It was just another normal day for the Sunshine orphanage. A few people came in today for adoption. And just like every time Joe is rejected by them. He is exceptionally beautiful and intelligent. He is every parents' dream child. But just because he is a handicap they don't want him. Yes, handicapped. Our beauty was in an accident in his previous foster family. He was treated like a slave there. And due to all the torture he lost his voice and his ability to walk too. Life is cruel to good ones. Even after all this, this good person aka our Joe still knows to smile. 

"Stupid, no one will ever adopt you","You are nothing but a burden no one wants you","You are useless", "Neither your biological parents nor your Foster parents wanted you, just die", these were the harsh words said by the other kids in the orphanage. But poor Joe, he couldn't speak. He can neither talk back to them nor complain to the elders because he is scared. For now those kids are only verbally bullying him, he is afraid if he says something to them or the elders the kids might start beating him. So he just listens to them with a little smile while the sun shines brightly and cries silently when the darkness of night takes over. 

But, as we all have heard, "God is weak for children. He can never be cruel with them". That might have been true or else why would this kind couple want him. Yes, today finally a family has chosen Joe. "Hi, I'm Helena", a beautiful woman was talking. Joe was looking around to see who she was talking to. A handsome young man laughed at Joe's behaviour, "Haha! My child, she was talking to you." Joe was a bit surprised. Seeing his reaction the beautiful couple crouched down in front of Joe. "Hello dear, I'm George Smith and this is my wife Helena Smith", George said with a smile. "We heard what happened dear, and it's fine. You just need to forget all about your past. Why don't you come with us and start a new life filled with love and happiness?"Helena said, then she kissed the back of Joe's hand. The couple were staring at Joe waiting for Joe to accept them. Joe was lost in deep thoughts. He doesn't know his biological parents, their faces are blurred in his memories, and his previous foster parents…Joe started trembling. He was reminded of those painful memories. The couple noticed this, they got worried and called out to him but Joe was lost in those memories, he couldn't hear them shouting at him. Seeing as he wasn't responding to them Helena hugged him, "It's fine, it's all in the past. You are safe dear. No one can hurt you." After a few minutes Joe finally stopped trembling but he was still crying. For all these years this little boy has got nothing but pain and hatred. After all these years he finally got the taste of motherly love. 

After crying to his heart's content he moved away from Helena's embrace. "Are you ready to go with us?" George who was standing behind his wheelchair said. Joe gave it a thought and then after a minute he nodded his head and gave a small smile. George danced his way to Joe's room to pack his stuff. Helena smiled, "Let's go and wait in the car while your dad gets your stuff". Joe on the other hand was happy but somewhere deep down he didn't completely trust them. He was scared. Helena noticed the distrust on his face. She said, "Dear, it's fine if you don't completely trust us, it's understandable. So George and I will be trying our best to have your 100% trust. And don't be scared, whatever you want or feel just tell us." Helena smiled and kissed Joe's forehead. Then she walked behind and pushed his wheelchair outside. 

While Helena and Joe were going towards the car Joe came running. He handed Joe's bag to the driver and picked Joe up from the wheelchair and said,  "From now on we don't need that wheelchair. My wife looked at our son's delicate hands. He must not use them to push the wheels". Helena laughed a bit and proceeded to call the butler back at home. She requested the butler to immediately prepare an electric wheelchair. 

The ride on the way home was jolly. Joe was looking out the window. He was fascinated by the scenery. There were many cars, big buildings, they even drove over the river. On the other hand the couple continued to smile as they saw the young boy's expression change dramatically. After an hour the car passed through a big gate. There were trees surrounding the land and in the middle was a huge mansion. Joe flinched as the car door opened. A well dressed old man stood in front. He was slightly bowing down and said, "Welcome to the family Young Master". "Did you get the wheelchair?", George said as he came closer to pick Joe up. "Forgive me master, I have already asked the shop to deliver it but they won't be arriving for at least another hour", the butler replied. Oh great then I will be going around the house while carrying MY SON", George said as he hurried into the extravagant mansion. "Master seems to be excited", the butler said with a delightful smile. "Yes. David ro you think I can love this child as my own. I'm afraid I might unconsciously hurt this child's feelings.", Helena said as the smile from her face faded and worry shaded her face. "Mistress, you will be a great mother.", David replied. "*sigh* Let's go and prepare for a great party", Helena said with excitement and walked in the house followed by David and a bunch of other servants. 

