A Place to Belong

Chapter 2: A Family of Three

Arriving at Rachel's office, Anna and Hannah stood in front of the door, gazing at the doorknob. Anna turned to Hannah, "Do you really want me to stay with you? I never had a roommate before."

Hannah's face was gleeful, "Of course! It's so boring to stay in the room by myself. After all, I'm probably older than you, so I get a say."

"Hey, I'm ten too, although my birthday is coming soon in December," Anna said with her arms crossed.

Hannah scratched the back of her head teasingly with her tongue sticking out, "You should have mentioned your age earlier. Nevertheless, I'm still the older one."

Anna sighed, "It's fine. Not like it matters. I had stopped celebrating my birthday two years ago after my mother died."

Hannah reached out for Anna's hand, intertwining her fingers, "Well, now it matters to me, but for now, let's meet my aunt first." She smiled with a wink before knocking on the door.

"Come in," Rachel's voice was slightly audible from the entrance. Hannah skipped her feet a few times while clapping her hands in silence, she let out a soft giggle. "Here goes," she murmured.

As both entered, Hannah greeted Rachel with curtsy and flowery royal language, "Greeting, Your Grace. I thank you for your time and kind hospitality. If I may be bold, I would like to ask for your blessing in granting my humble request."

Anna stood behind Hannah, side-glanced at her, and bewildered by her gesture. On the other hand, Rachel chuckled softly as she stood from her seat, giving a little playful bow toward Hannah in response, "Greeting, Hannah... and Anna. What can I do for both of you, my precious little children?"

Hannah lifted her face, then proceeded to leap into Rachel's embrace, filling the atmosphere with her infectious laugh. But Anna began to feel the widening distance between her and them. Her head lowered, her left hand rubbing the smooth skin of her right arm gently. The memory of her past flooded her mind, ringing her ears with her own laughter.

Her vision blurred as she recalled her mother spreading her arms wide open for her to leap into her embrace. "Mommy, catch me!" her voice filled with overflowing happiness. She could feel the sensation of the blowing wind on her skin when her mother carried her firmly and swung her around gently. The vision faded when she witnessed their closeness. They are so close; I could never have had such a relationship here.

"Aunt Rachel, do you think you can allow Anna to stay in my room, like... everyday?" Hannah asked with an innocent intention while being carried by her aunt. "I like her, and she can be my playmate too," she explained.

Rachel arched a curious brow, "Oh, I would definitely allow that, Hannah." She paused, turning her gaze to Anna, "But I'm not sure if Anna would love that as well." She lowered Hannah down on the floor gently.

Hannah skipped toward Anna; her hands patted on both sides of her shoulder. "So, Anna, what do you say? My aunt already gave us her permission, and I really hope you will say yes." Her expression brightened with pleading eyes.

However, Anna took tentative steps backward, her gaze locked to the floor as though she felt shameful about herself. Her body shaken with soft sniffle, "I'm sorry..." She turned around and ran out of Rachel's office, her steps quickened with urgency.

"Anna, wait!" Hannah said in panic, chasing after Anna along the hallway while Rachel remained at the door, confused by Anna's reaction. She thought to herself, Did Hannah say something that hurt Anna's feelings?

Anna arrived at her room and closed the door with a loud slam. Anna slumped onto the bed, burying her face in her hands. Her mind swirled with questions she couldn't answer, and her heart ached with the weight of abandonment.