A New Beginning

Theodore and James still seemed surprised that Dr. Wright called them his sons. He thought that it is good that someone from a higher class would treat him differently unlike others who mistreat them when they are doing their job in the streets.

"Theodore," Dr. Wright said. "I am planning to take care of you and give you proper education. I also would like to take care of James."

Theodore's eyes twinkled. He is finally able to achieve his dream of going to school everyday like the other kids. However, he felt that Dr. Wright will be judged by people because he adopted a child from the lower class. When he looked at Dr. Wright, he felt the sincerity, and he felt warm when he welcomed them to his clinic every day to have lunch with him.

"Your parents are not around for the meantime," Dr. Wright continued. "However, I was amazed by the books that you have in your home. You have books on Biology and Chemistry. You also have History books. I wondered why you didn't go to school."

"My parents can't afford to get me to school," Theodore replied. "My father helped me look for old books that are no longer in use, and sometimes we can buy books if we have the money to buy." He became teary-eyed all of a sudden as he remembered his parents. He wondered where his father was and what his mother was doing right now.

"As soon as you get discharged from the hospital, I will have your rooms prepared at home. Both of you will be my foster children in the meantime while your parents are not around. If that is fine with you."

"So, does that mean we are going to be brothers?" James asked Dr. Wright. The doctor nodded, and this made James happy. Theodore smiled and finally, he is going to have a family once again.

The next day as Theodore was discharged from the hospital, they immediately went to their home to prepare their belongings. James grabbed his clothes while Theodore grabbed his clothes and books that he loved to read. As he placed the books in their boxes, Theodore came across old photos of his family. Dr. Wright approached Theodore with concern written all over his face.

"Is that your parents?" Dr. Wright asked. Theodore nodded and began to sob. He remembered the times when they were still around. His mother cooks while he and his father are either reading books or playing games.

Dr. Wright asked Theodore if he could take a look at the photo. The child handed over the photo without hesitation. Theodore noticed that Dr. Wright looked surprised after he looked at the photo. He tilted his head as he observed the doctor's shocked face. Dr. Wright noticed that Theodore was watching him, he blinked his eyes and smiled shyly.

"Are you okay, Dr. Wright?" Theodore asked.

"Yes, I am," Dr. Wright replied. "Let's continue packing. Your new home awaits." Theodore smiled and continued putting his books inside the box while James was done packing his clothes and decided to help Theodore with his books.

"All of this packing makes me hungry," James said. "Shall we go and grab something to eat?"

"Later, James," Dr. Wright said. "We can buy food along the way."

As Theodore grabbed the last book from his shelf, he scanned the house one last time before he left his home. He thought of a promise that one day he will come back to this home, hoping that his parents may be waiting for him. He can't wait to show his parents that he has become a doctor like Dr. Wright. He was sure that they would return and wait for him.

When he got on the carriage, he bid goodbye to his home before they left. Theodore watched his home getting smaller and smaller as the carriage took them to Dr. Wright's house. He took a deep breath, and he is ready for a new life.

"As promised, both of you will be studying in an exclusive school for boys," Dr. Wright. "You will no longer be a part of the lowest class in the society. Both of you will learn how to act properly in front of the nobles and aristocrats. Don't forget that you are my sons." He looked at Theodore. "You will be renamed 'Theodore Wright' and you, James will be 'James Wright'."

"Can I keep my last name?" James asked. "Can I be called James Parker-Wright, please?"

"Sure, if that is what you want," Dr. Wright replied with a smile. "What about you, Theodore?"

"Theodore Wright sounds fine with me," Theodore said. "I like it."

"It's settled then," Dr. Wright.

The young boys are excited as they pass by every street in London. James began to tell them stories about what he was doing around those streets when his mother is not around. Dr. Wright smiles as he listens to James's story, while Theodore continues to look out the window of the carriage remembering his promise to his parents when he gets back.

When they reached Dr. Wright's home, it was as big as any Victorian aristocrats living in the city. They entered through the huge gates as the carriage passed by a huge garden, just like where Theodore's father used to work. The carriage stopped, and Dr. Wright opened the door. As the young boys stepped down the vehicle, they looked up at their new home in awe.

Suddenly, a middle-aged man in a tuxedo suit stood by the door and welcomed Dr. Wright. Dr. Wright greeted the man as he entered the mansion. Theodore and James followed behind him. The man noticed the two boys and halted them by the door.

"What are you filthy street rats doing here?" the man said. "No street rat will enter the mansion." James and Theodore stood in front of him terrified.

"What are you trying to do to my sons, Clyde?" Dr. Wright said. The butler was shocked to hear what he heard. "Are you going to let my children in, or I'll have my mother fire you? Don't you ever forget that my mother was also a filthy street rat before she became your master, is that understood?"

The butler was stunned at Dr. Wright's words. "Yes, Master Walter. My apologies." He moved aside and let James and Theodore into their home with rage in his face.