I walk up to big wooden doors of the orphanage. I stand there for a few moments, admiring the building. I run my fingers over the grooves in the wood.
I open the doors, and walk into my new life.
The tiles are white, I can see myself walking, arms swinging at my sides. A door toward the right has the word "Office" engraved on the front, so I figure that's where I should be. I knock softly on the door and am answered with a muffled, "Come in."
"Ah, you must be Mail."
I brush the red hair from my face and move to shake his hand. "Yes, it's a pleasure, Mr. Ruvie." He gives me a soft smile, and motions for me to take a seat. I can tell he doesn't like children much. Well, some job he has for not liking children.
"Our first order of business will be your new name. As you might know already, other children at this orphanage, or anyone, knowing your name is a risk."
"I understand. If it's all the same to you, I would prefer to be called Matt."
"Is there anyone who knows you as that name?"
"Not anymore."
"Then, I suppose that's okay," he leaned back in his chair and checked the time. "Your room number is 307. Take the stairs that are across the hall from this office, or you can take the elevator toward the back by the water fountains, your roommate is named Mello, and if you have any concerns or questions, please, come to the office anytime."
"I see. Thank you very much for your help." I get up and walk through the door, noticing that there is not a soul in the entire school. They must be in class still.
When I unlock the door to my room, I assumed no one would be there, but here is a boy, about my age, hunched over a book. I don't even think he noticed I came in. I drop my stuff down on the floor with a 'thud.' Still nothing. I shrug, and turn on the TV to plug in my GameCube, he still doesn't even look up.
I'm about half way through level 3 when I hear a voice from behind me,
"So, you're Matt, huh?"
I glance up at him, he's still mostly concentrating on that book, "Yep."
"Hm," is all he says.
I figure that's all he's going to say, and turn my full attention back to my game.
"How'd your parents die?" Is what he says now. I am floored. He asks about it, like he's asking what time it is, or if the weather is good for a walk.
"In a house fire," I reply. He gives me and funny look and asks,
"How long ago?"
"Couple of weeks."
"Oh," I realize that now he's actually looking at me. "Why are you not hurt?"
"I was at a friend's house."
He looks at me for a long moment, then goes back to his work. I'm happy to have my silence back as I continue on my goal to get to level 15 before the night is through.
A/N: I hope you liked this chapter more than I did. It seemed almost a little boring to me, but things will come together in the later chapters, I promise. Reviews are amazing, da?