CHAPTER FOUR

“Good-bye Julia”

“Mother Abess, what do you mean?” I asked her when we finally have privacy on her office.

“Nathan, you see, Mr. Villarta really likes you boy. Aren’t you happy? You have now a family that you can call your own!”

“But Mother, this is my home. You are my family- you, Ryle, and the others.”

“I’m sorry Nathan but the congregation already made a final decision,” she said while shaking her head.

I shrug my shoulders. “How about Ryle? He only have me,” I said.

“I see,” she puts off her reading glass. “I’ll think of what can I do ‘bout this matter.”

When I return on our quarters, I can see how Ryle broke his heart as he cries on his bed. He really loves my company and I have no idea what will he do if I am not on his side. Poor boy, I thought. I gave a deep sigh. Tomorrow, I don’t care if Mr. Villarta will be get mad, but I will persuade him to bring Ryle with me. If he refuse, I will stay even I no longer have a place in here.

By the time that I am already going to sleep, I remember Julia and on what she will be going to feel.

The next day, I am being asked to go to Mother Abess’ office. Mr. Villarta is also there too. When I came to them, I decided to tell everything. Frankly speaking, I told them that I don’t want to leave the orphanage without Ryle, and whatever they want, I don’t care. I told them those words without any second thought. To my surprise, the two of them burst out into laughter.

“And who told you that you will be leaving without Ryle,” Mother Abess said. “Mr. Villarta went here just to ask me for the privilege of the two of you.”

I turn my glance to the gentleman. He only nods.

In the next moments, all I knew is that they already arrange everything and Ryle and I were being ordered to pack our things. When I look at Ryle, I see that he is happy because he will go with me. I only smile at him, but when I remember the miniature jet plane, I only found myself rushing to the Parish Church. It is only five or six streets away. When I got there, Father Escalante told me that Juliana is still in the hospital but she will be discharge this afternoon.

I went back to the orphanage with doubts that we might not see each other again.

“Let’s go children,” Mr. Villarta said as he leads us on his SUV. He also gives as a smile.

I manage to still look at the front of the convent where Julia and I always hang out together.

Inside the car, somebody shouts for my name. When I look on that person, I realized that she is Julia so I asked Mr. Villarta to stop the car then I run towards her.

“Julia,” I said.

“Nathan, I thought that I might not see you again.” Tears are already rolling down her eyes. She is crying.

“Please don’t.” I give her my present. “Keep that for me.” After I said those words, Mr. Villarta approaches us and he ordered me to get inside his car. I am also crying that time and I don’t want to let go of Julia’s hand but Mother Abess drags her away.

“Good bye Julia,” I said heads down and turn without looking back. “Wish to see you again,” I finally said in between tears when we are already on the journey.