On the other hand George was going around the house with his son in his arms. With his biggest smile and his most excited voice he was making Joe familiar with the house. At the very end they entered Joe's room. "Well this was going to be your room. We will be turning this into a guest room and your room will be shifted down. That way you don't have to worry about climbing up and down. Actually you know what, let's reconstruct the room downstairs and turn it into a master bedroom. And we can have two doors in your room, one will open in the living room and the other one can open in the dining room……", George continued to tell his ideas to Joe and he continued to listen. He was relieved and really happy to be a part of this family. He is looking forward to his future filled with love and happiness.

[WARNING: THERE ARE ELEMENTS LIKE CHILD ABUSE IN THIS CHAPTER. IF YOU CAN'T READ IT THEN I REQUEST YOU TO SKIP THE SECOND PARAGRAPH.]

It was night. Since Joe's room was not ready yet the couple decided to let Joe sleep with them in their room till his room was ready. Helena kissed Joe's forehead and said, "Goodnight love. You have a big day tomorrow." Joe didn't understand them but he didn't ask anything, as the soft bed was really comfortable he fell asleep right away. The couple looked at the little boy sleeping comfortably. They both smiled and hugged Joe as they slowly drifted away in deep sleep. It was a really happy family, their love for each other was filled in the room. 

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"Ouch", Joe said in pain. His left cheek was throbbing due to the hard slap. *Crash*. There were sounds of glassware breaking. "Why is it so noisy this early in the morning?", a man in his late 20s just entered the dark cold room. "Oh Richard, look at this bastard. I told him I want my tea ready by 7 am, and now it's already 8 am and this piece of shit was still sleeping", the lady who was hitting Joe said. Richard stared at Joe for a minute then said, "Susan, why don't you leave. Let me teach this dog his lesson." The two grinned at each other and Joe realised what was going to happen next. His breathing became unstable, he started backing off, "no…no…don…don't do this", he said but the couple in front of him didn't listen. Susan walked away and now in the room it was only Richard and Joe. Joe kept backing off until he hit the wall. Richard came closer and closer with a big ugly smile on his face and as he was walking closer to Joe he hi5 his leather belt on the floor. The sound of the belt hitting the floor made Joe tremble more. Richard raised his hand with the belt. He was going to hit Joe but then…

"Wake up darling", Joe heard a sweet voice. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a beautiful lady in front of him. As he was trying to catch his breathe he thought with a horrified face, 'It's mom. Oh no I woke up really late. What should I do?'. He immediately got up. Helena suddenlyhugged Joe. She then caressed his cheek and said in a sweet calming voice, "Love don't be scared. I will never hurt you, I can never do something like that to you." Hearing these words he started to calm down. 'Yes Joe, they are not bad people. They love me.' After a few minutes his breathing was stabilised. Helena wiped his sweat with her sleeves and helped him on the wheelchair. He moved his wheelchair towards the small table in the corner of the room where his bag was kept. He took out a book and pen out of the bag and wrote something and then handed it to Helena. The note said, "Sorry, for waking up late". She looked at Joe and smiled. "No love, you don't have to say sorry. And it's just 9 am now, it's not late.",she said. But then she got curious and added, "Dear did your previous family…", she took a pause as she realised Joe's face became pale, "...no never mind. Let's not talk about sad things so early in the morning.", she smiled. 

"Is my darling son up?", George said with a big smile as he pushed open the door. "George stop being so loud, you will scare our lovely son", Helena said angrily. "Oh shut up, also I'm not talking to you. If Joe has any complaint against me then he can tell me himself. Now then son, let's go have breakfast. Charles, bring the wheelchair downstairs.", George said as he rushed towards his adorable little son and picked him up. Helena sighed and shaked her head in defeat and went downstairs. 

The huge dining table was filled with all kinds of delicacies. While Helena was filling Joe's plate with food George announced,"My son, today is a big day for all of us. First of all, welcome to our family. We are really lucky to have you. Also, today we will be having a big party. Today I will introduce you to the rest of the family and some of my really important friends." After this Helena added, "And darling if you feel uncomfortable or tired during the party just tell me or George. Ok?", and then she fed Joe some custard. "There will also be many kids, you can make some new friends tonight", George said with excitement. 'Friends?', there were sparkles in Joe's eyes. Everyone smiled after seeing this. "Now darling, after your breakfast why don't you go out in the yard. David please help him", Helena said. Joe was really excited to go out so he hurried up and finished his bread and David went out with him. 

