A/N: I'd just like to let readers know that I value your recognition and respect, and I greatly appreciate the fact that you're reading. I'd especially like to thank reviewers, who take the time to tell me what they like about the story. And, it's always a confidence boost. Thank you.

Inspiration for this chapter, 'Let It Be' by Carol Woods and Timothy T: http (colon(backslash, backslash) www. youtube. com (backslash) watch ?v (equals) Z4bib4PBqGA

Chapter 10

Neither Kristin nor Cynthia slept very well. However, they both rose early to get to the orphanage. The two drove in near silence until Cynthia parked the car.

Before getting out of the vehicle, Cynthia turned to her mother. "Well, this is it. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. I just hope this works," Kristin replied.

"Me too," Cynthia said. "Mom?"

"Yes?"

"If anything happens, just make sure the children get to safety."

Kristin stared at her daughter for a moment, unsure of what to say. After a few moments, she found her voice once again. "You think something is going to go wrong?"

"We all know it's a possiblilty," Cynthia said. "Sure, it sounds easy when we talk about it, but...well, we never know. But I need you to promise me that if anything happens to me, you just make sure the children get off the island. Don't worry about me."

"Cynthia, you're my daughter. How can I not worry?" Kristin began.

Cynthia sighed. "But, I'm also an adult. Worry about the children first. Please?"

"Nothing's going to happen," Kristin said, but she didn't sound very convincing.

"Mom, please."

"I can't promise anything," Kristin admitted. "But, the children will take priority no matter what happens. That goes for you too if anything happens to me, hm?"

Cynthia hesitated slightly. "A-alright." She hadn't really considered that something could happen to her own mother, and she began to feel slightly uneasy. There was a brief moment of silence.

Kristin finally broke it. "Well, there's no need to speculate what if. We don't want to worry the children. Everything will be fine. We have to believe that."

Cynthia nodded. "You're right. There's nothing to worry about."

And, with that, the two exited the car and entered the orphanage. The children were extremely exited on this particular day for they knew it was the day of their freedom.

"Just remember you can't tell Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Mangos, or Mr. Psilinakis," Cynthia said.

All the children chorused, "We know."

Kristin searched the group of children for Kristen or Harry. When she didn't see either one, she quietly slipped away and headed upstairs. She was somewhat hesitant when she reached the door and saw it was closed. A sudden hint of fear washed over her, worried that Harry wouldn't be there, worried that he'd been taken once again.

She finally mustered up the courage to go in, so she gently knocked on the door. She didn't receive an answer, so she knocked a bit louder. Still, she received no answer, so she turned the handle and opened the door. But, she was relieved to see both Harry and Kristen lying in peaceful sleep on the bed. She quietly walked in and sat down on the edge of the bed, trying not to wak them. However, she wanted to be the first person she saw when they did awaken.

A short time later, little Kristen opened her eyes and sat up. She smiled when she saw Kristin. "Hi," she said.

"Hello, Sweetheart. How are you feeling today?"

"Happy," the girl replied as she stood up and stretched. Harry came back just like you said. And, Mr. McKenzie said he was sorry."

"You didn't tell him about us, did you?"

Little Kristen shook her head. "Uh-uh."

"Good girl. Do you need help getting dressed?" Kristin asked.

"No thank you. Can we go downstairs and play today?" Kristen asked as she grabbed some clean clothes out of the dresser and headed to the bathroom to change.

"If that's what you'd like," Kristin called.

A few brief moments later, Kristen emerged from the bathroom. "If Harry agrees to come downstairs, then yes."

"What do you want me to do?" Harry mumbled groggily as he sat up. Then, noticing Kristin, he greeted her, "Hi."

"Hey there. How are you feeling?"

"Much better," Harry replied. "The medicine that Mr. Malique bought helped, thanks to you. And, Mr. McKenzie promised not to take me out to sell 'candy bars' anymore."

"Well, hopefully, we won't have to worry about that anymore after today anyway. So, are you feeling up to going downstairs then?" Kristin asked.

Kristen held her ands together as though she were begging and said, "Please?"

"Alright," Harry finally agreed. "Just give me a few minutes to get dressed."

Kristen jumped up and down and cheered.

And so, the three went downstairs a short time later and played. Before they knew it, it was time for Kristin to leave for a short time.

"I'll see you two later, OK?"

They both nodded as their excitement was building, the excitement that meant their lives were about to change.

After lunch, General Thomas and his team took the lead and started directing all the civilian members of the mission. Each member was in charge of a group of children. Naturally, Harry and Kristen were in Kristin's group.

After all groups were gathered they all walked outside. General Thomas got everyone's attention and said, "Alright, now I want all of you to walk single file to the beach. Act naturally, and follow the adult leading your group, understand? My team will stay near you and make sure Mr. Mangos or his cronies don't decide to come back early."

As those words were uttered, everyone started moving. However, it suddenly seemed as though the mission was doomed from the start because they heard a gruff male voice say, "And just where the hell do you think you're going?"

Immediately, General Thomas and his team drew their weapons and pointed them. The children and civilian adults stopped dead in their tracks, unsure of what to do.

"Mr. Mangos," General Thomas said, "Stop right there."

But, Mangos wasn't alone. Not only were McKenzie and Psilinakis with him, but he also had several other men with him as well. And, they all had guns...big guns. And, they all drew their weapons as well.

"Oh, I don't think so," Mangos said evilly. "I see what you're trying to do, and you're not going to do it. If any of them make a single move, we'll open fire. And, we won't show mercy."

"Mr. Mangos, I'm ordering you to drop your weapons," General Thomas answered. "Call your men off; the children are innocent, and there's no point in spilling innocent blood."

Mangos laughed. "None of you stand down," he said to his cohorts. "Well, we don't want to back down, and neither do you. Seems there's only one way to settle this."

He raised his hand in the air, and General Thomas sensed exactly what was going to happen. All he could do was yell, "Run!" to the children and the civilians as both sides opened fire.