FOUR YEARS LATER
Holding the twins on both sides and and at the same time increasing my pace, I hastened to the
bus stop. The twins; Lucas and Liam. Two years after I had been adopted , the twins arrived.
That was a whole period of celebration. They were identical. Though they had but a slight
difference. They had just turned two a month ago. Most of the domestic duties were left to me
especially for the fact that my parents were busy people. While mum was a receptionist at a
hotel,dad was an accountant. However much work was done during school days where I had to
get up as early as possible, get the twins ready, arrange their breakfast and as well prepare
myself too. Though mum assisted sometimes. After we were ready for school,we took the bus. I
had to learn manage my time efficaciously. The post school hours was one period I struggled to
maximize. Will I watch them play I hurried over my assignment simultaneously on some
fortunate days, they took their siesta giving me more than enough break. Every other day was
hectic and strenuous.
How things had changed in a short time never ceased to amaze me.
The loose thread in my dress tickled my legs at the mercy of the alleviating breeze. That minor
occurrence had snapped me back to the present out of my thoughts.
Life was full of ups and downs.
Mum and dad's attitude gradually changed towards me. It did take a while but with time I get
to know that the previous genuine care was absent. Shortening the long story,I was kicked out of
the house. It was a really horrendous experience.
That day dad had returned from a business trip and we had vacated for that academic session.
We were about to have dinner so I chose to present my result to him.
". Dad here's my result."
He barely looked up from what he was doing."dad…"
That day had been the last day I ever remained under that roof. I could hardly forget the words dad said to me."you are only an adopted child, you fool!"
I was fortunate to have retraced my steps back to the orphanage.
I sat pondering, thinking and wondering. What had really happened in the last four years.
Like never before I wished I could change the hands of clock. I wished the parents who had
thrown me out of the house never chose to adopt me in the first place. I wished Sister Theresa
had refused to let me go.
" dear…" Her tall slender frame stood before me as I lifted my head. Promptly,I stood up. I
wanted to speak but there was a lump in my throat that triggered tears that were clouding my
eyes. I didn't want to look at her face because I was afraid those warm eyes of hers would see
through me. I wanted to call her name imitating the melody with which she called mine.
"Stella, everything will be alright." she knew I had a lot to say. I knew she had not expected to
see me. Right there. At that hour. In that condition.
". Thank you, Sister Theresa." that was all I could voice out.
" You are welcome dear." she smiled again. She had aged a little in the last few years. She was
probably in her early forties. While she had the assisting nurses make accommodation for me,
she led me out and we took a walk to the church within the vicinity though a few distances away.
". You know…" she touched my hair affectionately." God does His things in a peculiar way
that at times it's really hard to understand Him."
I couldn't get where she was headed to but I remained silent.
" God is not a man, Stella. He isn't. Don't question Him no matter what happens. No matter
how difficult things turn out to seem." we sat on the pew facing the statue of Jesus. She took my
hands in hers. "I understand your predicament, dear."
Four years had passed like there were nothing. Still fumbling with the strand of my hair, I
heaved a near silent sigh. The past had treated me so badly. How much more the future?'
Well being back at the orphanage and picking up from where I collapsed. I sought for a new
path. A new dream. Ambition. Sister Theresa had always taught us to seek God's direction
whenever we desired to take steps in life.