Chapter Two

Bronson is now seen in the Deans office, but what for? The Dean, Madam Ross, and Miss Maybelle are there with him with Madam Ross sitting in here chair, Bronson sitting in the seat facing hers, and Miss Maybelle standing right next to him. The atmosphere is so stern and serious it's almost suffocating. Madam Ross releases a heavy sigh before going ahead with the discussion.

Madam Ross: Do you know why I called you into my office?

Bronson: Normally you would call me in here when I've done something wrong...even when I didn't do anything in particular. I didn't do anything wrong apart from my response to Miss Emily earlier today, but that issue was too little for you to call me out, besides you would have reprimanded me right there on the spot to show you have a sense of authority and that you know how to discipline the children, but you didn't. Judging by the stern look on your face and Miss Maybelle's worried expression, I recon it's something far more serious.

Miss Maybelle|Madam Ross: (How did he manage to say all that without batting an eye lid? 😓)

Madam Ross: (He didn't even change his demeanor. 😑)*clears throat* Well you're not entirely wrong. I wouldn't say it's much of a serious matter, but it sure doesn't put your Nanny at ease no matter how many times I tell her.

Bronson: And I guess that's the same reason you called her out previously?

Madam Ross: Precisely! Bronson, we know how hard it's been for you here at the orphanage. I agree we haven't been handling your matters fairly either, but it all comes with a valid reason.

Bronson: ... And what might that be?

Madam Ross: *takes a quick glance at Miss Maybelle*

Miss Maybelle: We aren't sure yet. We do have one, but it isn't valid. We aren't too sure about it yet.

She handed him a note she took out of her pocket. He read it to himself with the words "Please be careful who you hand him over for adoption!" There were other writings but in a foreign language, or maybe of a language that ceased to exist. They explained to him that the note was left with him on the day they found him at their doorstep. They didn't quite understand what his parents meant by those words, and they couldn't translate what came after either, but because of that they have been extra careful with who comes over to the orphanage for adoption, making sure he didn't fall into the wrong hands.

Madam Ross: It's giving me a headache every time I think about it. I can't even sleep at night. I feel bad holding you down like this every time. But until I'm sure of what that note says I won't feel easy leaving you in the hands of just anyone.

Bronson: I don't understand how this is holding me back. All they said was to be careful, and this could be some sort of signature or something. Couldn't you just leave me with a family that seems nice enough to raise a child?

Madam Ross: You should never judge a book by its cover. If we only looked at the face then what about the heart? There has to be something...how should I put it? Unique about you. If we aren't careful, something might happen to you that they may not understand like your birth parents would.

Bronson: ... What are you suggesting then?

The room was filled with silence for a brief moment. He couldn't understand what was making them hesitate. Everything just seemed very confusing to him. Why did his parents have to butt into his life? They abandoned him, and yet they're still the ones making it difficult for him to leave the orphanage. Did they want him to stay there forever? Why bother leaving him in the first place? These thoughts ran through his mind nonstop. "You're over thinking again." He stopped in his train of thoughts after the interruption.

Madam Ross: Well about that...let me explain myself first before getting straight to the point. You're still very young, but even at that you're a very sharp and brilliant little lad. It's not every day we meet an 11 year old as smart as you. Keeping you here is only going to be a waist of your knowledge. You're aware that you can only attend school when you're adopted right?

Bronson: Do I need to? I've already read all the books in the library. What's the need to go to school again?

Miss Maybelle: It's impressive you read all those books, but school can go further than that. Plus they have an even bigger library than the one we have here. You can also make friends there you know. *she smiles warmly*😊

Bronson: Do I have to? 😒 It's not like making friends is gonna solve anything 🙄

Miss Maybelle: W-well...😅

Bronson: And is it a must to leave before attending school? I can just go to and from school right here. Also I can just go to the towns library if your worried about my studies, that way I won't have to go to school or even bother to meddle in other peoples business.

Madam Ross: The main point is that you have to go to school whether you like it or not, it's important you do. But to do that you have to leave the orphanage. And if you went to school from here the others could become...restless, and we can't possible cover the funds for all of you to go to school.

