Something to Believe in

PART 41   

Smoothing down her chocolate coloured suede shirt over her beige Calvin Klein jeans, Liz dragged in a shaky breath and stared upwards.  The sign above the building was large and looming, the place itself not very inviting to an outsider.  The steps to the Angelina Terrace Orphanage seemed to go on forever, like an impassable snow covered mountain.  She wanted to be here, she really did, so why did her feet feel like they were stuck in treacle, her strength to move zapped?

He could sense her inner struggle, and for a moment wondered if she’d back out.  They were here for their first visit; to meet the founder and runner of the Orphanage and of course some of the kids.  It had taken all day on the Monday after their talk for Max to pull some strings, draw in some favours and finally get an appointment the following weekend.  It had been a tense week for them both; silently they were fighting personal demons, still wondering if this was the best way to go.  Taking on someone else’s child would bring so many other factors into the equation.  What if the child didn’t accept them or rebelled because they weren’t their real parents?  They were both so very inexperienced when it came to children of any ages, could they handle a rogue child running them ragged? 

“Are you ready?”  He queried softly, drawing up beside his wife and slipping his hand effortlessly into hers.

“Yeah, I guess.”  She hesitated only slightly.

“You sure?  We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready Liz.”  He reminded.

“I know, and I am ready Max.  Once we’re inside I’ll be fine I promise.”  She reassured him, before looking up into his eyes and shining a smile in his direction.

“Ok, let’s do it then.”  He said, matching her smile before they both walked together up the steps and into the cold looking building.

Inside, however, it was a completely different matter.  Brightly coloured children’s paintings decorated the walls along with collages and various other child made paraphernalia.  A small child ran through the long hallway, totally ignorant of the young couple.  Music of the latest pop group blared out in the living room area as Max and Liz walked past, looking in and seeing several teenage girls giggling away over something.

Coming to the door to the office, they both paused for a moment, before Max made the first move and knocked briskly.  Waiting for an answer, they headed inside once the invitation was issued.

“Hello, can I help you?”  The older lady queried, removing her glasses to look at them.

“Yes, my name is Max Evans and this is my wife Liz, we have an appointment with Angelina.”  Max informed.

“Well then, you’ve come to the right place.”  She smiled.  “I’m Angelina, and this is my home.  Please, do sit down.”

“It’s very nice.”  Liz piped up.

“Thank you, I think so.  It’s hard to give quality individual attention to each and every child that passes through, but I’d like to think they enjoy their time here.”  She said, reaching towards a file before turning back to Max and Liz.  “So you’re here to check out my children are you?”

“As I explained when we spoke on Monday, we are looking to adopt a child and so this seemed like the best place to start.”

Looking at the young couple, Angelina guessed they hadn’t been married that long.  He kept glancing at his wife, as if needing assurance she was ok.  Their hands seemed permanently glued together and his thumb caressed the back of her hand rhythmically.  They had money also, she could tell.  Although they were dressed casually in jeans there was still an air of class and dignity about them. 

Angelina had seen many couples come and go during her time at the home, she wondered why this young couple had breezed in.  Clearly they were after adopting a child, but she wondered why.  Perhaps there was a medical problem, or maybe there was reluctance on the wife’s part to give up her job for the time it would take to actually have a child before handing it over to a nanny.  It wasn’t that Angelina was trying to be nasty in her thinking, more that it was her job to scrutinise and analyse each and every couple that stepped inside.  They were Angie’s children, and although she wanted to find homes for all of them, she had to feel confident in herself that the children would be going to good homes.

“So, you want to take on a child huh?”  She stated.  “Well I have to ask, have you thought this through.  Taking on a child who is already potty trained and will sleep throughout the night may sound like fun but I can assure you it won’t be easy.  These are good kids here, but they do have a lot of emotional baggage.  Some have lost parents and are still grieving; others have been abandoned and have insecurities.  Even the sweetest, kindest child can change dramatically when you take them away from familiar surroundings.”  Angie warned.

“We are aware of that.”  Liz informed, unsure she liked the older woman’s tone.

