Twisted paths

Chapter 2: The Adoption

It was a radiant Thursday morning, the first day of the new year. The gentle breeze caressed the surroundings, while the trees swayed joyfully. It was as though the atmosphere seemed elated for the arrival of a new child.

Mr. Carter woke up with a sense of anticipation and happiness. He eagerly looked forward to meeting his new child. He promptly reached for his phone and dialed the orphanage to remind them of his visit.

"Sir, how could we possibly forget such an esteemed adopter like yourself?" The caregiver, Kate, praised him.

"We have reserved the most well-behaved children for you. All you need to do is make your choice, and we'll do everything in our power to fulfill your wishes," Kate pushed further.

She had to convince him so he wouldn't call off his appointment like he did the last time.

This wasn't the first time the Carters were trying to adopt a child. The first time they tried it, Anna put up a scene threatening to commit suicide if a child of unknown identity comes into their lives.

"Kate, you always know how to charm me," Mr. Carter replied with a wide smile. "Thank you so much, Kate. I know I've been a bit demanding, but you keep being patient with me."

"Well, I don't mind, sir," Kate said with a slight frown on her face, her voice filled with a sense of doubt and uncertainty. "As long as you don't cancel our appointment later today." She blurted out, wanting to get some sort of reassurance.

"No way!" Mr. Carter said immediately, sensing the doubt in her voice. "This time, everything is set, okay? My wife has also agreed, and we have already purchased everything our child will need to feel comfortable in our home. I promise you, we are not going to cancel it this time around."

"Kate, is the child fair or dark?" he asked out of curiosity and excitement. "What does he look like? Please assure him that we are prepared to take good care of him and that he shouldn't be scared, okay?"

As much as Mr. Carter was over-excited, he was also a bit bothered that the children at the orphanage might not want to go home with them because his wife has an overbearing attitude and might do something to scare them away.

"Sir, please..." Kate stressed. "Just make sure you arrive by 5 pm today, and you'll see all the children for yourself. Don't stress much, okay?"

"Alright, I have to go now so we can inspect the whole house and get ready," Mr. Carter said, ending the call.

When Mr. Carter entered Anna's room, she was still asleep. "Hello, my angel," he said, giving her a warm hug. She shrugged her shoulders dismissively.

"It's already morning, my angel," Mr. Carter said. "Today is the big day, and we need to start preparing."

Anna waved him off again. "I'll be with you shortly," she said, returning to her slumber.

"Make sure you wear the red dress I got you last weekend. I want you to look stunning today," Mr. Carter reminded her before leaving the room.

Mr. Carter gathered all the housekeepers to inspect the entire house. He instructed them to prepare a splendid meal for the new child and for the visitors who would be coming to congratulate them.

Once they finished their tasks, Anna finally awakened, ready as always to find faults in everyone.

"Why isn't the pot placed where it's supposed to be?" she scolded. "Why does the porridge taste salty? And who prepared this tasteless sauce? Do you want to harm the new child?

"Who was responsible for decorating Ryan's room? What kind of unfinished work is this?" She immediately summoned the decorator and dismissed her. "Find a new decorator right away," she instructed her assistant.

"I want to take a hot bath," Anna told her assistant, "and I'm starving, so prepare a hot sandwich and my morning coffee. Also, call Jennifer and remind her about the small house party we're hosting later today."

Anna went into her room to prepare, eat, and get ready for the day.

At precisely 5:30 pm, the Carters arrived at the orphanage. Kate breathed a sigh of relief when she saw them.

"I was worried you wouldn't make it," she said, offering them a warm welcome and a seat. "Make yourselves comfortable, Mr. and Mrs. Carter. I'll go get the children."

"Line up, everyone!" Kate instructed. "These people here are wonderful. You'll be the luckiest person in the world if they become your parents. So remember to exhibit your best conduct, alright?" The children replied in harmony, "Okay, Aunt Kate."

The children emerged one by one to greet the Carters, each meeting them individually.

"You stink!" Anna shouted, recoiling in disgust as the first child approached her. "Stay away from me!"

Mr. Carter promptly intervened, reminding his wife, "They are orphans, dear. Let's be kind to them, or they'll feel scared and upset."

"Well, they should have a proper bath," Anna impatiently asked, "Who's next?"

Among the children, she noticed one who appeared terrified and stood apart from the rest, akin to a lone wolf. Anna's face brightened with excitement.

"This one seems easily frightened," she thought to herself. "I can easily intimidate him."

"Honey, I think I like that young boy over there," Anna said, pointing to the reserved and polite child. "I already feel a connection with him."

Approaching the boy, she hugged him tightly and offered him some sweet gummies.

"Oh my, he even smells nice!" Anna exclaimed. "Let us bring him home with us, honey. He would make a splendid addition to our family."

Mr. Carter, not wanting to argue, readily agreed. He was rather happy that for once, she found someone whom she likes. "I like him too," he said. "After all, all children are blessings from God," he silently reassured himself.

He approached the young boy, took him from his wife's embrace, and hugged him affectionately. Whispering, he said, "We are so happy to have you in our family."

"Kate! Where is the paperwork?" Mr. Carter called out. "Please retrieve it so we can sign everything."

"We also brought some treats for the other children. They should be in the trunk of my car."

Once the paperwork was in order, the Carters took the child and promptly headed home.

Upon their arrival, Anna guided the young boy to the bathroom for a warm bath.

Meanwhile, visitors had gathered at their homes for a celebration, offering congratulations and gifts to the new parents.

"Hey, mummy," Jennifer jokingly teased Anna on sighting her. "I was so happy when the maid called me to inform me of the good news. Just last year, you said you'd rather die than adopt a child, but I'm glad you are finally seeing that there is nothing wrong in adopting a child after all."

Anna was seriously not having the whole joke with the serious look on her face. "You know I am still not happy about all this, Jennifer. It is going to ruin my plans," Anna said with dissatisfaction written all over her face.

"What!" Jennifer shouted, looking shocked. "Don't tell me you still have those bad plans, Anna."

"You're incredibly heartless, Anna," Jennifer retorted, visibly disgusted. "But always remember that you are doing all this for someone who wouldn't choose you over tissue paper. Good luck, girl."

"Whatever you call it, Jennifer," Anna replied, feeling unbothered while sipping her champagne from the wine glass she was holding. "I only agreed to this because I couldn't help but feel sorry for the old fool. He is getting older, after all," she added.

"But my plans still hold. That brat will not last long in this family. I will get rid of him just like I always do."