Chapter Nine
I had to inform my mother Pamela about my plans to leave the orphanage. I had no idea how I was going to start up the conversation. I had grown so attached to my mother Pamela right from the day she had asked me to call her mama.
I felt loved by her and she didn't hesitate to hide it . She'd always defend me from anyone who was trying to bully me or make life frustrating for me.
I loved her and she loved me too. She was like my mother and also my teacher. She taught me most of all I know today.
and I felt bad that I was going to leave her, but the truth was that I had to go. I wanted so many things for myself and I was not going to get them here in cattagana.
My life held so much for me and it was far beyond here and I hope she understood my point. I was going to tell her tonight. I had to go look for her.
I went over to her room, but I didn't find her there, so I checked for her in the garden. That was one of her favorite spots.
She was still not there.
What was I thinking? It would be too late for her to be in the garden by this time of the night. I went over to the balcony and there she was. It was quite dark outside the house but the moonlight made it easier for me to see her there.
"Why are you not asleep?"
"I need to speak to you"
"Is Gina still giving you a hard time?"
"No she isn't the reason I'm out here so late, there is something else I need to speak to you about"
"What is it, my child?"
"I want to leave the orphanage"
It was as if I dropped a bomb. She was shocked to hear me say that.
"Why?"
"I'm a woman now and I need to grow"
"And you are saying you can't grow from here?"
"That's not why I'm saying, mama. I just need to change my environment and be close to work but I promise to come to visit you from time to time"
"I'm not saying that's a bad decision and as a matter of fact I knew a time like this would come and I am proud of you"
"Thank you, mama and I am happy you see things this way"
"But I want you to promise me something"
"What is that?"
"I want you to always be careful and if you need someone to talk to, I'll always be here for you"
"Yes mama" And she pulled me in for a hug. I also had another question I wanted to ask but I was scared to.
"Is there something else?"
"No .. nothing"
"It doesn't look that way, what else is on your mind my Arie"
"Mother I want you to tell me how I was brought here and about my parents"
"It is not my place to say, I just saw you here and the moment I did I loved you like my own"
"Thank you, mama, I won't forget you ever"
"When will you be leaving!"
"Next week"
"That's so soon. I will miss you so much"
"I promise to always check up on you from time to time"
She opened her arms inviting me in for another hug and I went for it.
"Good night mama"
"Good night Arie"
I went to bed with some sort of fulfillment, I was happy she gave me her blessing.
I couldn't wait to go to work to inform Jean about it. And when I did she was really happy. We are finally going to be roommates soon.
The next week went in a flash, and Laurie and I were moving. Mother Pamela couldn't stop telling me how she would miss me. Other children came to say us farewell. It was filled with mixed feelings.
We had to start packing up all the little things we had this evening together since we were going to the same place.
Ma'am Gina came to where we were, She looked at us with irritation.
"This orphanage will be glad to miss you"
"And we will be glad to miss your ugly face," Laurie said
She was embarrassed and we could see it, she was not expecting the response she got from Laurie.
"Are you talking to me in that manner?"
"I can't see any other intruder here, you think I'm scared to tell you the truth? No, I'm not. Get a life and stop being bitter. You age thrice when you display bitterness"
I could not hold my laughter. Laurie had been airing for an opportunity like this and she was giving it to ma'am Gina hot hot.
Ma'am Gina didn't say any more, she covered her head in shame and walked away leaving I and Laurie who burst out into laughter.
"She didn't see that coming," mama said
"I bet"
"But you should not speak to elders in that manner, it is disrespectful"
"Yes mother Pamela"
"You both should get some rest, tomorrow will be a long day for you both"
"Okay mama"
And after we were done packing we slept off.
The morning came so fast and I couldn't wait to get going.
Laurie and I got a bus that conveyed us from cattagana to the city. This was a weekend and so neither of us had any work.
Jean was waiting for us and she could not hide her excitement when we arrived.
"My girls are here" Jean shouted
She helped us pack into the house and after we were done unpacking we went out for a little welcome party as Jean called it.
We had so much fun and then went home. I was glad to be living in the city of Salamanca.
It was indeed a start and I was going to take it one step at a time, and when I was ready I would go out and find my real parents.