"George…", Helena said as Joe's figure disappeared from their sight. George noticed his beautiful wife's expression. "What is it, my lovely wife?" "George, he has a nightmare. He was scared of me and he even said sorry to me for waking up late", Helena said with tears down her face. George hugged her and said, "Shh, it's fine love. Now we have to try our best to replace those painful memories with happy ones. I'm sure we can help him. In a few years our lovely son will forget all those painful memories, he will only know to be happy."  

******************

It was evening. Everyone was gathered at the mansion, the ball room was filled with murmurs. Ting Ting. Everyone looked up. George was standing at the stairs with a glass and a spoon in his hands. He hit the spoon lightly on the glass to bring the crowd's attention towards him. "Good evening my friends. Now most of you are aware about the reason for tonight's banquet, right? First of all, thank you so much for being a part of our family's joyous moment. Today I will be introducing you to my Heir, my lovely son. Me and my beautiful wife are really lucky to have him. Everyone, meet my son, Alex Smith." Everyone was clapping but the claps slowly vanished when Helena pushed forward a wheelchair on which was sitting the so-called heir of the Smith's. But all this was ignored by our little Joe. He looked up to his mom and handed her a paper, "Who is Alex? My new friend?". Helena chuckled and whispered, "No darling it's your new name. Before your Grandad passed away he chose to name his first born grandson Alex after his father Alexander". 

The two were indulged in the conversation until George said with a loud voice. Alex might not be able to speak or walk but that's not his fault. He is like this because there are some really disgusting people out there, worse than animals. But also remember one thing my friends, never judge a book by its cover. He might be disabled but he will surely become one of the greatest leaders in the future." He turned towards Alex, crouched down, held his hands and continued, "My son…nevermind what others think about you. Always remember one thing that there's a family of yours waiting at home who will always believe in you and always love you. As long as you remember this other's opinions won't matter." Alex was touched. He nodded while he shed a few tears. 

George quickly picked his son up and rushed down. "Alex, meet James, my closest friend. He helped me build my company." James Corner, a single father with a big heart. He might be rich and powerful but he has never been arrogant. If someone needs help, he will do anything he possibly could to help them. James brought his hand forward,"Hello Alex, if you need anything make sure to tell me. Also your school's principal is my business partner, so any complaints just ring me up, I shall defeat all the bullies", he said with a bit of heroic actions to which Alex smiled. "And here's my son, Jay. You both will be classmates. Jay you must take care of our tiny little Alex here", Jay continued. James looked up with a bright smile and said,"Of course dad, I won't let anyone bully him", the little guy said proudly. James, same age as Alex. He lost his mom at a young age to cancer. His father dotes on him a lot. He is handsome just like his father. 

"Uncle, can Alex and I go out in the garden?," James said. "Sure, let me call a servant to help with the wheelchair…", as George was going to call the servant Jay interrupted, "Uncle it's fine, I can help him with the wheelchair, I will also be the one helping him in school anyways". George thought a bit and then said ok but also told Jay to call for a servant if there's any problem. The two went out. The pavements in the garden were smoothed so that Alex won't have any trouble moving around the garden. 

As the two kids were enjoying the cool breeze Jay spoke, "Hi, let me give you a proper introduction", he said with a big bright smile which made Alex feel safer. Jay continued, "I'm Jay Corner, I'm 10 years old too. And…I heard what happened with u", his voice lowered as he said those words. Alex was reminded of unpleasant memories and a tear slid down his soft cheek. As soon as Jay saw this he felt this new yet weird feeling. He was still feeling it but then he snapped out of it and said, "I'm sorry…but…it's fine now. And don't worry I will protect you from now on." Those smiles Jay wore were really relaxing for Alex, he felt safe, he felt warm, for the first time in his life he finally had an answer for those bullies back in the orphanage, 'Now you all can't laugh at me, I have many people who love me, who want me.' Alex smiled back at Jay, a big beautiful smile. For the first time in his life he felt like he can finally forget the pain, he can feel the love and warmth, he is confident that he can let go of the past, he doesn't need to live in fear anymore. 

**********************

The next day, at the breakfast table Jay was lost in deep thoughts. James noticed this and decided to interrupt his son's train of thoughts, "What are you thinking?" His father's loud voice pulled him out of his world. "Father, I felt this weird feeling recently…". "What is it, my son?" "So………….". He heard his son very clearly and replied, "Oh my, Jennifer, do you hear our son?", he laughed. "You are not helping me dad", Jay said with an annoyed tone. "Hahaha! My son we live in a world of possessions, it's pretty normal to strongly feel to possess something."