New Family

As time passed, I began missing Xander more and more. I missed the times we would play together, eat together, read together and our late-night talks. Life wasn't the same without him. If I had to explain my feelings it would be like this. After my mom and dad died, my life lost colour. Then, it regained colour when Xander was with me. Those three years helped to distract me from the negative thoughts inside my head. I was enjoying myself and was able to make new friends. Unfortunately, I was left behind. The promise of us becoming brothers and being with each other for the rest of our lives could not be kept.

Once again life returned to black and white. Dull, boring, painful, full of sadness and void of purpose. I barely slept at night as reoccurring nightmares of seeing my parents' disfigured, bloody and lifeless bodies replayed in my head every night. I couldn't let the children and the staff know of my internal suffering as the children were dealing with enough already and the staff already worked hard enough. So, I decided to always wear a smile no matter how I felt. I would also never speak my mind. No matter what I thought, I would never voice my thoughts.

Two years passed and the loneliness got worse. The numbers in the orphanage would decrease as families who visited there would adopt them. With each passing day, week or month, someone would be adopted and I'd had to deal with losing friends every single time. Almost a year passed, and it was the day before my birthday, January 4, and I was the only remaining child left at the orphanage. I spent most of the day in my room since there was no longer anyone to play with or talk to other than the staff. I had read all the books in the orphanage so I was very bored.

It felt so long but it was soon nighttime. Before Mrs. Brown left she visited me in my room. "Hey Kev, how are you feeling?" "I'm good. Just bored." "I see. Well, I'll make sure to bring some more books for you tomorrow. Would you like that Kev?" "I'd love that." "Also, about your birthday tomorrow. Is there anything you like dear?" "Anything would be fine." "Is that so?" Suddenly, a loud ringing could be heard. "Sorry about that Kev. I have to take this." She stepped outside of the room and answered the phone. I could barely make out what she was saying but she sounded very excited after the call was over.

She rushed back to me and hugged me tightly. "I'm sure you'll love your birthday Kev. I promise you that you'll never forget your eleventh birthday even when you become as old as me." With all the hype I couldn't say that I wasn't excited for tomorrow. She said her goodbyes and I immediately fell asleep. I woke up the next day feeling refreshed since I didn't have a nightmare that night. I heard knocking from the other side of the door and allowed them to come in. It was Mrs Brown. "Hello birthday boy." A huge smile was present on her face. "Come on," she grabbed me by my hand and led me outside of my room.

All of my things were packed and she handed me brand new books. "What's going on?" I asked. "So, she didn't tell you huh." A very tall man said while approaching us. "You're here!" Mrs Brown said before hugging him. I thought to myself that he was her husband. "Why is your husband here?" I asked. Mrs. Brown's face immediately turns red. "He is a handsome guy but he's not my husband." She answered after ending the hug. "I'm her older brother," he said with his deep voice. "Oh okay. Well, why are you here?" He approached me slowly, got on his knees to get on my level height and then hugged me.

"I'm here to adopt you." Despite hearing the exact words clearly, I didn't realize what he was saying until a few seconds later. "Aren't you happy Kev?" I was in the orphanage for six years. In those six years, I lost all hope of being adopted but here I am now about to be adopted. I couldn't hold in any of my tears. I hugged him back and he picked me up. "Okay, sis help me with his stuff." She nodded her head and soon I was in a car with a girl who looked as if she was my age. "Is that my new brother, Dad?" "Yes. How about we introduce ourselves."

"I'm Katie Parker, I'm ten years old." "HI, I'm Kevin and I just turned eleven today." "Dad, we have to celebrate then." "Don't worry. I've got it all handled." We drove from between forty-five minutes to an hour before seeing a two-story house. "This is your new home, Kevin." My new father took out my belongings while Katie gave me a tour of the house. "This is your room, Kevin." Mr. Parker said. We all unpacked and set up my room. Mr Parker explained that he had to return to work. It was just me and my new sister, and it was radio silent at the start, but then we started talking.

"I heard you lost your parents at a young age huh?" "Yeah, it was tough but at least I have you guys now." "Aww. That's so cute." "When will I get to see your mom?" "You won't be able to. She died after giving birth to me." "I'm sorry. I should have been more considerate." "Nah, you're fine. I was sad at first, but my dad was there for me, and I know my mom wouldn't be able to rest well if I was sad all the time. So for both of their sakes, I won't let it keep me sad." "You're so much more mature than me. Kinda reminds me of Xander." "Who is that?" "He was a friend at the orphanage. He was like a brother to me. Three years ago he got adopted. I haven't seen him since." "Well, I hope you get to meet him someday." "Me too."