Chapter 1

Mykelti:

I looked at Fidelina in amusement as I heard her groan aloud. “School’s done for the day. So, why the groan?” We were walking back home. Home, for the two of us, referred to the Chambre de Dieu Orphanage. It was an orphanage run by an organization of nuns.

She rolled her jade-green eyes and pouted, “Didn’t you catch what Mr. Straven said?”

Mr. Straven was our Mathematics teacher. His lesson was on the last period. I immediately knew the reason for her annoyance. “You mean the Math homework he gave us?” I chuckled.

“Obviously! You know how much I dislike numbers,” my sixteen-year-old friend complaint. “Why do numbers have to exist in the first place?”

I shrugged. “They must be really important though since even the Bible counted the days when God began Creation.” I couldn’t help but show a teasing smile.

“Ha-ha,” Fidelina said dryly, tugging on the strap of her backpack around her chest. “Sure, pull in God to keep me speechless like you always do.” A smile, however, traced her lips, which indicated that she received the joke well despite her statement.

Fidelina and I were childhood friends. Chambre de Dieu was not the first orphanage I lived in. It was the second. I was transferred there when I was eight. I met Fidelina then and she was completely different from how she was in the present.

A little girl with unkempt chest-long light brown hair, a strange loner and always muttering words no one could hear… that was how she used to be. She said countless times that I was like a God-sent gift to her; the one who brought her back to light. At times, I really believed it was true because the moment I saw her, it was as though I had found the purpose of my life. Odd. I thought so too.

It was an awesome thing to see her laughing. The first smile she gave me was the best. She had been through a terrible past and I was glad she grew out of it and left it behind.

“I hope Ethan doesn’t get into any trouble for punching Terry. Terry deserves it for picking on Eliza,” remarked Fidelina coldly.

I remained silent, choosing not to comment. She was referring to the incident which happened during recess. The infamous bully in school from the class next door had said some hurtful and offensive things to Eliza who was Fidelina’s close friend.

I wasn’t certain why but apparently, Terry’s act triggered Ethan’s anger despite never being a good friend or such with Eliza. Without saying a word, he shove a fist at him and broke the bully’s nose. A teacher who was walking past the class along the corridor witnessed the punch. Doubtlessly, the two boys were sent to the principal’s office.

“You don’t think what Ethan did was right?” asked Fidelina, peering at me upward, trying to catch my eyes. She was a head shorter than me. I shall admit I was exceptionally tall for a sixteen-year-old.

Taking a right turn at the bend, I thought carefully before I answered her. “I agree that Terry was wrong for being mean to Eliza but I also think Ethan was wrong for hitting Terry even if it was for the right reason.”

“But…” she protested.

“Violence is never right, Fidelina,” I emphasized. I had a feeling she would have done the same if Ethan did not beat her to it. “Eliza did the right thing. She was patient and quiet.”

From her instant crossing of arms, I could tell she was in disagreement with me. “I just don’t understand how you can be so… nice!”

“Fidelina,” I said, “Remember, ‘If someone strikes you on the right cheek-”

“-turn to him the other also’. I know, I know, Mykel but it’s easier said than done! Goodness, I think only you and Eliza-AND God-are capable of being so forgiving!” she scowled.

I laughed out heartily. “You can too if you practice patience.” Immediately, I prayed. God, give her patience.

I glanced at my old analog watch on the left wrist. “Fidelina, we have to hurry. It’s our turn to help Sister Theresa to serve dinner tonight.” I quickened my pace to almost a jog.

“Alright, alright. Wait up, I’m coming!”