Silence Must Be Heard

2
The Orphanage

I felt like a lost child and in many ways I was. I had lost my parents, my home, and my belongings. My heart that was completely ripped apart and my insides had turned hollow. I was an empty void in desperate search for something to fill it before I realized the enormity of my actual pain. They had taken my jewelry so I couldn’t bewitch a ring to hold my parents’ picture inside. I had gone numb and had turned into an uncaring drone to take the edge off the pain. But I didn’t know how long it would last.
Saint Caruso’s orphanage had abnormally white walls and was exceedingly clean. It housed orphan kids from birth to age thirteen. My bed was my new home and my only sanctuary. My bed was the top bunk in the back corner of a very long rectangular room full of bunk beds. It was a cold blank room with bright florescent lights and the only window was lined with iron bars right below the foot of my bed. At night it cast scary shadows on the white painted brick walls which did not help my nightmares go away. Each bunk had a large black number painted above it and it had replaced our real names. I was called number three and my real name no longer existed as long as I stayed within these walls. All of us wore the same youth sized nurse scrub attire, boys wore blue and girls wore purple. Go figure. Our days were scheduled for us. There was a time to eat, bathe, and sleep. We had chores everyday and thankfully everyday they were different. During activity time I chose not to participate. I sat by the window and prayed for rain. Rain had a magical element about it and had a way to soothe my worries and in my case it would help ease the pain that still lay raw inside me. It didn’t help that all the windows in the place were lined with the same iron bars as in our bunk room. This was a jail for children and I did not belong here.

The tiniest thing would remind me of my parents or I would randomly remember how warm my mom always felt when she hugged me or how my dad used to laugh. I didn’t care who saw or who talked I let the tears roll down my cheeks. At night though it was a different story. When I closed my eyes all I could see or think of were my parents and most of the time it was in my nightmares. I would cry myself to sleep because of the pain. I vividly saw the red blood on the tile floor, watched the color drain from their faces, and felt their skin turn cold. It got to the point where I didn’t want to sleep anymore which resulted in dark circled and tear swollen eyes. The counselors had tried to help me but all they did was make it worse.
There was only one thing I looked forward to every day in the orphanage; a boy who was called Number Seven. He was the cutest boy I had ever seen. He was my age, a little taller then me, blonde hair, and had bright blue eyes that reminded me of the ocean and made me calm inside. He always had a group of little kids following him around like he was their big brother. He cared for them and watched over them when the adults didn’t. It was clear that those kids loved him a lot and trusted him that only made me like him more. Every time I had the chance I watched him. He distracted me from the pain. I wondered how long he had been stuck here. Why hadn’t he been adopted yet? Every time I laid my eyes on him he would catch my gaze at least once and sometimes he would stare back for at least a minute or longer. Usually that kind of eye contact would make me turn away embarrassed but I had nothing to lose and I just didn’t care any more.
At meal time we sat in a large cafeteria and I would watch the girls fight over who sat closest to Number Seven. I didn’t care where I sat just as long as I could see him. I knew there was something different about him; he had to be part of the magical world somehow either a vampire or witch, maybe even a mix. Although mixed breeds were rare. Werewolves were never that attractive from what my parents had told me and from what I read they were dirty and manipulative.

