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Chinelle's POV

My life is a paradox. Complicated as it is. Due to the circumstances of my life, I turned into someone I've never want to be, had no choice but to comply with the demands of my life.

I didn't grew up with my parents. I was abandoned and put to an orphanage ever since I was a newborn baby. I grew up with Mama Leticia — the director of Heaven's Hope where I grew up in. I didn't mind being parentless when I was a child but, now that I am 18, I'm starting to think of the what-ifs, if I ever had a family. I'm not saying that Mama Leticia treated me bad, she's amazing and wonderful, it's just that it's still better to have my biological family, I think.

Now that I am 17, I realized that I need to move out of the orphanage because I cannot bother Mama anymore. I am now in senior high school and I want to earn my keep. However, Mama didn't agree because she thought that it's still so early and she needs my help in administering the orphanage as well as taking care of the children. I can understand her because she's now 59 and probably her age's implications is starting to kick in.

It's a Sunday Afternoon and I'm taking care of the kids assigned to me. The orphanage is not big and only has 15 kids to take care of. It's not that we're capable of handling many because of our limited financial support from sponsors and charities. There are other helpers like me — has not been adopted and grew up their entire lives here. So, the work is well managed.

"Raine, don't pull Nikka's hair! You're hurting your twin!" I scolded Raine — a five years old boy with chocolate brown hair. He's pulling his twin's (Nikka's) hair because she refused to lend him her blue crayon. He's a bit unresponsive most of the time. He's been like that ever since they came here. He was cold while Nikka is a warm girl who's capable of showing other emotions that her twin's do not have. "And Leo, stop splashing your paint all over the place! Copy what's Mike doing!" Leo is a bit stubborn, he's seven years old and he's been at the orphanage a few weeks ago so he's still adjusting. His parents died in a car accident and his relatives refused to take him in. Poor boy. While, Mike is a silent boy who always want to be alone and do his thing.

Dolly babbled while I play with her on her crib. Dolly is a few months old baby who was abandoned since birth. Just like me. She came here a few months ago in a most cliche but hurtful way — she was put in a straw basket with a carnation pink blanket covering her and we found her in our front door at dawn. There's no note, no anything. Maybe that's why I'm so attached to her because we share the same experience. She got Mama's surname — Corey — just like me and the other kids who are abandoned at such young age.

"Raine, won't you stop? Nikka's hurting! If you don't stop right now, I don't have any other choice but to pinch your chubby cheeks!" I warned but he doesn't listen and kept doing it. Thankfully, Leo has stopped and silently painting now. Maybe, Mike has dealt with him. A soft giggle left Dolly's lips as if she understands what I'm saying. I looked at her adoringly. When Raine doesn't seem to stop, I left Dolly for a while to deal with the boy.

I kneeled between the twins and gently swatted Raine's hand that's pulling Nikka's hair. He doesn't say anything but obliged while looking coldly at teary eyed Nikka on his side.

"Sister Chi–Chi.." Nikka sobbed. I gathered her on my arm and hugged her.

"Shh.. I'm sorry I neglected you. I'll deal with him." She nodded on my shoulder. I pulled away and wiped her tears with my thumb.

I turned to Raine who's still looking coldly at Nikka. "Raine.." I said, raising my voice a bit to express authority. Still, I gently put my hand in his head. When he finally looked at me. "Apologize to Nikky."

"Sorry." He said like a tin robot. His voice is monotonous and devoid of emotions.

Even with that kind of apology, Nikka urgently hugged him and sobbed on his shoulder. "Oh, Rainy!" She exclaimed. I smiled while looking at them. They are like moon and the sun. Raine is the moon, even if his face is filled with coldness because of his forwning, his eyes holds mysteries of purest emotions you can see in a child. Nikka is the sun, always brings warmth and brightness. They may seem odd as twins but they certainly complement each other.

"Anything wrong? I heard Nikka's sobs." A warm voice uttered. When I turned, it's Mama. I smiled at her.

"Daily dose of Raine and Nikka drama." I chuckled. We're used to this situation and always know how to solve it.

She nods. Her eyes twinkled while looking at the two. "Can you prepare their snacks, dear?" I nodded willingly and rose quickly.

I went to the kitchen and seek for everything I need to make cookies. A few minutes later, Mama Leticia entered.

"Have you received the confirmation of your admission at Winston's?" She inquired while washing her hands covered with paint with the running water from the faucet.

"Yes, Mama. Classes start on Monday next week." I answered and put the tray inside the oven I have pre-heated. I got a full scholarship to a prestigious high school a few blocks from here. My previous school doesn't have any senior high program so I had to transfer.

"You will enjoy it, for sure. Make lots of friends and just be yourself, dear." She smiled at me while wiping her hands with the table cloth.

I smiled and nodded. "Yes! I will study hard Mama!"

I smiled widely, not knowing what catastrophic events that's about to come.

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