Bronson: ...So what you're saying is you're letting me go? I thought that can only happen when I'm 18. You...want to abandon me as well, don't you? It's just a stupid note!

Madam Ross: As stupid as this all sounds we don't seem to have many options at the moment! This is the only way to ease things, and whatever reason made your parents keep you here with that note could also happen here, so to avoid that we have to do this.

Miss Maybelle: M-madam, I still feel we should reconsider this. I mean he's only a child. He can't possibly fend for himself, more or less take care of himself.

Bronson: I can...

Miss Maybelle: Sorry?

Bronson: I can take care of myself, besides I've been doing that for a long time now, remember?

Bronson shot her a cold stare. She couldn't believe the fact that they have been leaving him to fend for himself all those years. All that time, he would try to keep a calm face behind all that chaos that surrounded him when the children mistreated him. She felt so guilty of not being able to do anything when he needed someone by his side the most.

They finally concluded their discussion, not with all bright faces though. Miss Maybelle was still the most unconformable with the situation, whereas Bronson doesn't seem to care what happens. He seems to have a reason for complying with this decision. He's deep in thought on what happens next, but of course, that won't stop him from what he really wants to know...the reason for the note. Why did his parents leave with that warning? What does the weird language mean? "Do you really think that note will us with our problem?", "For your information it will help me with my problem, and maybe explain why you're in my head always bugging me all the time." he thought. The voice scoffed at his remarks and went silent from his thoughts. He keeps staring at the note, pondering about it. He recalls Miss Maybelle's words telling him to keep it that maybe it will be useful to him one day, and who knows, maybe he can find his parents with it. He doesn't care about finding his real parents anymore. Why bother looking for people that left him alone in the first place?

...****************...

The scene shifts to a ward in a hospital. We see most of the Nannies from the orphanage are all gathered around their fellow, the nanny that got burned. She's conscious now but not happy at all. She keeps wailing and complaining about the incident that occurred nonstop.

Nanny 2: You know Sarah, none of this would have happened if you were careful and not blabbering about everything as usual.

Sarah: You're saying this is my fault!

Nanny 2: No I'm not! I'm only saying that next time you should concentrate more on your work than to gossip and complain all the time. Don't put words in my mouth.

Sarah: Well I'm not sorry Mrs. perfection. May I remind you that I wasn't the only one chatting at the time Jessica. So next time you point fingers, think about what really happened.

Nanny 3: S-she's not pointing fingers Sarah. she's only trying to look out for you, so it won't happen again.

Sarah: Last time I checked, newcomers weren't meant to be so nosy. Maybe if you didn't ask questions in the first place she wouldn't have to answer and start making me remember stupid nonsense Violet!

"So you admit that you were chatting and not paying attention to not only your work but your surroundings as well."

They all turned around to see a familiar face behind them. They notice it's the head nanny and immediately showed their respect. They are shaken at the thought that she's been standing there for a long time listening in on their conversation but they don't know how much she'd heard from them.

Miss Maybelle: It seems to me that everything Madam Ross has thought you haven't sunk in yet, has it Sarah? *gets closer*

Sarah: M-miss, it's not what you think...

She strides closer to her and gives her a quick stare before signaling them to be at ease. She reassures them that she's not there to punish them even though that's what she would have done in the first place if the situation wasn't so severe. She reprimands them for their actions and reminds them of what would happen if they were caught slacking off at work ever again. They heave a sigh of relief while also complying with her requests. She asks about Sarah's condition which the others replied that she was doing fine but that her physical appearance has been disfigured due to the chemical burns. Miss Maybelle still contemplates on how a small thing like that could cause such a big ruckus. She lets out a heavy sigh and lets her know they would try what they can to get her back on her feet.

Violet: Miss Maybelle, sorry for intruding, but I couldn't help but worry. It's about Bronson.

Sarah: *flinches*

Violet: I know I shouldn't be nosy, but I might have overheard you conversation with the Dean earlier today. Is he going to be okay?