I took my usual spot against the wall during activity time next to the window. It had been a month and it hadn’t rained once. I had given up on my prayers because I figured God wasn’t listening to me anymore. He didn’t listen to me before he took my parents so why would he listen now? All I wanted was for it to rain so I could feel it on my hands and feel its healing powers. I could hear Number Seven playing with the kids making them giggle. I watched him instead of the mockingly sunny day outside. His eyes met mine and I felt the pain inside lift just barely but enough to enjoy. Who was he really? Maybe I should work up the guts and just go ask him?
“Seven? You who?” one of the smaller boys waved his hand in front of Number Seven’s eyes.
Seven immediately snapped out of our gaze and continued to play with the little kids. Maybe he felt something too?
All the kids screamed and I jumped when suddenly there was a loud crash outside and the building shook with the tremendous thundering sky above. I looked outside and my mouth dropped open to see dark clouds that seemed to have come out of nowhere. The rain was suddenly pouring and splattering hazardously against the windows. I jumped up to the window gripping the iron bars,
“Rain!” I said joyfully, “Finally!”
I could hear one of the two counselors in the back of the room whisper,
“I think that’s the first time she’s really spoken since she’s been here…”
I shook the bars and tried pushing on the windows. Couldn’t they at least open? This was a facility not a jail!
“Number Three! Please stop! Get away from the windows.” I heard one of the counselors say firmly.
The room went quiet. I put my hands down to my sides and looked back at the woman. She was not pleasant looking; tall, odd shaped, with long brown hair parted down the middle that laid flat against her skull and had dark circles under her eyes like mine but hers drooped.
“Why don’t you join in on the activities?” She asked me.
My mouth went into a straight line and I shook my head slowly. I could hear the rain fall against the world outside with freedom and power. I felt the energy of the storm circulate through my body and it felt good. The rain poured harder as my anger grew. I didn’t think I could control it this time.
“Why are there bars on the windows?” I asked, “Don’t they open?”
“No they don’t. You’re not allowed.” She answered annoyed.
I closed my eyes and clenched my fists. I wished with all my heart my parents were here. I couldn’t even feel the rain anymore… I couldn’t see their smiling faces again. The pain in my chest multiplied. The start of tears stung my dry puffy eyes. I didn’t like rules and I didn’t like to be controlled. God was cruel to have taken them and put me here.
“Number Three, do you want extra chores? I’m sure one of the little ones would like to give you one of their duties.” The counselor suggested.
Silent tears burned down my cheeks,
“No, I don’t want extra chores,” I said curtly.
The rain beat harder against the glass. Some of the kids backed away from the windows and Number Seven’s group crowded behind him. The storm was getting worse. Lightning flashed and as it did I heard the glass of the windows shatter and break. Everyone flinched and stepped back except for me. The rain was pelting through the glass and I knew it was all because I had lost control.
“Three!? Get away from the windows!!” The woman yelled.
I gave her a hateful glare. I stood with my back to the broken windows and I faced the shocked group of kids and two counselors. I reached out to the two doors that were the only way in and out of the room and with the angry energy overflowing throughout my body I let the magic flow out of my hands and lock the doors. I didn’t want to dissolve more memories then the ones inside the room with me. They all stared at me with open mouths all except for Number Seven. He watched me with such a sad expression, almost as sad as mine. Could he feel the pain I felt? More tears seared down my face as we stared at each other. I wished he could take away the pain. I wished he would reach out. I wished for a miracle that would not come. I was alone and would remain that way for as long as I was in here. The thunder boomed and more glass shattered to the floor. I spread my hands out to my sides and felt the wet of the rain on my open palms. I lifted my head and felt the rain on my face. I exhaled and sobbed out loud,
“Thank you,” as if to the rain and not to God.
The rain sent healing vibrations throughout my tense muscles and instantly I was more relaxed and calm. I breathed deep and wiped the tears from my face.
“What are you?” the other counselor asked, bewildered.
“Pretty eyes…” one of the little girls whispered as she clung to Number Seven.
My green eyes illuminated sometimes when I lost control. I took a couple more deep breathes and looked at Number Seven one last time before I would wipe out the group’s memory of the last few minutes. I felt sad that he would forget what I was capable of. For the first time I wanted someone to remember but it had to be done.
I placed my palms together, my right palm up and my left palm down so that my arms were parallel to the floor. I rubbed my hands together to get extra energy flowing because I had to mend the windows in the process or there’d be more complications after then when I started with. Tiny red sparks flew out from my rubbing palms making the little kids gasp in awe. I had to act quickly before anyone made any rash moves. I lifted my hands twisting them together to a praying position and said,
“Anapolo!...”
I could feel the energy magnetize my hands together and I knew it was working. I watched as time slowed and the rain fell slowly but the shards of glass floated up from the floor to the exact places they had fallen from. The rain was quickly blocked out of the room again as the windows mended itself. Once I knew the final piece of glass was off the floor I continued,
“…Kai!...” I twisted my palms back down so that my right palm faced down instead of up and a red light began to shine out from between my palms,
“…Ekrizono!” I finished with my arms parallel to the floor.
The energy only took half a second to intensify between my palms then I forced my hands apart vertically. A small explosion erupted from my hands and a strong and swift wave of red energy rippled out and touched every soul in the room, everyone except for Number Seven. Time was still slowed and I saw Number Seven lift his hand in time to block it and the wave of energy did not go through him like it should have. I knew my concentration was right on and I had made a point to myself to rid the memory from him.