“These children are going to need constant attention and plenty of love.  They will find it hard to adjust, perhaps will push you away or shun your advances.  They aren’t going to take too kindly to being fobbed off onto a nanny while you are busy at work.  They’ll make you feel guilty for not being with them, resent you working.  Do you think you could handle that?”  She asked.

“We are well aware of the problems that can arise from adopting someone else’s child Ms Terrace.”  Max started. 

“I am sure.”

“And I have no intention of fobbing them off to a nanny while I work.  I intend to give the child my full attention and love.”  Liz added.

“Right.”  Angie replied, clearly unsure that the couple really knew what they were letting themselves into.

“I can sense your apprehension Ms Terrace, but I believe I will be able to personally relate to any problems a child might encounter.”  Max said calmly.

“Really?”

“Yes, you see I know what it’s like to be in that situation.  I know how it feels to be taken from the familiar surroundings and then moved into a big, strange house.  I know how overwhelming new parents can be and how their instant reaction is to smoother the adopted child with the love they believe they’ve missed out on.  I know how confusing it gets as you get older; how you want answers to questions your adopted parents can’t give you.  But I also know it gets easier and in the end you learn to be grateful for having two loving people who would give their lives to protect you.”  Max told her, eyes kept firmly on the older woman so she would feel the underlying emotion in his words.

“That sound’s remarkably accurate.”  Angie finally said, stunned by his words.

“It is accurate, but only because I have been there Ms Terrace.  I have stared longingly towards prospective parents and prayed someone would take me away and provide the answers I was craving.”

“You were adopted?”  She asked her tone visibly softening. 

“Yes I was, my sister and I were taken in when I was five and she was barely one.  Despite the fact I was young though, I do have memories of my time at the orphanage.  So you see, I believe Liz and I are better equipped than most to take on a homeless child and make a difference to their life.”

For a moment she sat there, just watching the strength of his words blaze out in his eyes.  It wasn’t often she was wrong in her snap judgement of potential adoptive parents, but she was happy to hold her hands up and admit she had made an error this time.  He clearly knew what he was letting himself in for with someone else’s child and with his help Angie was sure his wife would be fine.

“Oh I understand.”  Angie said.  “I hope you won’t take offence to my previous wariness.  As I am sure you will appreciate part of my job is to screen potential parents to ensure they know what problems can arise and for me to feel happy they understand.  I can see now that you two are fully briefed in what to expect.”

The interview continued for a further thirty minutes, Angie enquiring into all parts of their personal lives, including ensuring they would have sufficient funds to raise a child.  Eventually though, when Angie was happy, Max and Liz were allowed to meet some of the children.

“They’re not all here, some have foster families who take them away for the weekend, giving them a break from the home.  Others have spent weeks in foster care but then returned to us because things haven’t been working out.  We’ll need to do an in-depth analysis to your backgrounds to make sure everything is in order.  And assuming there are no complications you’ll be ready to adopt.”  She said, leading them outside to the large garden.  “But I normally advise first time couples to try fostering a child first, to ensure that if there are problems they can be rectified.” 

“Thanks for the advice, but if we take on a child it will be for life.  I can’t imagine what it must do to an already insecure child if they know the prospective parents have a get out clause.”  Liz replied, feeling strongly over the matter.

“Of course.  Well I’ll leave you two to get to know some of the children.  I’ll arrange some refreshments for you, but just shout if you need some help.”  Angie said, before heading off.

Staring around, Liz wasn’t sure where to start.  So many happy and hopeful faces turned to look at them.  Young boys playing tag, girls singing as they danced in a circle, older children sat on the lawn reading or studying, it all mounted up to nearly thirty young faces.  For a moment Liz didn’t know where to start, how on earth was she supposed to choose a child out of so many?  How could she decide whether one was more deserving than the other, or which one deserved a break above the others.  Grasping tightly to Max’s hand, she was suddenly grateful she wasn’t alone.

“A bit overwhelming isn’t it.”  Max commented, looking at her startled face.

“Yeah, something like that.”  She replied.

“Look we don’t have to choose now, how about we just go and meet some of them talk about stuff and see if any of them take to us.”  He suggested.

“Yeah.”  Liz said, her eyes wandering and mind not totally concentrating on Max’s words.

