PROLOG

Angela Woods examined the trembling six year old in plaits and an ugly gray frock. "What's your name?" The child didn't answer but instead shivered even more violently.

Sighing she turned to the Rev. Sister standing silently at the door, her watchful eye on the child and her new caretaker.

"Does she not speak?"

Sr. Rose smiled warmly, "Forgive her silence.She's a little frightened." She turned to the child, "Do not be afraid little one, your aunt will take of you now. You may go to your dorm and pack your things. Sr. Claire will help you."

Silently, she left the room and gently closed the door behind her.

In the ensuing silence, Sr. Rose took her seat behind her desk. "Please...", she gestured to a high backed plump chair," take a seat."

While Angela took a seat, she took out some papers. "These will need to be signed before we can release Catherine into your care."

Angela put on her glasses and quickly scanned them before signing. Sr. Rose signed as well and added some papers to the file. "Those are her personal records as well as her medical papers since she was with us which is from about a year ago. Her 5th birthday is in two months."

Angela stiffly nodded and gathered up the file in her briefcase.

Sr. Rose hesitated for a moment, "If I may ask, why did you come for her?"

Angela's sharp brow rose above her piercing almond shaped hazel eyes so much like the child's soft hazel green.

"Please forgive my being so forward but it has been almost a year since her parents passed. You can understand my skepticism about this."

Sr.Rose folded her arms, "You're a young woman, not even 30 yet. Are you truly sure you can do this? A child is no small project you can just abandon if you get tried.."

Angela rose a hand to silence her, "I understand what I'm getting into. If you'll excuse me."

She rose and walked to the door.

"One last thing, Miss Woods."

Angela turned with her hand on the door handle. "Catherine's a very playful child who has the potential to be a genius. She jokes around a little too much. You'll see to it?"

"Of course, Sr. Rose. Goodbye."

At the front door, another Reverend Sister held Catherine tightly in her arms with her things at their at their feet.

On spotting her, the sister stiffened and let the child go. "Alright Catherine. Time to go to your new home. You be good okay?" Catherine looked up mournfully and nodded.

After helping Catherine pack her things into the car, the pair said their goodbyes with Angela standing stiffly by the side. The sister sniffed and smiled with false cheer, "We'll miss you little Cat." Catherine cried silently and whispered, "Goodbye, Sr. Claire. I'll miss you."

In the car, Catherine waved until the orphanage was out of sight.

Slowly, she sank into her seat and sobbed until Angela couldn't stand it any longer. "Let's set some ground rules, shall we Catherine?"

Slowly, the scared six year old cleaned her eyes and turned to face Angela who had her eyes on the road.

"Rule number one: forget them. forget everyone at this orphanage because you will never come back here again." After a moment of shocked silence, tears began to stream down Catherine's face again.

"Rule number two: Never cry. It shows weakness and no child of mine is weak so dry your tears at once." Catherine cleaned her eyes while sniffing loudly earning her an annoyed glance. " Sorry aunty Angie". she said in a small timid voice.

"Rule number three: Speak out and speak up. If you don't, people will think you are weak and walk all over you."

She glanced at the child, "And you don't want that now do you?"

Timidly Catherine replied, " No Aunty Angie."

Stiffly she continued, " You will call me Aunt Angela. Not Angie, or Angel or anything else , Angela. are we clear? "Yes Aunt Ang.. Angela."

Satisfied, she went on, "There will be no playing, shouting, kidding, joking, running about without cause and most certainly no games. At your age, you should be acting like a lady.", She said casting a disapproving glance at Catherine's muddy shoes and socks.

"You certainly don't look like one."

Catherine bowed her head to hide the coming tears, "Yes aunt Angela." Smiling, Angela gave her an affectionate pat on the knee, "You catch on fast, child."