“Ivy…” Number Seven whispered.
What did he just say? I stared at him in shock. The ripple evaporated as it hit the walls of the room and time was restored back to normal speed. The counselors and kids blinked in confusion.
“Number three, get away from the windows.” The counselor repeated.
I pried my eyes away from Number Seven and looked at the counselor. I walked up to her,
“I’m sorry Counselor. May I please use the restroom pass?” I asked politely with a smile.
She smiled at me awkwardly and handed me the pass that was in her pocket. The awkward silence was broken by the kids as they started to play again. On my way out I hesitated at the door and looked at Number Seven again. Did he really just say my real name? How could he know? He didn’t turn to look so I left the room quickly. I walked the long vacant halls to the girl’s bathroom. I passed the door and turned the corner to a more secluded wing where no one usually walked at this time of day. I leaned against the wall and watched the rain from outside the tiny window of the small corridor. I knew the tears would come soon after I had cast the charm and I wept silently.
I should have died with my parents.
Why did I live?
Was this God’s way of making me stronger? There were other ways.
Why did he have to take them away?
My motivation to live was dying.
I wrapped my arms around me and rubbed my arms. I could see there dead blank faces and remembered the coldness of their skin and the pain in my chest stabbed again.
“I hate you God…” I sobbed shaking my head.
I jumped to feel a touch on my shoulder. I turned to see Number Seven standing next to me. I hadn’t stood this close to him before and was speechless to see his eyes were even more breath-taking up close. The pain in my chest was magically gone. He just stared back at me. Did he remember my spell? I flinched as he reached up with both hands and pulled me toward him. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight. I think the air in my lungs disappeared and I felt the butterflies kick up a notch. The last person to hug me was my mom and that was over a month ago. I had forgotten what it felt like.
“It’s okay. You can relax. I’m your friend.” He said quietly.
I took in a deep breath,
“I know.” I barely choked out.
I unfroze my arms and wrapped them around him. It was like the damn in my eyes had finally broken and I cried harder then I have ever cried before. He held me tight the whole time and did not let go. I started to believe he was a figment of my imagination. How could a twelve year old boy be this nice? Why would he care so much about me? I was so broken. But I held onto him as tight as he held onto me. Unbelievable it was like heaven in his arms.
He rubbed my back as I tried to calm myself but still suffered from the sobbing shudders. He released his hold and faced me rubbing my arms and gave a cute crooked smile.
“Are you real?” I asked wiping my puffy eyes.
He smiled,
“Yeah… Are you? I haven’t seen one like you in a long time.”
“One like me?”
He leaned in a little closer and whispered,
“A witch.”
I hesitated for a moment,
“You saw that? You remember?”
“It was kinda hard to miss.”
“How did you do that then? Are you a wizard?”
“No…”
“What are you?”
This time he stepped closer touching my arms,
“It doesn’t matter what I am. Can you do something for me?” he whispered.
“Ye-..Sh-... Sure.” I stuttered
“Please don’t cry … I know what you lost and I know what it feels like. But you are more powerful then you think.” He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me again, “You will find a home again. Don’t give up.” He breathed into my ear.
I wasn’t aware that the butterflies in my stomach could fly so fast. I had to repeat what he had just said in my head because my listening capabilities went out the window when he touched me again.
“Live… for me,” he whispered, “Promise me… so I can see you again.” He moved his head just so he made eye contact with me. I was frozen locked in his hold never wanting to move.
“You want to see me again?” I asked bewildered.
“Yeah I do…” he smiled, “I like you…Now promise me.” He finished firmly.
“Okay, I promise, only to see you again.” I whispered back nervously. I couldn’t keep my hands from shaking as they gripped the back of his shirt.
He looked at me intensely with his brilliant blue eyes and smiled,
“I’m nervous too,” he laughed.
I remembered to breathe,
“I don’t think you’re real.” I blurted out.
We laughed together nervously and giddily. He slowly pulled me closer and looked from my eyes to my lips. I swear my heart was going to explode and the butterflies in my stomach had gone into hyper speed. I prayed,
Please let this boy be real, let him be real. I swear with all my heart I’ll find him again.
I closed my eyes and felt his lips touch mine which were soft and warm. His hand found its way into my hair and twirled a lock of my hair in his fingers. I somehow felt the feeling come back into my arms and I pulled him closer. I had died and gone to heaven instead of hell. Then he pulled his lips from mine and kissed me again and again. I felt my spine and shoulders relax with each kiss. He smiled his glorious smile and I kissed him on the cheek returning the smile.
“Wow,” he said, “you have a beautiful smile.”
“Thank you. So do you.” I replied as I blushed.
“You should definitely smile more often.” He added.
“Seriously, how old are you? You act a lot older then twelve.” I said.
His expression became puzzled,
“You know I get that a lot. But really I’m only twelve, just like you.”
We laughed. He dropped his arms and held my hands in his.
“How do you know my real name?” I asked.
He tapped his head with his finger,
“You told me in here.”
It took me a moment to realize what he was implying. I couldn’t find the words to speak with.
“You look confused?” he whispered.
“Um… How did I? Did I transfer my thoughts? I-?”
“I think you did. I told you Miss LaBell, you’re more powerful then you think.”
I smiled to hear him say my last name. He smiled back.
“Please tell me your real name.” I whispered.
“My name is -.”
BAM! We both jumped to the sudden slam of a door from around the corner. All had been quiet except for the rain but we knew it was the activity room door.
“Go check the restroom! See if she’s okay!” echoed one of the counselors.
“Remember your promise!” Seven whispered quickly and kissed my hand. He turned and disappeared around the corner.