Out of the corner of Liz’s eye she’d seen her.  The little girl was sitting quietly away from the other groups as the edge of the lawn as far away as possible.  She was hugging tightly to what Liz assumed was a stuffed grey rabbit, her eyes cast downwards and she picked at the blades of grass by her feet.  She looked like a shy girl, as if she didn’t mix with the others because she was afraid of something.

Letting her grasp on Max’s hand slip, Liz slowly walked towards the brown haired girl.  They were tentative steps; somehow Liz was afraid she might scare her away if she rushed over like her body wanted to.  Drawing up beside her, Liz gently sunk to her knees and tilted her head slightly.  The little girl barely flinched; it was as if she hadn’t even noticed Liz’s presence. 

“Hi there.”  Liz said gently, hoping to get some sort of response from her.  She got a response, but it wasn’t vocal.  Instead the young girl slowly turned her head to cast her eyes upon the older woman.  Her facial expression was nondescript, her lips stayed in a thin line and her deep brown eyes held a deep sorrow Liz had never seen before.  That strong urge to scoop her tightly in her arms rushed to the surface once more, and it took all of Liz’s strength to force it back down again. 

“I’m Liz.”  She said.  “Could you tell me your name?”  But no response was forthcoming.  So instead, Liz decided to try a different tack, if the little girl wouldn’t talk to her, maybe the stuffed rabbit would.

“Hi there, what’s your name?”  Liz asked, taking hold and shaking the paw of the toy.  For a moment the little girl held on tightly to the animal and looked at her warily as if Liz might steal it.  Moments passed, Liz held her breath indefinitely waiting for this little girl to sink back into her shell once more.  But instead of looking away, the little girl finally opened her mouth.

“Bunnie.”  She said, her voice soft and slightly shaky,

“Bunnie huh?  Well I think that’s a very good name for a rabbit.”  Liz commented, smiling warmly at her.  “Does your friend have a name?”  The stuffed toy nodded its head.  “Could you introduce me to her, I’d like to be her friend.”

“Rebecca.”  The little girl finally said, looking up at Liz once more, but this time a little of the sorrow had seeped away from her eyes.

“Well that’s a really pretty name.  Do you think Rebecca and I could be friends?”

Hesitating for just a moment, the little girl’s fingers moved to nod the grey rabbit’s head, and from that moment onwards Liz’s heart soared.  She’d finally found the little girl for her.

Watching on from his vantage point, Max couldn’t hide the smile spread across his face.  Looking at Liz crouched on her knees talking softly to the young girl made tears spring to his eyes.  It was clear Liz was doing her best to communicate with her, and he too had held his breath hoping the little girl would take to her as well. 

The little girl looked a stunner too, Max thought to himself.  She had long brown hair pulled back into a low ponytail with a short fringe pulled over her forehead.  She looked quite small, he guessed about five years old, and the way she held on to her stuffed toy for dear life Max assumed she was rather insecure.  Pangs inside wished he could swoop down and pull her into his arms, loving all her hurt and pain away.  Yet he held back for a moment, not wanting to scare the little girl away after all the good progress Liz was clearly making.

“Would you like to meet a friend of mine?”  Liz queried, wanting Max to see Rebecca.

“Ok.”  Rebecca finally responded, speaking herself for the first time rather than through the rabbit.

Twisting round she saw Max a few feet away watching her every move.  Smiling warmly at him, Liz waved her hand gently and beckoned him in her direction.  Mouthing the words [I]‘are you sure’[/I] to her, and getting a swift nod of her head, he walked slowly towards them.

“Rebecca, this is my friend Max.”  Liz spoke softly, as Max sunk to his knees.

“Hello Rebecca.”  Max said, smiling warmly as he held out his hand in the little girl’s direction.

“Hi.”  Rebecca responded quietly, tentatively stretching out her own hand and slipping it into Max’s.

For the briefest moment he was in awe of the little girl and the very moment he was caught in.  Her hand was so tiny as she rested it in the centre of his.  Her fingers barely stretched out further than his palm, the skin on the back of her hand so soft.  As he lifted his head to cast his eyes over her face, he was consumed with emotion.  She looked so small, so fragile, so very much in need of love and affection.  He didn’t know why she was in the Orphanage, and he didn’t much care at that moment.  All that mattered was Liz and he had found Rebecca and he vowed silently from that moment onwards to protect and love her with his entire mite.  A quick glance up at Liz and her eyes affirmed it; they’d found the little girl to complete their life.

