Like a fish out of water, my breath escaped me, with nothing in return; except anxiety. "I don't….want...to leave OGO." With each step I took, I silently repeated that to myself. Hoping that my reality would eventually manifest itself.
There were three adults muttering something in the boundary around me. But my attention was so focused on myself that I couldn't interpret what they were saying.
"What a lucky child."
"Not, just him, though. But every orphan here is lucky. They're really blessed to have a keeper, as lovely as Alma."
"Oh, I agree. But, I love his silver hair. I'm gonna go snatch him up!"
Suddenly, the world spun around me. And I was trapped in a bed of thorns.
"Oooh, you're such a cutie!! What's your name?" Caught in the embrace of what sounded like a bat, disguised as a human. An atrociously eager broad caught me by surprise. And twirled me around like I was a newly acquired toy.
Think of something quick, Thomas! You've got to get out of this woman's arms before she takes you away from your friends. Then, the idea struck me like genius!
"Ohhhhhh, I'm terribly sick. So, please put me down miss; before I puke again."
"No way!!! You won't catch ME with the flu, I've too much to live for!" Suddenly the whirlwind stopped; as the woman put me down, and retreated as far away from me as possible. Ace of a plan! Though I am relieved the broad didn't toss me to the ground.
It took me a moment to regain my balance. But what I witnessed next wasn't as animated as what I just experienced.
"You're a great child, Sachiko, but." An adult couple sympathetically reason with the short, black haired girl. "B-buuuut…" Sachiko's reply seemed to be in expectation of what the adults would say next. "We have our eyes set on adopting a boy today. But don't you worry! Your day will come soon enough." The couple then leave the gymnasium with one of the boys that was standing near Sachiko. Wow, how insensitive.
My mouth was gaping wide open. At the time, it was hard to understand in full detail. But, as the new parents walked away from Sachiko; the atmosphere shifted. The room where we all stood was no longer a gymnasium, occupying over a hundred people. On the contrary, the space I was in only had two occupants. An 8 year old boy, and a 6 year old girl. When our eyes met, everything returned to normal.
"Sachiko, lass. You okay?" I ask while approaching her. "D-don't lass me, Thomas." She snapped back, while wiping tears off her face.
"Oh, sorry, Sachiko. But, what just happened? Did those adults do something bad to you?"
"No. I mean, yes, but no. Th-they, they, they should have just…picked me, you know. Instead of that boy! We, we even spent more time together, too."
While, I try my hardest to never be around during these adoption day ceremonies; what Sachiko's saying does makes some sense. She's always been smart and especially proper. To the point of if the word proper was a girl; it would be Sachiko, hands down!
"You're the goodest gal here, Sachiko. Don't worry bout them..they're dumb."
"Pfff!" She begins to chuckle. "Goodest, is NOT a word, Thomas. You should know that by now! I don't quite understand how you of all people could have so many golden stars?——That's it!" As light started to return to Sachiko's depressed face, we were interrupted by Lady Ortiz.
"Sachiko, deary…. Are you alright?" Upon close examination of the dried up tears on the girl's face, Lady Ortiz continues. "Oh, nooo. That must've been the last couple to leave. Don't take it; well TRY not to take it personal, if they didn't pick you. I love you, little miss Sa..chi….ko…"
With an affectionate kiss along the side of Sachiko's face, Lady Ortiz demonstrates consolation that might as well be considered healing.
"….Ah, um… thank you Lady Ortiz. At least YOU care about…me." Sachiko whispered until she was inaudible.
"Come now, you can be sure that the rest of the day will be especially fun." Lady Ortiz comforts Sachiko, then turns toward me. "You, you come along too Thomas. And, thank you for your participation."
"Yes, Lady Ortiz." As I scurry my way to the two gals in front of me, Sachiko turns her head back to me while mouthing something I had a hard time understanding.
"I...figured... it…out!"
Little did I know, Sachiko would repeat that same message throughout the next few days. Until finally, during recess, on the following Monday.
"The b-ball's coming y-y-your way Thomas!"
"Go for the three pointer dude!" Nothing like being encouraged by Clarence and my other teammates to make me feel like we have a chance to win this basketball game before recess ends.
"I've got this, mates!" I reach my hands out to receive the pass; confident that I'll make the shot. When suddenly, "YIKES!!" Sachiko appears in front of me; similar to a groundhog shooting up from the ground.
"Ouch!" Serves HER right! The basketball bounced off the back of the girl's head, but that wouldn't stop her from staring at me. Her lavender colored eyes focused; unrelenting.
"T-thomas…ouch. We must talk. Right now!"
"Are you kidding me?! What's the big deal Sachiko? We're in the middle of a game!" I question the younger girl while catching my breath. Without hesitation, she pulls me away from the blacktop, until we're outside of hearing range from the other kids.
"I figured it out." Sachiko says with a smirk that brims with satisfaction and a hint of sneakiness.
"So, THAT'S what you kept saying all week. Bangin! You've just helped me learn how to read lips, Sachiko, you're a lifesaver!" I tell the girl; hoping she'd humor me. Unfortunately, she dodges my thought entirely, and continues.
"Remember back at the Adoption Day Ceremony?"
"Yeah, what of it mate?"
My question is met with Sachiko's walking in circles around me; as if to amuse herself before replying.
"I want to get adopted, and you don't, for some reason. So, I figure it would be delightful if we help each other out."
She's sparked my interest, so I gotta find out more. "Keep it coming gal!"
"Lettuce make a deal! You're awfully good at getting golden stars, why not help me get more? Do that and I'll help you by keeping Lady Ortiz distracted during Adoption Days. Smart, right? You help me get adopted and leave this place, and I'll help you stay here. It's ever so pleasant a plan, wouldn't you agree??!" The girl announces at rapid speed.
Sachiko's plan, it's simple, yes, but what's astounding is how fast she figured out that I don't want to leave the orphanage. What's even more impressive than that is...
"Lettuce."
Sachiko then replies. "Lettuce what, Thomas? Now's not the time for food."
"You're joking! You JUST said it!"
She shakes her head as quickly as she presented her plan.
"Nope. What's important is whether or not you're willing to accept my offer. I can go over it again if you need my help understanding."
This gal… "Smashing idea, innit! I'll be more than happy to accept your offer. 'Lettuce make a deal' Sachiko!"
I lean in to shake Sachiko's little hand only for her to withdraw both of her arms.
"W-we have a deal. Thank you… Thom-as."
Before allowing me the chance to reply, Sachiko quickly turned about face and made her retreat.