CHAPTER 6: Why?

Carlos had by then taken a seat opposite of Miss Smith, beside Mr. Blackwood, of course and the adults talked amongst themselves, he would give occasional glances at him, all his doubt from before had washed away, and been replaced with curiosity

Meaning questions plundered him, and the top question was

‘Why? Why was he here?’

I mean, he was grateful, but was just overwhelmed, however those thoughts both positive and negative came to end when Miss Smith spoke up with a clear and calm tone towards him

“Mr Diegos, I guess you are wondering why you are here? And more so to why Mr Blackwood is here. Correct?”

Carlos stutters in a surprised manner “Y-yes!”

He didn’t mean to sound fearful, but no one can control fear so easily especially at such a young age, because for all he knew this man was bad, however there is one valid argument point that threw that idea outside the door

Miss Smith

She had never let a single bad adult enter this orphanage, despite how many children could have been adopted, safety overlapped everything, rumours said that during her younger period as a caretaker had horrified her

None wish to look back at it, but everyone knew that the main reason had to be because of a child who was abused by their foster family and was never heard from again, and many have taken to remain silent after hearing that, and many held a greater respect and trust in her

But still that did not cure the curiosity he had, that was until Miss Smith carried on speaking in a serious but calm manner, but what caught his attention was when she used his first name, and not his family name

“Carlos-- there is something I wish to inform you” Stating her intent, Carlos remained silent listening to her every word

With a solemn expression, Miss Smith held her composure and repeated yesterday’s events she had with the parents that wished to speak with Carlos, and Mr Blackwood

“Yesterday--after you ran off from the parent conference” She paused seeing him flinch at the mention of the couple who visited, and truth be told they were a skeptical pair but were a matter that needed no recognition of it occurring

“You were later brought back by Mr Blackwood, who managed to calm you down--quickly I might add”

A flush of red appeared on Carlos ears and cheeks promptly because of a rush of embarrassment, that Miss Smith commented since it soundly utterly and completely like he was a baby, and ironically an image of a baby version of himself popped into his head

And that was a traumatizing thought when he imagined himself in a baby outfit, now that was terrifying to even imagine, after all an 8-year-old child in a baby outfit was so unpleasant to the eye

Banishing that thought he listens to what else Miss Smith said with a solemn tone that wouldn’t betray any emotion of worry or joy

“My reasoning to bringing you here is both plain and simple” Turning to Mr Blackwood who expressed calm in the moment, which kept Carlos on his toes for anything, but what Miss Smith both changed and shocked him, because he thought he was hallucinating

“Mr Blackwood wishes to adopt you” Even though she said it plainly it struck like lightning when contemplating what she said, he stared blankly at her for a minute before he raised his hand to pinch his cheek, ensuring that this wasn’t some hallucination of the sort, but once he felt slight pain he was certified that this was not a dream or illusion

He turns to the man he’s only known till now, and with a simple glance the man offered a warm smile, and image had been placed beside him and when he saw it, the tears were threatening to fall but he held them in, in order for him to speak clearly asking

“Why?”

That singular word kept the room in silence until he added additionally to his question “Why do you want to adopt me? Out of all the kids in the orphanage. You chose me--why is that?” He pondered and strange enough the man had the audacity to laugh when he spoke in a serious manner

It had a vein pop from the side of his head, gritting his teeth at this reaction, both mentally and physically, however it instantly changed especially after what his second reason was “Truthfully Carlos--there are two reasons.”

“A more believable answer that you would often hear--is because I want to have more children.” He specifically said, which Carlos could gather than he had children of his own, however Miss Smith was giving a contemplating glance, as this was different to what he told her, despite saying two reasons, he was having a bit of doubt being left out on his second reasonings, which he implies firstly

“The only child I have is my daughter, Valorie.” At the name which was an unusual one you wouldn’t usually hear, but nonetheless remained silent as he was explained more about a girl he’s never met before

“Due to a fallout with my ex-wife, I decided to not remarry. And from our marriage we didn’t have another child--seeing that we had a conflicted marriage.” He informed which gave the gist of the idea to why he wanted to adopt a child, but didn’t answer why he wanted to adopt ‘him’

Seeing that Carlos held a look questioning gaze, his brow remained furrowed, seeing he was anxious Aaron then gave him the second reason starting off simple

“My second reason--was because you reminded me of an old friend. One who I miss dearly.” In his use of tone, and words the other two in the room could only guess that the ‘Friend’ he spoke highly of, had sadly passed away

“Those are my reasons.” He ended not wanting to get into full depth of his old friend, and both Miss Smith and Carlos would not pressure more for details, as they could see it would only damage the man’s heart

It was then to interrupt the silence, Miss Smith's office phone rang, grasping her full attention, as she answered in a calm manner “Hello, this is Miss Smith you're speaking to.” A few moments passed as she listens to the messenger on the other side, she gives vague answers before she lastly answers

“Alright understood, I shall see you shortly.”

After her call was finished she sincerely apologised “I’m sorry to count this short Mr Blackwood, but we apparently have another couple coming in an hour.” But Aaron understand the progress in an orphanage so he did not react badly as some would

“It is fine Miss Smith, besides I should probably get back to work.” He trailed making it so that she wouldn’t feel guilty, which made her feel at ease

But Carlos, felt anxious he wanted to talk more with the mysterious man, despite knowing his name and intentions there was more about the man that left him mysterious, like a hidden part was what showed the true man

However before he could theorise more Mr Blackwood spoke up “Well I guess this is where we part kiddo.” Standing tall he respectfully nods to Miss Smith before turning to the door, however 3 steps later a small voice called out

“W-will you come back?”