My heart plummeted and I felt my chest turn hallow again. I didn’t want him to leave; I didn’t want him to ever leave. He was a miracle, an unimaginable twelve year old who wanted to see me again. His words repeated in my head,
You will find a home again. Don’t give up. Live…for me. Promise me.
I could hear the footsteps of the counselor getting closer. I had to remember to breathe. I walked around the corner and almost ran into her.
“Oh! There you are!” The counselor said surprised, “Come on, its lunch time now.”
I handed back the restroom pass and walked with her to the cafeteria.

I fell into the lunch line and went through the motions but kept my eyes on the door waiting for Number Seven to file into the cafeteria with the rest of the kids. It wasn’t until five minutes after I was seated that he finally walked in with a counselor right behind him. Did he get in trouble? I watched him waiting to for his eyes to connect with mine. The counselor left him in line to get his food and he sat in his usual spot with the group of little kids he looked after surrounded by girls. Why wasn’t he looking for me? I felt a painful tug at my heart. I tried to eat but with each bite my stomach turned more and more.
“Ivy.” Seven’s voice was suddenly inside my head.
I looked up alert and found his eyes staring right at me. Was he transferring his thoughts too?
“Ivy…I will miss you…”
What was he talking about? I noticed he was holding a yellow piece of paper; the yellow piece of paper that you get when you had been adopted. I couldn’t breathe. No. Not now! Why did it have to be now?! A counselor tapped him on the shoulder and whispered something and Seven quickly hugged the small boy next to him and got up and left with the counselor. He was leaving now? But he couldn’t! My feelings quickly overruled my logical thinking and I stood up automatically and made my way to the door. The rules were that we weren’t allowed to get up once we sat down with our food until it was time to go. I could feel the shocked stares of several counselors that sat along the wall of the cafeteria but that did not stop me.
“Number Three?!” a counselor yelled.
I shoved the heavy door open out of the cafeteria and broke into a full on sprint down the hallway cutting corners until I made it to the point where I could see the front office. Through the windows I saw Number Seven smiling and standing with a young couple with there hands on Seven’s shoulders talking to the head of the orphanage. They must have been his new parents. The woman wore a nice dress with heels and pretty jewelry and the man wore a black suit and tie, they looked rich. Seven was so lucky! Why didn’t he tell me? Maybe that was why he made me promise? Because he knew he was leaving? I wasn’t sure.
I hugged the wall for support from crumbling to my knees and crying. I had a feeling that this kind of thing would keep happening to me. This being happiness or hope only lasting a few hours at a time and those times being very… very spread out. I wish I could’ve gotten his name! How would I find him again if I didn’t know his name!?
Seven!
He turned his head and found me peering out from the corner outside the office window. He smiled his crooked smile,
“Remember your promise…”
I nodded sadly.
“I will find you Ivy…” his voice echoed in my head.
A hand tapped his shoulder and his attention was redirected from me. I watched the head of the orphanage actually hug Number Seven and shook hands with the couple.
“There you are!” a voice boomed behind me making me jump.
“No!” the word escaped my mouth, “Seven…”
The counselor grabbed my arm and started to pull me away but I held onto the corner of the wall. At that moment the office door opened and Seven and his new parents walked out. Seven caught my eyes as a reached for him,
“Seven!”
“Ivy!” he shouted back.
I was yanked away around the corner and out of sight,
“I won’t forget my promise!” I yelled.
“It’ll be okay Ivy!” he yelled back.
The counselor yanked me again forcing me to turn and walk,
“Bye…” I whispered.
The tears came quickly stinging my eyes. The counselor was crushing my arm in her bony grip. She put me into an empty room with a tiny iron gated window that was too far up to look out of. This had to be where they put kids that misbehaved but I was the only one in there. I sat in the corner and cried and watched the daylight transition to night.

Instead of being tortured by the nightmares I lied awake and thought about Number Seven and how perfect our kisses were. I’m thankful I even got one kiss. The very thought of him lifted the pain but still I cried, sad that he was gone and I had no idea when I’d see him again. At least I would see him again. I wondered how he fit into the magical world. He was able to deflect my charm and transfer his thoughts, but he said he wasn’t a wizard. The only other breed that could possibly do those things was a vampire, but how could he mature that fast? But he couldn’t have been a vampire either because he wasn’t cold to the touch and he had a heartbeat! And his lips were very warm. I gave up on my twenty questions and cleared my head and thought of nothing but our kiss. How it felt, how he felt, and how he smiled. I drifted in and out of dreams of Number Seven until late morning when the counselors finally let me out.
Number Seven was right about me finding a new home; I just didn’t realize how soon was soon. Two weeks passed and an older couple had taken an interest in me and decided I was right for them. Their names were Gary and Suzette Williamson and I liked them because I could feel a peaceful aura around them. They offered a life for me and space to heal with open arms. I was excited to start a new life and I would keep my promise to Number Seven. I would live and not give up so I could see him again.

I didn’t know it would take six years….