Chapter Text
Everyone has a secret self they don't show to other people. Not to friends, not to lovers, not even to family. And thus the world I hide who I am and they hide who they are. What they want from me and what behind these lies and painted smiles they show to me everytime our eyes collide.
How this story begin?
In my case, I recall that day as if it were yesterday. It's unusual to have a visitor who wants to adopt a tenageer. To be more specific, it's nearly impossible. Parents are drawn to young children rather than strange grown girls. Especially those who are cute and behave well. However, the fact that I had spent almost my entire life in this orphanage made those parents doubt my existence. It's usual to think I was a problematic child or sometimes they thought I was cursed.
But there's one exception.
On my 15th birthday, a gentleman has came to our orphanage. His request is straightforward. He desired to adopt a child on his terms. One of them is that he requires someone who can read and write and is between the ages of 15 and 16.
I don't want to admit it was a coincidence, but no matter how hard I try. It's an extremely unlucky request.
I am the only one who fulfilled his simple terms and conditions.
Dammit.
To be honest, I no longer want to be adopted. This is not my first, second, or even fifth adoption. My adoptive parents have all been irresponsible and have always abandoned me in the end. I don't want to relive those dreadful days and memories.
"Mr. Forger, this is Anya. She's the oldest child here and also the smartest. Eventhough she doesn't speak much but she's obedient and a good kid."
That corrupted man who always stole money from orphanages introduced me to a man with blonde hair and grey orbs. His expression is cold, and he makes no attempt to smile at me. He just stands there staring at me silently.
"Greeting, Mr. Forger. My name is Anya, nice to meet you."
His eyes look empity, like he has no idea why he was here. Yet, he still tried to ask me further.
I am not sure he really comes here to adopt a child because his parental desire, he doesn't look like someone who wants to give orphan girl a sincere affections. To be precise, he more like needs me for his own benefit.
"Anya, how old are you?"
"I turned 15 last month, Sir."
"You seems much too small to be 15."
Did he think I was lying?
"Sorry for answering on Anya's behalf. But, as you can see, Mr. Forger, our orphanage is in poverty, and we are unable to provide nutritious meals for the children, which has hampered their growth."
That middle aged man interrupted Mr. Forger. He must have so much brave to admit how poor our orphanage is. Didn't he think it would lead to people assuming he was corrupt?
"I see, then perhaps she's really 15 years old."
He muttered, this time I don't say anything. I mean, I don't need to persuade him to adopt me. It would be preferable if he left this place sooner. So, let's see how much time he spends here.
"Anya, would you be able to answer these questions"
He lends me a newspaper, there's a crossword puzzle that still in blank state. However, it's so easy for me to answer it.
One down is "Hommeostasis". One across is "Causal closure" and bellow that is " Symolectomorphism ".
I can read his thoughts. So, I think I'll answer everything incorrectly and disappoint him now so he can leave me soon. However, I hear another voice in his head.
My mission is to start a family; I don't want to be in this situation either, but I must. This has put me in a dangerous situation and now determines the course of my life.
Mission?
He doesn't want to adopt me in the first place, but he should?
What does it mean that his life is in danger?
Should I answer this correctly?
Should I do it?
In the past, I was test subject "007".
I posessed the ability to read minds. I had been made thus by accident an unintended consequence of research experiments conducted by a certain organization. Eventhough I had escaped from that facility, I ended moving from institution to another, seeking someone to take care of me all these years.
And I admit living in this orphanage is not pleasant, but I lack the courage to be adopted after experiencing many unfortunate things before.
However, seeing Mr. Forger's thought makes me reconsider it.
He doesn't expect me to be his lovely child, nor does he expect me to be his true child; he just wants me to act like I am. He only requires my assistance to carry out his duty, his mission.
Then perhaps he will not abandon or leave me if I complete my task flawlessly.
But I need to know what his true intention and mission are.
I think, he's not a bad choice at all.
I see.
Then perhaps I should correctly answer these questions. I hope Mr. Forger isn't deceiving me, and that he won't abandon me like others have.
***
Mission 1 : Getting a daugther
"Listen, Anya. Since today you'll be my child. And remember, as far as everyone else is corcerned, you have always been my child. Is that clear?"
He means, I should act like I was his born children instead of adoptive one?
"Yes, it is."
I know this is completely wrong for me to act like his real child in the first place. But it's an order, like I always experience I should obey all orders and I have no right to against it.
"And you should adress me as father as the elite do."
"Yes, father."
Indeed, I have no excuse to say. Essentially, I just sold my freedom to him, being his children and do everthing like his order to me.
"Very well."
He nods and walks away, leaving me behind. I raise my eyes to the sky. What is different now? Did I make the correct decision or vice versa?
***
Illustration :
22nd May, 2022.