Miss Maybelle: *sighs* I'm worried too, but there is nothing I can do about it. She's made her decision and knowing her personality she won't change her mind.

Jessica: What's going on?

Miss Maybelle: Well the Dean has decided to let him go. He's been in the orphanage for way too long, so she thinks it's best to let him live on his own. Plus he needs to attend school or else he'll be held back in his education if he was to wait till he was 18 years of age.

Jessica: But he's still a child. He can't be left out there on his own. You're his Nanny, you should have a say in the matter knowing him the longest.

Miss Maybelle: I wish I did, but what's been said can only be done now.

Jessica: But still, it doesn't make sense for him to be left all alone out there.

Sarah: Who cares if his all on his own! At least now he'll stop giving us a headache.

Violet: Sarah!

Sarah: What! Haven't you all noticed? Ever since that boy got to the orphanage we never got peace. Occasionally strange things would happen. I mean look at me now. I can't even look at myself in the mirror anymore, neither will any man want to look at my direction, I'm hideous! And I'm pretty sure it's his doing. I wouldn't be surprised if that boy is cursed. It would do us a world of good if he finally left us alone and not caused any more problems.

Jessica: Why you...

Miss Maybelle stops Jessica on her tracks and proceeds to Sarah's side. She notices her presence and dares not look at her direction.

Miss Maybelle: Is that so?

Sarah: I-I...

Miss Maybelle: I think I've figured out the problem here. It wasn't the position of the powder that caused this, neither was it the person that kept it. *grabs Sarah's face as she winces in pain* It's your stupid mouth that just can't keep shut!

Sarah: *Cowers in fear*

Miss Maybelle: May I remind you who you were handling, Chuck was it? That boy was a world of problems, and I always wondered...where on earth did that boy get such a nasty character from. Same goes to the other children that followed his lead. They were all under your care, and you dared to fill there heads with blatant nonsense. They all brought Bronson only pain and suffering in the orphanage, but what did he do? All he could do was swallow every ounce of it and never spit a word to anyone about it. You never corrected or disciplined them for their actions, instead you praised them and showered them love and affection. They always played the pity card and pretended to be innocent in the eyes of others. I'm not surprised he even got adopted considering who taught him to act like a good boy, hiding his true nature.

She intensifies her grip on Sarah which makes her shed some tears as the burns were starting to act up because of the contact it had with Miss Maybelle's skin. Others could only watch in shock from the scene as Sarah keeps crying and apologizing for her past mistakes. She begs her to let her go, but she doesn't flinch from her grip.

Miss Maybelle: If I ever find out those maggots you raised hurt Bronson ever again for being different, I'll make sure it's not just your appearance you have to worry about, not even your job would be enough for you to worry. Have I made myself clear?

Sarah: Y-yes Mam!

Miss Maybelle: Good!

She shoves her face aside and picks up some wipes to clean her hands with. She then turns to address the others, letting them know she won't be available for a while as she will be helping Bronson make arrangements to move. She entrusts Jessica to supervise everything during her absence and report back to her when she returns. They all respond to her requests. She gives Sarah a stern look before heading for the door.

Miss Maybelle: Oh and Sarah?

Sarah: *flinches* Yes Mam?

Miss Maybelle: I was thinking of helping you with your condition with some of our funds since you work with us, but since it's such a pain to look different from others, why don't you use your own money to fix yourself up. That way you get better to your own liking. 😊

Sarah: B-but... 😧

Miss Maybelle: Have a nice day. *shuts the door*

Violet: Wow! I barely see her around but now that I've seen her up close, she's scary.

Jessica: Only when you piss her off. Don't get her wrong, she's a very nice and kindhearted person when you get to know her long enough. I would advise you to watch what you say around her. I mean, you saw what happened when you know who didn't watch her tongue.

Sarah looks petrified, like she just recalled something she had forgotten for a long time. What did Miss Maybelle do to make Sarah so afraid of her? What made Miss Maybelle the way she is?

...Can you guess who lives or is going to live here?...

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