Standing on the lawn a few metres away, surrounded by other children vying for her attention, Angie looked on.  Normally she left prospective couples to mill around and talk to the children on their own accord, but she was captivated by the sight in front of her.  Liz had only paused for a moment before walking to Rebecca, which in itself had surprised the Orphanage owner.  Most couples headed towards the outward going children, looking for a happy-go-lucky child rather than a silent one.  It was parents’ misguided assumption that a child mixing well with others, laughing and having fun wouldn’t have emotional problems, but that was rarely the case.  But clearly Liz had seen something in the quiet loner girl that others had missed.

It was rare for a couple to settle on a child without finding about their personality, history and such.  But something told the experienced woman that it didn’t matter what she told Max and Liz about Rebecca, they were already sold.  Watching them talk to the normally silent girl, enact with the stuffed toy and smile warmly made Angie’s heart soar.  All the children in her care were special in their own way, each deserving new parents, but to her Rebecca was just a little more special. 

Smiling to herself, Angie turned to three children eager to play on the swing set.  Taking their hands she led them over, all the while thanking god for the day.  Rebecca was going to have a home at last, for that she was eternally grateful.

PART 42

The amount of red tape needed to adopt a child was insurmountable to Liz and Max.  They’d hoped to get through the legal jargon and have Rebecca adopted inside a month, but time just seemed to stretch on. 

Instead they were able to take her away from the Orphanage at weekends to help her get accustomed to her potentially new house.  The first Saturday they brought Rebecca home was a struggle in more ways than one.  She was a quiet, reserved little girl, and neither Liz nor Max at first appreciated that.

Their first day together Liz had arranged little, hoping to give Rebecca time to adjust to her new surroundings.  But the little girl had been shy, the fear in her eyes and desire to run and hide very strong.  Instead of using the paints and paper Liz had purchased, Rebecca had sat quietly in the living room for most of the first day, clearly shell shocked.  Barely a handful of words were uttered from the young girl, most just nodding or shaking of her head.  When it had come to bed time on the first night Rebecca had resisted, instead staying awake sitting on the sofa until she fell asleep of her own accord.

Liz had been beside herself, convinced it was something she was doing wrong.  Max had done his best to assure his wife it wasn’t her fault, Rebecca just needed time to adjust, but Liz still didn’t feel happy.  Inside she felt somewhat of a failure as a surrogate mother.  She’d known it wouldn’t be easy, but to have Rebecca just blank her hurt very much.

By the fourth weekend the young girl was starting to adjust more to the surroundings of Max and Liz’s house.  The spare room had been turned into Rebecca’s bedroom, decorated in pastel blue and sunny yellow.  On a spur of the moment shopping spree Liz had bought toys for the room, books, teddies and even a beautifully carved rocking horse that sat in the corner of the newly decorated room. 

“Do you think she’s alright?”  Liz queried, glancing out of the kitchen window into the back garden.  Rebecca was sitting at the edge of the lawn by the large apple tree, her back to the window as far away from the house as possible.

“I think she’s obviously having a real hard time adjusting to us Liz …..”  Max trailed off, reluctant to utter the rest of the sentence; they’d been over this so many times over the last few weeks.

“I know Max, I need to be patient, I need to give her time to get used to having a place of her own again.”  Liz said, filling the rest of his sentence with ease.  “But it’s just so damn hard.  All I want to do is pull her into my arms and hug her, but she won’t even let me close.”  She added, frustration filling her voice.

“I know it’s hard, believe me I feel exactly the same way.  But we have to be patient, she’ll get there eventually.”  Max said, pulling her into a comforting embrace

“I hope so.”  Liz replied, resting her head against his chest, all the while watching the lonely little girl.

Having Rebecca around had helped improve Liz’s mood no end though.  Thoughts of their own child had taken a back burner, both concentrating on the young girl.  It comforted Max, despite his deep seeded desire for his own child.  Seeing Liz happy was so much more important to him, and Rebecca was certainly challenging without even uttering many words.

