Post by fluffyrenegade on Nov 10, 2016 3:58:20 GMT
Outside, the rain poured down and hit the window with a constant pitter-patter. A tiny, dark-skinned girl sat on the window seat and watched the rain pour down. Beside her sat a rather complicated looking pea-shooter made out of a collection of cardboard, straws, duct tape and rubber bands. The small girl sighed, bored of having to sit there with nothing to do but stare out the window. Turning away from the monotonous, constant rain, Abigail picked up her home-made pea shooter and started taking shots at the picture of the Matron. Even though the picture was on the other side of the hall and she had to shoot across the length of her single-occupancy room, Abigail never missed.
It was not that Abigail was an amazing shot, if fact her aim was quite average. However, she had built the pea shooter have perfect sights and aim no matter the skill of the shooter. It was also spring loaded which was difficult to do with only cardboard, straws, duct-tape and rubber bands. Abigail had always had a talent for building and creating things with her hands, were she in better circumstances, the tiny girl would probably be considered a child prodigy. But in a small town orphanage that barely had enough staff to manage all the children, Abigail was considered more of a nuisance than anything else.
Calmly, Abigail adjusted the force of the shot and took aim at the Matron’s nostril and shot. The pea flew across the room, into the hall and embedded itself in the picture; right inside the Matron’s left nostril.
“Nice shot.” Came a voice.
Startled, Abigail look to see a girl peeking into her room. She was older than Abigail and had wild-looking, short, brown hair. The girl looked at the picture then back at Abigail and smiled.
“I’m Eep Browin! What’s your name?” Eep introduced herself.
“Abigail Lincoln. Are you a new orphan? Abigail asked, curious about the older girl.
“Oh no, I’m just visiting.” Eep said.
“Oh, you’re lucky then. You get to leave.” Abigail said as she took aim at the picture once more and shot the Matron’s other nostril.
“Yeah, I guess.” Eep said quietly. “Can I come in?” She asked, brightening once more.
“I’m not gonna stop you.” Abigail said shrugging.
“Really? You won’t shoot me or anything?” Eep said grinning as she walked in and sat beside Abigail.
Abigail smiled at Eep’s question and scouted over to make room for her. “I only shoot annoying people.”
Eep laughed. “Glad to know I’m not annoying.”
Abigail grinned wider. “I’m actually still deciding.” Abigail said with a wink, feeling happier than she had in, well two years. That’s how long her parents had been dead and how long she had been in the orphanage. The two girls chuckled and then fell silent for a moment.
“Hey Abby, can I try your pea-shooter?” Eep asked.
Abigail blinked. No one had never called her Abby before. It felt nice to have a nickname. It felt lighter, happier and more freeing than Abigail. It felt good.
“Sure.” Abby said smiling as she handed over the pea-shooter.
As the wild-haired 12-year old and the tiny 9-year-old talked and got to know each other, elsewhere in the orphanage a kind but sturdy looking man was signing the final papers for the adoption of a young girl that was 9 years of age. The Matron of the orphanage watched as the man signed the last paper and handed it to her.
“Thank you sir.” She said as she began checking them over before filing them away. Then she turned back to gentleman across from her. “Are you sure you don’t want to meet Abigail first sir? I don’t like to speak ill of any of the children here but I must say that Abigail Lincoln can be a difficult child at times. She is rather intelligent and good at making things as you asked for but she is a troublesome child occasionally.
The man smiled at the Matron. “Thank you for the warning Mrs. Parker but I am confident in my choice. In my experience, no child is truly troublesome so much as they are bored or misunderstood. I’m sure in time my new daughter will adjust.”
Standing, Mr. Browin stuck out a hand towards the Matron. Mrs. Parker stood and shook hands with Mr. Browin in parting.
“Besides, I had a trusted source go and meet young Abigail already. She assured me that Abigail was a good kid and a smart one.” He said smiling as he walked out the door.