rosè Maddox. He found her ready with a large box, rather a gift.
' Mom, Is he coming today ?' asked Henry.'
' Yes, Henry. Tidy up his room before he comes. Is that clear? '
' Yes Mom '.
James walked down the stairs with the keys and went out to the car.
' Hey lad, I want that room clean. Mark my words. Goodbye,' Rosè said to Henry with the gift in her hand and went out.
James started the car and out of the window Rosè showed Henry her forefinger reminding him of the room. Off they went.
Henry went upstairs to the room just beside his own. Opening the door made him sneeze. The room was too dusty, which would be a simple reason for her mother to punish him.
' Do I need to clean this room? Well, no choice.' He took a mop, a bucket full of water and a garbage bin. He set off to clean the room. He started with the bed.
Back in the car, James and Rosè talked about the boy.
' I am really excited to bring him home James,' said Rosè.
Soon they reached in front of a house, which was an old brown place with a big gate and over it was a large board written - " Mcload Orphanage ". Mrs. Maddox got out with her glamorous smile on her face.
They opened the gate and made their way to the stairs which were high but could be managed to climb. Entering the orphanage they went inside the room on either side of the main door.
An old fat lady wearing a green dress with little glasses on her face was sitted in a chair near the desk. Seeing them she spoke with a great pleasure on her face.
' Oh my God! Mr. and Mrs. Maddox. Nice to have you here. What can I do for you?'
' Mrs. Mcload, we are here to pick him up. Isn't he coming with us?' answered Mrs. Maddox.
'Oh! My mind. I really forgot about it. Yes, he would surely be coming with you. But... he needs to pack his things first,' said Mrs. Mcload, ' please make yourselves sit'.
' Thank you '.
They sat on the two chairs in front of the desk. Mrs. Mcload's voice was so high pitched that even a person at next door could hear her easily.
' Marie!!! Come over here - in the main room '.
And ofcourse Marie heard her and came straight in the room. She was a young girl of 19 or 20. She was one of the caretakers of the children in the orphanage.
' Yes aunty. What can I do for you ?' a sweet voice came by the door. It was Marie.
' Oh! Mr. and Mrs. Maddox. Shall I call him to meet you? '
' Marie ! You are supposed to talk to me..' called Mrs. Mcload regreeting her words ,' ...Dear '.
' Marie, make him ready in minutes,' ordered the lady,' and bring him here '.
' Okay Aunty,' saying Marie went through the corridor to a room having a board over it , written as " Common Room ".
'Hey Oliver ! They have arrived to pick you up. Pack your belongings,' she patted a boy with blonde hairs, brown eyes and a smart look.
Marie helped him in packing. Hearing that Oliver was leaving the orphanage, all the children in the common room gathered around him.
Two girls came to him out of the crowd holding a book. When Oliver saw it, he came to know that it was an album, front page of which was decorating with dried leaves that were found in the orphanage's yard and on it written " For Oliver ". On opening the album, a high pitched voice echoed the room.
'Marie!! Bring him fast. Don't make Mr. and Mrs. Maddox wait.' It was lady Mcload.
' Sorry Oliver. We need to go.' One could easily witness his watery eyes.
He took the album and hugged Marie
' Thank you Sis for everything. Would send you letters every time possible '.
' Oliver, I have always got your back. If any problem arise, just check the back of the album,' said Marie.
Soon the crowd in the common room waved Oliver goodbye.
'Marie!! What is taking in so long?', shouted lady Mcload by the room's door. Seeing her, Oliver at the moment kept the album in his trunk and set off with Marie.
As soon as Oliver entered the main room , Rosè stood up with a wide smile on her face and said,' Oliver! My child. Ready to stay with us?'
Oliver nodded his face for he could say yes. James took his luggage and headed off to the car. Rosè kneeled down with a smile and gave Oliver the gift. Oliver gave back a smile making sure not to show his yellow teeth.
Oliver took the present and went away with Rosè out of the orphanage. He gave a last goodbye to Marie, who was standing by the window upstairs.
The orphanage boy opened the door of the car with a desire of opening the door of his new life.
' Make yourself comfortable dear Oliver,' said James. The engine started.
Oliver had mixed feelings about his new family and he was diving deep into those thoughts until he felt something soggy under his feet.
It was coming from under the front seat. Taking a look at the liquid, made his doubt clear that it was nothing but red blood.