Dinner was the normal quiet affair when Rebecca was visiting.  Both Max and Liz asked her questions, gently probing her to open up to them, but she hardly said a word.  Instead the five year old pushed around the hamburger and salad on her plate, taking tiny bites before sinking low in her chair as if to escape from where she was.

“Rebecca, would you like some more?”  Liz queried, trying to prise out some words.  Instead all the little girl did was shake her head, eyes kept low as she clung desperately to the stuffed grey rabbit in her arms.  Gently touching her hand with his fingers, Max squeezed slightly, knowing how desperate Liz felt.

That night, as they lay in bed, Liz felt tears fill in her eyes.  She’d known adopting wasn’t going to be easy.  Rebecca had more than her fair share of baggage too, the circumstances surrounding her placement at the orphanage not the best.  Although they didn’t know full details, a child loosing their parents would have emotional problems.  But Liz hadn’t expected it to be this difficult.  No matter what she did, how hard she tried or what she arranged as an activity, Rebecca just had no enthusiasm.

“It’s ok babe.”  Max said softly, pulling her tightly in his arms as her tears splashed against his bare chest.

“I’m sorry.”  She choked.

“Don’t be, I understand your frustration.  I don’t know how to get through to Rebecca, how to make her understand we’re here to love her, but it’ll happen eventually Liz.  I don’t remember much of when my parents brought Isabelle and I home, but I remember feeling lost.  Rebecca probably just feels the same way, and I’d hazard a guess she misses her family dearly.”  He responded, kissing his wife’s head.

“I want to help her Max, I want to so much.”  Liz wept, as he caressed her hair.

It was the dead of night when she heard the sound.  For a moment Liz sat bolt upright, believing she’d dreamt the noise, or imagined it.  Straining her ear she listened hard, and sure enough the sound filled the hallway again.  Jumping quickly from her bed, Liz grabbed her thin silk wrap round gown and dashed out of the room, barely aware of her husband’s stirring. 

Approaching Rebecca’s room the wailing sound grew louder, piecing the centre of Liz’s heart.  Pushing open the door gently she looked towards the bed.  The bright moonlight shone in casting silver hues over Rebecca’s tiny frame.  The little girl was curled on her side, knees scooped up and deep tracks of damp tears streamed down her face.  Just the sight of her made Liz’s heart break.  Normally Rebecca shunned personal embraces, shying away from hugs or kisses, but all Liz desired was to pull her close into her arms and soothe away the pain.

“Becky?”  She asked softly, not completely sure if the little girl was awake or dreaming.  Her little body racked with sobs, but no real stirring appeared.  Sitting down gently on the edge of the bed, Liz stretched out a tentative hand and placed it on Rebecca’s shoulder.  Rubbing it gently she tried to soothe her without getting too close.  It was clear the little girl didn’t like invasion of personal space.

“Shhh, it’s ok sweetie.”  Liz said gently, wiping away tears on the cheek nearest her.  Movement from Rebecca startled Liz; she hadn’t meant to wake the little girl up. 

Rebecca’s big brown eyes slowly opened and stared up at Liz for what seemed like an eternity.  More tears cascaded down her pale cheeks, her bottom lip quivering in sobs.  Pushing herself up from the fluffy white pillow, Rebecca paused for the briefest moment before flinging her arms around Liz’s neck.

“Oh Becky.  It’s ok sweetie, it’s just a bad dream.”  Liz whispered, a hand moving to the little girl’s back the other caressing her long brown hair.  Holding her strongly in her arms, Liz tried to stop the tears, trying to make the little girl feel safe once more.  Her own tears formed in her eyes, wishing with all her mite that there were a way to take away Becky’s pain. 

She hadn’t even realised he was awake, let alone been aware of Max standing in the open doorway surveying the sight of both Rebecca and Liz crying softly.  It wasn’t until he sunk to his knees beside the bed and pulled them both into his arms that she was finally aware of his presence.  One of Rebecca’s arms relinquished its tight grip around Liz’s neck, to place it around Max’s.  His strong arms felt so good to Liz, helping to ease the tears she was shedding. 

