Chapter 5

Dogwood children's orphanage

9:00 A.M

Breakfast on Friday was Andy's favorite. It consisted of eggs, toast, cereal and muffins, but also there was a choice between donuts and pudding as well. Not only was it the food, but Charlotte was there helping out in the cafeteria she sometimes had time to sit down with him and talk to him. This Friday must've been extremely special or magical even because not only was he going to meet his foster family after having a really nice breakfast, but because of the extra helpers that day Charlotte got off duty and stayed at the orphanage just to sit and talk with him.

"I'm so excited for you, Andy!" Charlotte smiled sincerely. "You're going to be adopted by the Hadisons. You really deserve it."

"Mrs. Carter said they were really wealthy," Andy said. "But are they nice?"

"I've met Mrs. Hadison and she's wonderful. I'm not sure about Mr. Hadison, but I'm sure he's just as nice," Charlotte said reassuringly. "Besides, there's a pool in the backyard and you get your own nice big bedroom," she winked.

Andy nodded with a small smile. "I know, it sounds great and all. I just…I hope I feel at home there."

"I'm sure you will sweetie. Don't worry so much," she said, patting his arm. "Now eat your pudding. If you want, I'll even swipe you an extra one for later."

Andy smiled widely, a sincere smile that he hadn't had in a long time. That day so far was the best in his whole life, minus the years of ignorant bliss when he was living with his mom just barely surviving with enough food in the small, unkempt apartment. He missed his old home, but he had to admit the orphanage was a lot nicer than that apartment.

When breakfast was over, Andy went back to his room to change into the new outfit Charlotte had gotten for him and finished packing up his belongings. A little while later, another staff member opened his door to tell him Mrs. Hadison had arrived. Andy felt the butterflies flutter around in his stomach, but went down the stairs into the main lobby where Mrs. Carter was conversing with a young woman. The woman had long, straight black hair tied up in a half bun and the prettiest blue eyes Andy had ever seen. She wore a semi-short, lavender skirt that ruffled at the bottom with a fancy white silk blouse. It was obvious already that she was wealthy. She had pretty diamond earrings and bright red lipstick. As Andy approached Mrs. Carter spotted him and smiled.

"Ah, here he is. Andy Barclay."

Mrs. Hadison turned toward Andy and immediately gasped, covering her mouth. Out of instinct, Andy froze and turned around quickly, thinking her surprise was from something behind him.

"Oh, he's so cute!" she exclaimed with her British accent, bending down to give Andy a tight squeeze.

Andy just smiled up at her shyly, feeling rather embarrassed. Mrs. Carter nodded as Mrs. Hadison stood back up.

"He's a very well-mannered young boy. He cleans up after himself, follows the rules and does all his chores. Although he's quiet a lot of the time he's no trouble at all," Mrs. Carter said, glancing over at Andy, who remained silent.

Mrs. Hadison just smiled brightly. "Wonderful! He sounds like an angel. Perhaps he could teach David a thing or two."

Mrs. Malkum laughed good-naturedly and then glanced back down at Andy. "Andy, David is the sixteen year old whom you'll meet soon enough. He too is a foster child and has been living with Mr. And Mrs. Hadison for about three years now."

"Yes, he was your age when he first came to live with us as well," she smiled. "He seemed to have adjusted quickly so I hope you do too."

"Thank you," Andy said quietly.

Mrs. Carter nodded. "Andy, do you wish to go with Mrs. Hadison?"

Andy thought for a moment then nodded and Mrs. Hadison clapped her hands together happily. "Wonderful! The limo's waiting outside for us dear. Ready to go?"

"Sure," Andy said, picking up his suitcase.

"Oh, no, dearie, let Arthur get that," she smiled, gesturing for a man in a suit to come forward.

Andy hadn't even realized he had been standing in the corner by the door. He appeared to be the driver. Andy's assumption was correct when he found that Arthur led them outside to the limo. Andy had never before ridden in a limo. He tried to conceal his excitement for he was still shy around Mrs. Hadison. They sat in the large backseat together and Andy waved goodbye to Charlotte, Mrs. Malkum and the others that stood outside waving at him. He was going to truly miss Charlotte. Perhaps Mrs. Hadison would let him visit once in a while.

"So Andy, tell me, do you like sports?"

Andy turned from the window toward Mrs. Hadison who was smiling at him.

"I guess so. I never really watch sports."

"Really? You've never been to a football or a baseball game or even seen it on TV?" she asked, surprised.

Andy shook his head. "No. My mom had a TV but we would never watch sports. The only show I ever watched was…," Andy trailed off, remembering how he had always watched the Good Guy cartoons.

Mrs. Jaques noticed his sudden silence and just reached over and patted his hand. "Oh, don't worry. My husband loves games. He's taken David to plenty of them so you can tag along with them. There are lots to do so if you find you don't like something just let me know and we can figure something else out, alright?"

Andy nodded gratefully with a smile. She seemed extremely generous. He hoped that the boy, David, was friendly enough, even though he was a few years older. Of course, anything had to be better than the Simpson's. Mr. Simpson had been really strict and mean and Mrs. Simpson was nicer. Mrs. Hadison seemed much better than either of them. No Mr. Simpson, no hamburger helper, no belt and best of all no Chucky.

A phone rang and Mrs. Hadison dug in her purse and pulled out her cell phone.

"Hello? Oh Candace, how are you darling? Oh yes, I'm good. Oh, that's right...the party's next week, right? That's the week my husband's going to Florida to visit a friend. Oh, don't worry, Arthur and Maria will take care of the boys while we're gone. Yes, yes…oh really! That's wonderful! Yes! I'm coming back home with him right now. You should meet him, he really is a doll!"