A step towards the new life

It was a stormy night. As the clouds collided, the occasional flashes of the sky pierced through the darkness of the room, illuminating everything in there.

Genevieve, or Eve as everyone called her, was trapped in a nightmare. Her eyelids moved rapidly. As it was raining outside, though the night was chilly, her forehead was covered in sweat.

The nightmare clung to her mind, filling her with fear until a loud clap of thunder woke her up. She sat up quickly, her heart racing and touched her face. Tears stained her cheeks. It was a sign that she was crying in her sleep as she was having a nightmare.

Eve was no stranger to nightmares. They had haunted her since she was a little girl, creeping into her dreams every time she fell asleep. She reached out for the water bottle on her bedside table, only to find it empty.

With a quiet sigh, she got out of bed, feeling the cold floor beneath her feet, and headed to the door. She needed water. Her hands trembled slightly as she opened the door and stepped into the dimly lit hallway.

The corridor was silent, except for the sound of rain tapping against the windows. Eve walked slowly toward the communal tap to refill her bottle. As she was heading back to her room, a stern voice called out from behind her.

"Why are you out of bed at this hour, Ms. Evardon?"

Eve froze, recognizing the voice instantly. It was Sister Mandy, the assistant to the headmistress at St. Peter Angel's Garden Orphanage, where Eve had lived since she was four years old.

The orphanage was also a school for the children who lived there, providing them with a place to stay and learn until they turned eighteen or were adopted.

"I was just getting some water, Sister Mandy," Eve replied in a small voice, but she could feel the nun's disapproving gaze.

Sister Mandy was known for being strict and distant. Unlike Sister Katherine, the headmistress who was kind yet firm, Sister Mandy was cold and unyielding. Eve had never been fond of her, and the feeling seemed mutual.

"Let me handle this, Mandy. You can go now," another voice interrupted. This one is gentle and kind. Sister Katherine stepped into the light, and Eve felt a wave of relief wash over her. Sister Mandy nodded curtly and left the corridor, leaving Eve alone with Sister Katherine.

Sister Katherine walked up to Eve, her expression warm. She placed a hand on Eve's cheek and gently stroked it. "Having nightmares again, dear?" she asked softly. Eve nodded. "Come on, let me take you back to your room."

Eve followed Sister Katherine back to her room. The older woman turned on the light, revealing the small, familiar space. She guided Eve to sit on the bed and sat beside her, a sad smile on her face.

"I'll miss you so much, dear. I can't believe you're all grown up and leaving tomorrow morning," Sister Katherine said, her voice tinged with sadness. "It feels like just yesterday that I brought you here."

Eve looked at her, the sadness in Sister Katherine's eyes reflecting her own feelings. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you better," Sister Katherine continued. "You were always being bullied, and I... I couldn't do enough to stop it."

Eve placed her hand over Sister Katherine's, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. "It's not your fault, Sister Katherine. It was my... my strangeness that made them act that way."

Sister Katherine frowned. "Don't call yourself strange, Eve. You're not strange. You're special. And that's why they treated you like that- they were jealous."

 Eve gave a small smile. "You always tried your best to protect me from those bullies, Sister Katherine. But it's okay now. I'm not going to let anyone bully me anymore. I'm starting fresh."

Sister Katherine smiled, though the sadness lingered. "Have you decided where you'll be staying?"

"Yes," Eve replied. "I'll be staying at the dormitory at the University of Rosen Valley. I got the admission letter yesterday, along with the information about my dorm. That's why I'm leaving tomorrow morning."

The University of Rosen Valley was a renowned university. Not everyone can admit there. Only rich and talented ones can get the admission letter after the entrance examination and Eve got selected by luck.

She also got a scholarship and will be able to study there for free. Her classmates had been jealous, but this was her chance to leave it all behind and start over. It was her dream to study there.

Sister Katherine nodded. "I'm so proud of you, Eve. Before you leave, there's something I want to give you." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a thin chain with a small ruby pendant. "This is yours. I kept it safe for you all these years. Now it's time for you to have it back."

She placed the chain around Eve's neck, the ruby resting just above the neckline of her top. "It suits you," she said with a smile. "And take this too." She handed Eve a small cell phone. "You can call me anytime. I'll always be here for you."

Tears filled Eve's eyes as she hugged Sister Katherine tightly. "Thank you, Sister Katherine. I'm going to miss you so much."

Sister Katherine patted her back gently. They talked for a little while longer before the older woman returned to her chamber, leaving Eve alone in her room. This time she didn't have any nightmares and was able to sleep peacefully. 

The sound of rain tapping against the window woke Eve the next morning. It was 6 in the morning, and although the storm had passed, the sky was still dark with clouds. Eve got up, freshened up, and took a shower.

After drying off and putting on a white top and jeans, she stood in front of the oval mirror in her room. The reflection staring back at her was that of a young woman ready to take on the world.

Her forest-green eyes were bright, and her porcelain skin was smooth. Her dark brown hair, wavy and cascading down to her lower back, framed her face beautifully. The ruby pendant around her neck added a touch of elegance to her look.

She had always been considered beautiful, but beauty hadn't protected her from the hardships she had faced. It was her last day at the orphanage, and she had packed everything she owned the night before. The room, her safe place for so many years, was now empty.

Eve stepped out of her room, her heart heavy with the weight of goodbye. While other orphans shared rooms with classmates, Eve had always been alone. No one had ever wanted to share a room with her, and over time, she had gotten used to her solitude. It never bothered her. Because her room was her sanctuary.

She made her way to the dining hall. It was still early, and the hall was mostly empty, except for the workers preparing breakfast. Sister Mandy, who was instructing the kitchen staff, noticed Eve and walked over to her.

"Ms. Eve, Sister Katherine asked you to meet her in her chamber," she said, her tone surprisingly neutral.

Eve nodded and headed to Sister Katherine's chamber. She knocked on the door, and after receiving permission, she stepped inside. Sister Katherine was sitting at a small tea table, waiting for her. She motioned for Eve to sit down, and they shared breakfast together, chatting about the future.

Finally, it was time to leave. The rain had stopped, and the sky was starting to lighten. Eve hugged Sister Katherine one last time, said her goodbyes to the staff, and stepped into the cab waiting outside with her belongings.

As she turned to say farewell to Sister Mandy, the usually stern woman surprised her by patting her shoulder and offering a small smile.

"Take care of yourself, Eve," she said, her voice softer than usual. Eve smiled back. "Thank you, Sister Mandy."

The cab began to move, and Eve looked out the window. Sister Katherine, Sister Mandy, and some of the staff stood outside, watching her leave.

Some of her classmates peered out from the windows, but for once, no one said anything mean. Eve was leaving them behind, moving on to a new chapter in her life.

As the cab drove away from the orphanage, Eve felt a mix of emotions and sadness at leaving the place she had called home for so long, but also excitement for the future. She was finally taking the first step towards her dream and a new life at the University of Rosen Valley.