Fae sat on the little wooden bench with her legs crossed, swinging them lightly. Her toes couldn't touch the ground, and her stomach was so twisted up with knots it was impossible to remain still. She'd been in this orphanage for little more than five months, yet she remained lonely and friendless. To make matters worse, Kindergarten started soon, and nobody could take her. It would be one of the most important days of her life. It would be a new beginning.
The day was July twenty-first. It was dry and blazing outside. A hellish combination for anyone but Carl, the man who never seemed to move and was cold as ice. Even Fae's loose blouse and shorts felt wet and sticky on her warm skin. Normally she would have dressed in a t-shirt and baggy shorts, but today was a special occasion. Ms. Lam told her to dress nicely, for an important man was coming later. For such occasions the small redhead owned one nice blouse, one pair of clean shorts, and one pair of pristine, black Mary-Janes. It was her best outfit.
She was one of the only children left in the small orphanage, the only other being a strange boy everyone called Nutty. Fae had talked to him once or twice, and if he wasn't munching away on sweets, he was good company. Today she didn't wish to risk seeing him in the case he drooled on her formal clothes. Ms. Lam would throw a fit.
Nobody gave Nutty, or Nathan as he was really called, a second glance because he had a green lazy eye. It deducted from his "cute factor." Fae felt it was bullshit. She had a cute face and manners to boot, but her hair would never cooperate - the dandruff would never wash away. It was partially why she was still here. If not for her rugged and unkempt appearance she would have departed the facility as quickly as she came.
She was excited, for she had been in this position before and it always meant a potential family. Fae just hoped she wouldn't botch the interview like before. It was crucial to make a good first impression. She took deep breaths, stomach expanding and contracting with each breath. Eventually she calmed enough to envision the positive aspects of meeting this important person. Perhaps they'd love her for all her traits, even the bad ones.
Ms. Lam called Fae into the office and seated in one of the chairs was tall man with messy green hair and glistening chartreuse eyes. His large hands were clasped together. Under a camouflage jacket he wore a black t-shirt and completed the soldier appearance with dog tags. He did not look at home alongside the gentle features of Ms. Lam. It was most likely the scars that made him look wild, like he'd let Fae be herself. She had a good feeling about this one. She sat in the empty chair meant for her and waited to speak. Apparently this man was Mr. Green or Phillip.
She would have much rather called him Papa.
He seemed perfect. The way he sat with uncertainty in the formal air and the little moments where his stone cold expression faltered to show the nervous man beneath were what convinced Fae he was the one. Now she only needed to ensure those feelings were requited. It would be hard to leave Nathan behind, but he would find a home soon enough. Perhaps they'd even live close to each other.
Nodding politely to Mr. Green, she introduced herself. "Hello, I'm Fae and I-I like, ah, puppies and playing." It was the best she could do at such a young age. The thought of misconstruing her, hopefully, future guardian's words weighed heavily on her conscience, putting unnecessary stress upon her tiny shoulders. Her gaze travelled to the floor as she gave a small shrug. Ms. Lam looked at her strangely, but kept silent. The questioning could come later.
Mr. Green laughed as he offered a warm, calloused hand for Fae to shake. She was a cute little one. He suspected she'd gone through this process many times before, but she still looked as fresh as her first interview. The little white flakes littering her hair could be washed out, and if they didn't go away that was that. They didn't alter his feelings of affection.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Fae. You know that I'm Phillip, and I like dogs and art."
The little girl eagerly clasped both of her small hands around the outstretched appendage. Her fingers hardly reached all the way around. Innocent brown eyes lit up with excitement- it seemed like he liked her!
She giggled, "You've got big hands Mister! It's like the big bad wolf! Rawr!" Fae jumped excitedly; consequently, this was the first time she'd been so open at an interview. Mr. Green had a nice calming atmosphere. Ms. Lam looked nervous, for Fae had never before acted like this. Would she still get adopted with this behavior? She soon got her answer. Phillip's mind was set. Fae was a keeper. He was uncertain about this, though he was only concerned for his own behavior. His future daughter was perfect. He wasn't. Not with his volatile outbursts, but they'd been dwindling in number, so hopefully it was still safe to adopt her.
"Ms. Lam, I'll take her."
A/N: What do you think? Continue? I'd really appreciate if you drop a review with what you think! I love getting feedback on everything. My writing, plotting, organization, characterization, etc. Just anything really! I'm sorry if I don't catch a mistake. I'm writing on my phone mostly when I'm about to fall asleep, but I'll try not to disappoint. It is so frustrating to upload! If you want to be my beta reader, don't be afraid to come talk to me!