Chapter 61: Chapter 61

CHAPTER 61

SARA

“See who’s glowing!” Sara heard Ariel say as she walked towards her table at the school’s cafeteria.

This was the first time they were seeing this morning as she had not been in the hostel when Sara had come back this morning from Christian’s house.

As she had sneaked back in rather into the shelter, and at the reminder of last night, a blush found its way up her cheeks, and her caramel colored cheeks turned dark pink.

She shaked her head, trying to use her hair to cover some parts of her face, so Ariel wouldn’t notice and tease her.

“Hey girl.” She greeted.

“Just look at someone…” Ariel squealed loudly, attracting stares from children and matrons passing and Sara just shaked her head.

She was not surprised at Ariel’s behavior and at the same time, she just didn’t want this kind of drama today.

“Shhhhh…” Sara said, placing a hand on her lips, trying to shut Ariel up, but her efforts proved abortive.

“What, come let’s get somewhere to seat. I need to know every detail about yesterday. You left the shelter without informing me, damn girl…” Ariel said, lowering her voice as she said the last part, not wanting the matrons to hear her.

Together they walked outside, to the shelter’s garden, and finding a quiet and serene place to sit, they both sat down.

“Sorry o didn’t tell you about my leave last night… I was just missing him and I went to…”

“Don’t worry about explaining that, I can relate. I get that kind of feeling with Daniel too. Even though we’re still getting to know each other newly, I still miss him everytime I think.” Ariel said interjecting Sara and giving her a dreamy look.

Sara was really happy for her friend.

“Despite the hard times you tried to give him, ik happy you both worked out for each other.”

“I am too. Besides the stressing him out was worth it…” Ariel said giving Sara a wink as she continued, “He should know that I am not a cheap one.”

“Whatever…” Sara snorted, chuckling.

Still smiling, Ariel coaxed Sara into telling her details of her visit last night at Christian’s house.

Sara obligingly told her some stuffs, and what her and Christian had discussed.

She even told Ariel, how Christian’s family had made her feel so at home last night, and how…

Oh how she wish she had a family of her own.

With a smile she told Ariel stuffs, but still she kept their most private moments all to herself, choosing to disclose the illicit things Christian had done to her.

“You’ll be 17 soon, you know that right?” Ariel asked laying a subtle reminder to Sara, that she would be clocking a new year in the coming months.

She was not getting any younger, they were not getting any younger, and suddenly she started feeling nostalgic.

“Well…” Sara shrugged, and just dismissed the topic, and thankfully for her Ariel didn’t talk about it.

“Guess what though?” Ariel asked her again, jumping up and down in her feets, even as she was seated and Sara rolled her eyebrows.

Anytime Ariel had this particular look that she had on her face now, it was evident that she wanted saying a gossip.

“What is it? Just get it over and done with okay?” Sara said, folding her arms as she waited for Ariel to finish what she had to say.

“You have no idea do you?” Ariel said again, keeping Sara in suspense.

One that she certainly didn’t want.

“There are rumors that that bitch Dinah is going to leave the shelter soon.”

“That’s not a rumour, I think I’ve heard that news somewhere.” Sara replied and Ariel said again, “Yeah it’s not a rumour anymore, but I’m not sure you heard about how she was humiliated by the head matron. They wanted throwing her things away too you have no idea. I couldn’t stop laughing all through.”

“Ariel!” Sara exclaimed as Ariel started laughing.

This was good news not just for them alone, but for almost every pliant kid in the shelter.

No more bullying…

No more taunts…

No more snatching of foods, and molestation…

It was indeed the best news, most children in the orphanage was getting now, and Sara knew that she and Ariel were not just the only ones that wanted Diane out of the shelter.

“Come to think of it…” Ariel started to say, cutting through Sara’s floating thoughts, “Seems Dinah’s reign is dwindling down. She has reduced the way she misbehaves and makes tantrums in the shelter, and she’s also leaving the shelter soon. Also her circle is dwindling down, as Miranda is no more a part of her bully team.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Sara said, agreeing to what Arie was saying.

She had been having the thought too, and deep in her heart she prayed that all these subtle signs would be an eye opener for Dinah.

Everyone saw her as a bully, and even though Sara did see her as one, there was this small part of her that advocated for Dinah’s change.

Whatever trauma she had gone through in the past, that had shaped her into behaving badly, well Sara prayed that she would overcome it.

All Sara ever wanted in her life, and for her loved ones and even her enemies was peace, love and nothing less than those two things.

“Speaking of Miranda…” Ariel said pointing at someone walking towards them, “Here she comes…”

There was a smile on the chubby girl’s cheek as she walked towards them, and Sara smiled back at her too.

“Hello…” Miranda greeted albeit shyly at them.

Together, they both welcomed her with their greetings too.

After their talk in the church the last time they had seen in church, Sara could attest to the fact that she and Ariel had become close with Miranda.

They were both learning that behind the façade Miranda had put on back then when she was Dinah, hidden in her were parts of a quirky and fun teenager who as always loved eating.

Sara was happy of their growing friendship, and just like she always prayed she hoped it would blossom into one of trust and respect.

“I was just standing over there eating, a d I saw you guys. Don’t know if you both would allow me join you?” Miranda proceeded to ask slowly, and Sara smiling replied, “Of course…”

They made space for her on the little bench they were seated on, and soon she occupied her large self in their middle.

“So what’s up?” Ariel asked her, and just about them they started talking about everything and nothing, as they got to know about Miranda more.

They were still talking when a young girl of about 10 maybe walked up to them and began distributing a flyer or ticket rather.

“What’s that?” Sara asked looking at the young girl, who smiled and started to answer but Miranda cut in.

“It’s the annual teenagers festival or carnival hosted in the city every three year. It’s totally free and it’s going to take place soon…”

Sara looked at Ariel who stared back at her in shock, as this was the first time they were hearing of this.

Suddenly Ariel squealed excitedly, “Wow! This is going to be fun! Sara we’re definitely going.”

She was still jumping excitedly, and even Sara joined in, because she was also going to attend.

She had missed attending concerts, just like this one and…

“What’s wrong Miranda? You look upset or sad is it? What is it? Are you not happy about the carnival?” Ariel asked Miranda, who was still staring at the ticket in her hands.

She opened her mouth to say something, but she closed it again, and Sara could see that she was struggling hard to say something.

“What is it Miranda?” Sara asked calmly, and placed her hands around her shoulders, but Miranda just nodded and said to them, “It’s nothing Sara… It’s nothing Ariel.”