Neither knew how long they stayed in the clinch, but eventually Max finally let go of the two ladies in his life.  Rebecca’s eyes looked puffy and red, but tiredness was also present.  Liz wasn’t ready to let her go though, not wanting the little girl to have another nightmare.  Clearly reluctant to have Rebecca so far away from them. 

Without having to voice words, Max gently scooped Rebecca into his arms, before easing his free hand under Liz’s arm and pulling her to her feet.  Guiding her out of the room, they headed back to their bedroom.  Placing Rebecca in the middle of the king sized bed, Max laid down beside her.  With very little hesitation Liz did the same, lying on the opposite side.  Within minutes Becky had fallen back to sleep, leaving Max and Liz to watch over her. 

No words were needed to be exchanged as Max glanced towards his wife.  The corner had been turned; finally Rebecca was starting to let them in.  It had taken a scary dream, a nightmare, but finally she’d let Liz close.

“It’ll be ok now Max.”  Liz whispered, raising a hand to his cheek and caressing it gently.

“I know babe.”  He responded, laying his head down on the pillow and encouraging Liz to do the same.

As the sunlight streamed brightly into the room, Max slowly opened his eyes.  The sight that greeted him tugged firmly at his heartstrings, causing a smile to form over his lips.

Lying beside him on her back was a beautiful brunette.  Hair flailing over the pillow, face angelic and tiny fingers wrapped around one of his strong hands as if holding on to him for dear life.

Next to the sleeping child laid his stunning wife.  Her own dark brown hair scattered behind her with a few strands across her face.  Her arm lay across Rebecca, encircling her with protection to give the little girl the security she craved.  A glance of his eyes noted Rebecca also had a tight grip of Liz’s hand with the tiny fingers of her other palm.

Stretching out his free hand, Max reached over to Liz, pushing her hair out of the way so he could see her sleeping face.  He loved waking up before Liz in the mornings, being able to just watch her.  She took on an innocent, somewhat childlike expression as she slept, something similar to that of an angel he often thought.

This morning was no exception, although instead of one gorgeous brunette he was sharing his bed with two.  The night had been exhausting, both physically and mentally on both adults.  Although Rebecca had fallen back to sleep relatively easily once in their bed, Liz had stayed awake.  He wondered partly if it was to take in the image of Rebecca curled in their bed between them.  It was by far the closest the either of them had been allowed to get to the little girl.

A gnawing feeling of concern filled his mind as he gently stroked Liz’s cheek.  What if Rebecca pushed them away again in the cold light of day?

“Hi.”  Liz breathed sleepily, opening her eyes to look at her husband.

“Hi babe.”  He replied, stretching over Rebecca’s sleeping form to give Liz a delicate morning kiss.

“Hmm, I guess last night really happened.”  Liz started, smoothing down the young girl’s hair while noting the tight grip on her other hand.  “I was afraid it was just a dream.”

“No dream.” Max said, thoughts running quickly through his mind.  “Liz, if she pushes us away again ………”

“Relax Max, it’s ok.  I know deep down Becky needs us and that’s more than enough for now.  I’m not about to freak out if she slips back into her shell again.  We’ll just have to work even harder to coax her out.”  Liz reassured him.

The rest of the weekend sailed by, and all too soon it was time to drop Rebecca back off at the Orphanage.  Although she hated leaving the little girl, this time it felt even worse for Liz.  So much progress had been made, much down to the terrible nightmare.  Rebecca hadn’t withdrawn back into her shell throughout the day, something that made Liz’s heart soar.  The little girl still wasn’t completely open, but Liz knew patience was a virtue. 

“Did everything go ok this weekend?”  Angie asked, ushering Max and Liz into her office.  Getting a debriefing from prospective parents was an important part of Angie’s work; she liked to know how the children were settling in.

“There was a little hiccup, but nothing major.”  Max replied.

“Hiccup?”
”Rebecca had a nightmare.  Nothing major but it scared her for a while.”  Liz replied.

“Hmm, did she say what the dream was about at all?”  Angie queried, concerned.

“No, why?”

“Well it could be partly to do with her subconscious starting to remember the events prior to coming here.  It took Rebecca nearly six months to start taking again, but she’s always said she never remembered anything.”

