As I stood in the queue after the plane stopped. The air outside was filled with hope and the smell of a new start. This place was a dream I'd had all my life, thanks to Sir Thomas. The memory of my escape from the orphanage was still fresh.
I recalled Lila's words as she handed me my bag: "You don't have to leave, Sister Nova. We can talk to Mother Superior Angela and explain that you don't want to be transferred." She spoke out of clear ignorance.
Lila and I had grown up together within the orphanages walls, nurtured by the sisters who portrayed the outside world as a treacherous place.
Which is why she is reluctant to see me go, making me feel like I was abandoning a haven for a den of lions. Despite her efforts to persuade me to stay, I remained resolute.
I longed for a change, yearning for a life beyond the orphanage's walls. The prospect of being adopted into a family that might be harsh and unloving filled me with unease.
The rumors of exploitation and illicit activities that supposedly lurked outside the orphanage's gates only added to my anxiety, making the idea of being adopted into the unknown even more daunting.
The fear of the unknown and the possibility of abuse hung over me like a dark cloud. Stories of girls being mistreated and exploited after adoption sent shivers down my spine.
I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd be trapped in a nightmare if I were adopted into the wrong family. The longing for my parents, who would have shielded me from all this uncertainty, was almost unbearable. But as an orphan, I felt utterly alone, with no safety net to fall back on.
"I know you're scared, Lila," I said calmly, "but I promise I'll be fine. I want to find a better life, free from hardship and suffering.
We don't have parents or anyone to rescue us, so can't you just trust me for once?" My voice was soothing, and Lila responded with a quick nod. I've always had a way of staying calm under pressure.
"I trust you," Lila said, her voice trembling, "but I'm going to miss you so much. What if something bad happens to you? What if you don't come back for me?"
Her words hung in the air, filled with uncertainty. Despite my own weaknesses, I've always been the strong one for Lila.
Lila and I had been each other's support system since childhood, with me being just a year older. I knew my departure would devastate her, but I had no choice.
I'd always dreamed of freedom, independence, and a life beyond the orphanage's walls. My plans were to further my studies, start my own business, and be my own boss. But none of that was possible if I stayed trapped here or got adopted.
"I'll come back for you, hunny bunny," I promised, trying to reassure her.
"And that's a promise I intend to keep. Everything will be fine."
Those were my parting words before I got into the car with Sir Thomas, just as the sisters closed in.
"Hello, hope you enjoyed your fight?"
I was brought back from my thoughts by the air hostess standing outside with a warm smile.
My eyes were still moist from the memories, I didn't even know my eyes were teary
"Are you okay, Madam?" she asked, her concern genuine, noticing the tears streaming down my face.
I nodded quickly, wiping away my eyes.
"Welcome to Miami," she said, her voice cheerful, as she bowed slightly.
As I stepped off the plane, the warm sun hit me like a slap in the face. I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.
When a man with a cab driver's grin approached me. "Need a ride to town, miss?"
I nodded, relieved. "Yes, please, can you take me here?" I asked, showing him the picture of the flyer in my hands.
"You are heading to town isn't it?" he asked.
"Yes, town." I replied like I know why he was talking about it.
He quickly grabbed my small bag from my hand and led me to his cab.
As he began the ride, I turned my attention to the passing scenery, soaking up the unfamiliar vibes of the new city.
The driver's non-stop chatter filled the air, but my mind kept drifting back to the uncertainty that was looming over me.
I had no clue where I was heading to, and that unknown was eating away at me.
We soon arrived at the city and the driver's sudden voice jolted me awake.
"Madam, we're here already." I stepped out of the car, and the driver sped off, leaving me standing alone on the sidewalk.
The sky was darkening, and people were hurrying home. I was in a new city with no place to call my own.
Panic set in as I gazed at the picture on the flyer, but the house in front of me was nothing like the welcoming place I had envisioned.
As night fell, the streets emptied, and I felt a chill run down my spine. It soon dawned on me that I was stranded in a city I hadn't been before, I had used up all my savings to get to escape the orphanage.
I looked around, trying to get my bearings, My stomach growled as the scent of food wafted from a nearby store.
I spotted a small diner across the street, Madam Jerkins Pastries, its neon sign flickering like a beacon in the darkness. Maybe I could find some help there.
I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, stepping into the warm light. For a moment, I felt a glimmer of hope.