Chapter 3 Three.

Few times in my childhood had I been interviewed for adoption. I feel I wasn't the happiest of kids, more like the solitude and reticent kind. Some girls I grew up with back then were all adopted and I wasn't, in all five, made me feel unwanted. I withdrew deeper into my shell.

But seems things were about to change. Just this morning Sister Maryanne burst into the room to inform me that later this evening a couple was coming over and with their description of a daughter as they already had two sons, so Sister told me. I was the one opted by the nuns. This was supposed to be good news but I just couldn't embrace the fact that I'd leave the place I had lived my whole life! My mother figures in the nuns and father figures in the priests who did visit us once a while, or the fact that I might never see Lily or Bertha ever again.

I overthought till my temples hurt, my day moved so slowly with niether Bertha, Lily or I saying a word to each other. We just stayed in silence, I knew they were damn happy that I was going to meet my forever family but not seeing each other again? No one said anything about it.

Soon enough school was over and I was back at the Phage, I was preparing as quick as I could because the couple was going to be here anytime soon. Lily and Bertha helped me with my dressing.

I could decide to ruin this interview right? That way, I'd not be adopted and can stay here longer with the girls.

But that was silly, like Superior would say "We all love you and the girls here so much, but this can't be your forever family. Like the bird leaves the nest to the outer world, you, Jemma must one day leave the Home to the outer world. Don't be afraid of anything Jemma, you'll shine brighter than the sun." Superior would say stuff like these regularly when I was younger and couldn't sleep or cried when a friend was adopted.

"You look beautiful girl, don't ruin this" Lily took my hands in her's and looked me straight in the eye.

"We're sisters till the end. This is what we've always wanted, to be adopted, and yours is here, grab it with both hands, okay?" Bertha spoke and hugged me, Lily joined in. We stayed like that till a knock came and Sister Maryanne's voice came through muffled calling me down to come meet the couple in Superior's office

I did my breathing drill to calm myself down. I walked to the door, turned around, smiled back to the girls and walked out closing the door softly.

Calm down Jemma, this is just the interview

"An interview that could change my life permanently" I mumbled to myself as I climbed down the staircase.

I arrived at the office, knocked and let myself in.

The first face I met was Superior's and the two seats which was on the left hand of Superior's table was occupied by a couple; the lady had a warm aura by main looking. She had a large afro which was bound together by a peach hair tie, brown glistening skin which was flawless, peach nail polish was laid on her finger nails. She was dressed in suit with peach heels.

Her husband who sat beside her with her hands on his thighs was looking quite serious and seemed to be scrutinizing me. He too was downed on suit, he had his hair cut neatly and was handsome for his age, mid forties I think and his wife mid thirties. They were influential, that wasn't something to argue.

I realized I was openly staring and immediately diverted my gaze to Superior.

"Sit down, Jem" Superior offered

I nodded and occupied the seat on the right hand of Superior's table so I was opposite the couple, who might or might not become my new parents.

"Jemma meet Mr and Mrs Anigal" Superior introduced us

I bowed slightly "Good evening, it's a pleasure to finally meet you" I spoke and offered the best smile I could.

"Oh darling, it's our pleasure. You look beautiful" Mrs Anigal gushed.

I like this woman already.

"Thank you ma'am, you do look exquisite too. The necklace does bring out your eyes" I smiled gesturing to the silver necklace on her neck.

"Oh it does? Thank you" she replied touching the necklace.

I nodded and let my eyes drift to her husband who was silent watching the interaction

"Jemma?" He asked still looking serious

Something in his ass?

"Yes sir" I answered

"Beautiful name. What grade are you in?"

I'm sure he already knows all that because I wouldn't believe they didn't read my portfolio with a summary of my life

"Senior secondary school one sir"

"Not bad" he looked back at Superior who was taking notes down.

A head peeked through the door, Sister Agatha's.

"Mother Superior, one minute please"

"Pardon me, I'll be back" and Superior wasn't in the room any longer, leaving me with Mr and Mrs Anigal

"Our daughter died just a week after she was born" Mrs Anigal who I later learnt to be Camilla spoke up after few minutes of silence.

"We tried everything we could to save her but no avail. Two years later I was pregnant with another girl who turned out to be an angel child" she smiled sadly as a tear escaped and her husband's gripped her hand.

"I'm so sorry" I sympathized

"No, no it's okay. I just... Seeing you made me feel happy of some sort, a mother's happiness and I...I...I "she began hiccupping.

Some people really did cry easily.

Her husband Paul hugged her tenderly to his side and I sympathized once more. What else could I do!?

"Jemma, my wife here loved you immediately you walked in, we don't want to pass off as people who are trying to manipulate you or anything but it'd be an honour if you gave us the pleasure of being your parents" Paul spoke slowly rubbing Camilla's back

Was it only his wife who loved me? Didn't he?

"I... I..." I tried to string words to form a sentence

Camilla raised her head to gaze at me "It's okay, you have all the time in the world to think about it, hunny" she offered me a sad smile.

Superior walked in, understanding what was going on didn't even ask. Few moments later I was dismissed.

I walked straight to the room and lay on my bed, the girls weren't here. I tried to think but fell asleep rather but one thought was on my mind.

It was time to unlock another chapter of my life.

Soon I'd be an Anigal.

I don't know how long I slept but when I woke up, Lily and Bertha where sleeping soundly on thier beds.

The room was dark. I felt around till I finally turned on my lamp although I felt something like a portfolio beside it, I ignored it. I slipped out of bed, wore my flip flops, grabbed my phone, turned off the lamp and used my phone as source of light.

I slipped out to the kitchen to grab something to eat getting there I met Sister Maryanne feeding Stacie who looked like she'd been crying but immediately she saw me she spread her arms for me to hug her.

Aww, my heart.

"Sister" I approached hugging Stacie and lifting her up the kitchen island Sister had set her on.

"She had a nightmare, then became hungry" Sister walked over the sink to drop the plate Stacie used. "How was the interview?" Sister Maryanne inquired prying Stacie gently out of my hold so I could grab what I wanted to eat.

I walked over to the fridge and pulled out a yoghurt "it was okay, I guess" I shrugged and leaned on the island to take a swig of my yoghurt

"You like them?" She pushed further rocking Stacie who had began to sulk back to sleep.

I and Sister Maryanne was so close you'd think she was my aunt or elder sister even. We had a very strong bond after all she was the one who found my by the gate and named me Jemma.

"Yes I do actually, they give off homey feels" I said corking the empty yoghurt bottle and threw it in a bin.

Sister Maryanne remained silent

I walked out a little, paused and rounded back to embrace Sister Maryanne, trying not to push Stacie off her grip. She understood the unspoken words.

"You'll be fine Jem, we're always here anytime for you." She soothed

"Goodnight Sister" I ran up the stairs to the room got in bed and drifted off to a dreamless sleep.

Tomorrow I'd read the portfolio I found by my pillow.