“What happened to Rebecca?  What happened to her family?”  Max queried.

“Mr Evans you know I am not supposed to divulge personal information until the adoption is final ……..”  Angie started.

“It will be final as soon as my lawyers have completed the paperwork.  We will be taking Rebecca home for good in the very near future.  Just tell us what happened so we can help her.”  Max insisted.

“Ok fine, I’ll tell you.”  Angie started.  “Rebecca’s mother was a single parent, barely 22 I believe.  Unfortunately she fell asleep one night in the lounge area and according to the fire investigators a cigarette ignited the sofa causing the house to catch fire.  Janice didn’t stand a chance since there were no smoke detectors installed.  A neighbour heard Rebecca’s cries and called the fire brigade.  It’s thought she woke up with the room filled with smoke.  By the time the fire-fighters broke in she was unconscious.”

“Oh my gosh!”  Liz wept.  She’d known Rebecca’s situation hadn’t been the best, but this was terrible.

“Fortunately Rebecca is a resilient young girl.  There are no obvious side affects now apart from her quietness.  That’s something I think will be overcome in time though.”

“What of her father?”  Max asked.

“I’ve no news on him I’m afraid.  From what I can gather he left soon after Rebecca was born and no one’s heard from him since.  Attempts were made to find him after the accident, but to no avail.”

“The poor child.”  Liz said again.  “No wonder she was so scared when she woke up.”

“You think she’s remembering about the fire?”

“Yes …. Without a doubt.”  Liz confirmed.

“Hmm, then I think it may be wise to suspend next week’s visitation.”  Angie thought out loud.  “If Rebecca is remembering things then I think we need to keep her in an environment she knows well.  Then we can arrange for a therapist to come in and work through her memories to see exactly what she remembers.”

“No!”  Liz cried out, more vigorously than she had intended.

“Excuse me?”  The Orphanage director asked pointedly.  Angie certainly wasn’t used to parents questioning her decisions.  In her eyes, if going to the Evans’ house was causing her fears to resurface then it wasn’t good for Rebecca.

“I’m sorry.  Look Angie, I know you think you’re doing what’s best for Rebecca, but taking her away from us will do exactly the opposite.  This weekend has been a great breakthrough.  She’s opened up and finally let us get close to her.  If you stop us from seeing Becky, and hand her over to some therapist she’ll retract back into her shell …. I just know she will.”  Liz clarified, as Max held tightly to her hand.

“And you know this how?”  Angie countered.

“Because I know that little girl.  I can’t explain it, I just know that if you take her away from us she’ll feel like she’s lost another set of parents.”  Liz replied, tears stinging her eyes at the thought of loosing the little girl she looked on as her daughter.

Looking back at the couple Angie tried to decide what to do for best.  It was clear by Max and Liz’s determined faces that they cared about Rebecca, strong feelings cemented even in the short space of time since coming to the Orphanage that first time.  She wasn’t used to having to question her own feelings on a subject, but this was one of those rare times. 

Watching their eyes stare back at her, Max’s almost daring her to deny them access, she knew she’d be in for a fight if she took Rebecca away.  Then again, she couldn’t deny that the little girl did seem happier when she returned today.  Instead of climbing up the wooden stairs and sitting alone on the top step, Rebecca had disappeared outside.  Still hugging her grey rabbit with all her might, she had headed towards a group of young girls playing house and, surprising Angie, had tentatively asked to join in.  Maybe Max and Liz Evans were good for this little girl; maybe the normal plan of pulling the placement if bad memories surfaced wasn’t applicable in this instance.

“Ok, I’ll accept your pleas.  But please remember that if Rebecca gets worse, I will have no choice but to reassess the situation.  I like you Max, Liz, I really do and I know we all have Rebecca’s best interests at heart here.”

“We do Angie, and I will be totally upfront and confirm we are firmly intending to adopt Rebecca no matter what.”  Max added.

The firm authority in his voice gave her no need for clarification; Angie knew they would be up for the task.  The fire raging eyes of both parents, the stark body language begging to fight if need be. 

One thing was completely clear to the Orphanage director; Rebecca would have a new set of parents just as soon as the adoption was legal.

TBC ..............................?

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