Both adults were surprised by his words, but once the moment of shock passed, Aaron promised “Of course, how else am I supposed to adopt you?” He jokingly added, and relief flowed on the boy’s face as Aaron exited the room

Miss Smith took her gaze from the door to Carlos, who’s acted entirely different to previous encounters, and that was a good sign in her book, however hopefully this would turn for the better, as Carlos was a fragile child at heart, and maybe the Blackwood family would strengthen his heart

With Aaron who’s walked down the streets towards his job, a flashback occurred to when he discussed this matter with Valorie

-Flashback-

After Aaron returned home he found a fully awake Valorie, who at the right time looked at him, forming a wide smile, jumping off her chair while he took his shoes off and his cloak, she had then collided into his arms as he kneeled down

Both in a giggle fit, she squealed “Papa! You're back late.” She stated

“Sorry my seedling, there was someone who needed my help. And I lost track of time.” He informed apologetically, which of course Valorie gave in with understanding “It’s alright papa . . . . I managed to have a few pastries while you were away anyway.” She cheekily said

Laughing lightly at her cheekiness, he leads her to the bedroom with a reminder “I believe it’s past your bedtime seedling.” He raised a brow humorously while she only chuckled at that

Making entrance to her room, she jumps onto her bed a few times, trying to get some fun before she slept the night away, as she lands on her back, rushing under her covers, she lays still as her father tucks her into bed

After she was settled, Valorie gazed up into her father’s eyes, and light a sign stood above him, she could tell that something was bothering him, in hopes to ease her father’s troubles she asked “Papa? Are you alright?”

With a forced smile, that became one of the body features that Valorie felt useless to see whenever her father felt stressed or troubled “Everything’s fine seedling. Just um-Valorie?"

“Hmm?” She replied

Hastingly he continues “How would . . . .” Taking a breather, diverting his eyes for a split second “How would you feel if I adopted another child?” At the question she raised a brow uncertain to where this sprung up from

“Adopt? You mean like- like a sibling?” She pondered

With a small smile Aaron replies “Yes. Do you want another sibling?”

Giving a narrow gaze that avoided looking Aaron in the eye, with a small frown, proving that she didn’t necessarily like the idea or understand why they were going to adopt someone, hesitantly as the silence lingered Valorie spoke up with only muttering one word

“Why?”

Asking in curiosity, unexpected to what he Aaron thought, believing she would have asked differently, however seeing she was curious placed ease in his heart

As he settled down on her bed, he fidgeted for a bit, as his thoughts layered over one another, he needed to take this carefully, because she was still young, so hopefully she would warm up to Carlos, because Carlos isn’t the only one who will need certainty

Glancing at his daughter who patiently waited for an answer, he hastingly replied letting out a tired sigh “You remember.” looking up “Who I named as your godfather?”

Valorie nods softly “Yeah.”

“Your godfather . . . . . had a rough start when I first met him.” facing Valorie with a soft gaze “He . . . . was an orphan.” Aaron explained

Valorie stricken with slight shock stuttered “R-really?”

Nodding his head, Aaron explains “Lyon was an orphan till the age of nine--and it showed me how the world was imperfect.” With a pained look that plastered on her father’s face, brushing the covers she reached for his hand

A moment of silence washed away that pain, releasing a heavy sigh

Glancing at Valorie who showered with a warm smile, she asked in a heartbeat “Can I meet them?” His brows raised at her question, but she continued with her small ramblings “I-i mean . . . is it too soon? Or do they need to stay in our home to make sure it’s safe? Wait! Do I have to share my room or--”

Her small rambling was cut off by her father’s small laugh at her antics but she retaliated “Papa this is serious! What if they-” Aaron corrects her “He, seedling.” She continues “Yes! What if he doesn’t feel comfortable? What if I scare him away?” She asked almost becoming teary eyed

But her father as always eased her worries, placing his hand on her ruffled hair, he tells her sincerely “You won’t scare him--and I believe you two will get along greatly.” He reassured, though it wasn’t effective to ease her nerves

With a stern but gentle tone he advised “Valorie . . . everything will be fine--of course it will take time, but truthfully . . . it’s a manner of speaking if he wishes to be adopted by me.”

Taking in this insight she then ponders who this ‘Possible-brother’ would be like, however in her concentrated thoughts that were distrubed as her father kissed the temple of her head, was the sign to go to bed

“Alright well it’s nearly past your bedtime, now get some sleep after all you have school tomorrow.”

Valorie snuggles into her bed embracing her blanket, wrapping herself in a burrito like form, however as she faces her father who now stood at the door with a warm smile “Good night seedling.”

“Night, night daddy.”

As Aaron shut the door gently, Valorie was left to her wonderings as she continuously contemplated what her possible younger brother will be like, and with a final thought that shows her determination on her face she promises «I’ll be the best big sister.»

And with that remaining though drifted off to sleep swiftly, while Aaron was left to ponder if he should have said that, but seeing that she accepted the idea of having a sibling did lessen the toll that if he truly did consider to adopt it would be nice

-End of Flashback-

With all the leading events, Aaron came to a halt and could only wonder what the next step from here will be