I zipped up my thick coat as I made my way to backyard playground. It was a snowy afternoon in December. I shivered from the unpleasant cold. Alyona and Trinity, both bundled up in thick clothings didn't seem to mind the cold.

"Race you to the monkey bars!" Trinity squealed to Alyona. Without waiting for Alyona's response, she darted the monkey bars and Alyona ran after her.

I was too occupied to play with my daughters. I caught a glimpse of Jessica and her clique. I had to do something about her!

I stood idly by myself. I personally had no interest in playing on the playground and I desired to go inside. But I made a promise to Trinity that I would go outside.

I stared at Jessica from afar. I desperately wanted to stalk her. I wanted to hurt her in the slowest and most painful way possible.

Jessica doesn't even notice my stare, until one of her friends spotted me. It was a dark haired girl that was the same age as her. She gave me a cold glare and shouted out. "What do you want?" She snarled. Jessica turned her head to me and narrowed her eyes. I wondered if she learned her lesson from last week. Fortunately, I never got in trouble for that incident. I didn't hear a peep about it honestly.

Jessica probably forced her friends to not tell on me. Perhaps she didn't learn her lesson and thinks she can fuck with me. I personally didn't care what her reasoning was. All I cared about was making her life and her stupid friends' life a living hell.

Jessica glared at me furiously. Melinda was nowhere to be seen. She was punished with two weeks of detention for her unruly behavior. I did love that she was trapped inside all day, but she isn't suffering.

She hurt my daughters and me. That little brat had to pay! But for some reason, Jessica was the person I despised the most. Perhaps it was because she resided in the same room as me. Her mere presence infuriated me.

I thought about Alyona and Trinity. MY Trinity and Alyona. I felt like I had a obligation to protect them. I know they're not blood related, but in my mind, they are my daughters. I paced around the playground, monitoring Alyona and Trinity playing. I had no interest in playing at all.

As I walked around the playground, I developed an idea about how I could fuck with Jessica. It was a simple idea. I smiled brightly at my idea. I waited impatiently for Sister Wanda to allow us inside. When she does, I rushed inside and I felt the pleasant warmth.

I hurried upstairs to analyze each of the Sisters' offices. I sought out to steal an object from the office and frame Jessica with theft. I decided to focus on Sister Wanda. She was the powerhouse of this place. I respected her. She was authoritative and level headed. The children here respected her authority more than the other Sisters. So if a child stole from the mighty Sister Wanda…

I wanted something important, like a cell phone. Something that will make Sister Wanda outraged if she learned it was stolen. I made sure I was stealthy. My heart was pulsing in my chest, my palms were sweaty. If I was caught, then it would be game over.

Sister Wanda was still downstairs, monitoring the children with the other Nuns. I opened her office door and entered the room. It was a fair sized room with pale green walls and one large window. I made sure to close the door slightly.

Her room had a sweet aroma of delicious vanilla. I hurried to her desk and grinned widely at my luck. I saw her cell phone sitting on her desk attached to a charger. I was confused to why she would leave her phone alone. I heard girls scurrying upstairs. Giggling and chattering erupted in the building.

My heart quickened. I grabbed her cell phone, yanking it off of the charger. I had no time to waste. In a mad haste, I exited the room and into the corridor. Wanda was not upstairs. I heard her talking to a girl who was crying for some reason. I concealed the cell phone the best I could.

None of the girls seemed to notice me. They paid no attention to me and I hurried off to my dorm. When I entered the room, no one was in there. I burst out into wicked giggles as I planted the stolen phone under the mattress of Jessica's bed. I was grinning ear to ear.

"MERCY!" I heard Alyona shouting out for me. She spilled into my dorm with a excited smile. She was beaming with happiness. "Sister Jane is having a party downstairs. There's cupcakes and cookies! Come on, Trinity is looking for you." She said feverishly.

I smiled genuinely at this moment. This moment showcased how Alyona has finally warmed up to me. Alyona is a shy and meek girl that would fade into the background, she reminded me of myself when I was little.

So to see her happy brightened up my day. Her Russian accent was music to my ears. "Of course, honey." I cooed. Eagerly, Alyona led me downstairs and into the playroom. It was decorated tastefully, all of the toys are stacked inside the closet. There was a long table piled up with sugary cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies. The children ate among themselves and chattered to each other. I grabbed myself a cup of red punch and I made a plate of two cookies.

Me and Alyona sat on the couch with Trinity. I snacked on my cookies, relishing the sweetness.

I watched my daughters happily eating their cookies and cupcakes. It was a beautiful sight to see. For a brief moment, I felt tranquil. I enjoyed this moment, me being in this warm room, eating a delicious snack, and sitting by my loved ones. I thought about how I felt about Alyona and Trinity. They honestly did make my life here happy. I didn't hate this place. It is ten times better than being in that institution. But I can't help but worry about me being here for too long. I constantly anticipate my next potential family. Every passing day since I've been here, no couples has arrived.

But being near Alyona and Trinity has made my days here bearable.

I glanced at the little ones and the Sullivans appeared in my mind. I didn't know why they popped up in my mind. I thought about how I murdered them. Blake. Kelly. Gabby. Annie. Kelly. All were young. I didn't see myself hurting them. I dismissed the family within seconds and I focused on my current daughters.

I stroked Alyona's raven hair gently. "I really like that we are all friends." I said sincerely. I smiled brightly at Trinity.

Trinity was too occupied eating her cookies. Alyona gave me a beautiful smile. "Thank you. I'm really happy you're here." She said sweetly.

"SISTER JANE!" Sister Wanda's voice echoed through the corridor. She appeared in the doorway with a concerned expression.

"Can you help me, please? I seem to have lost my cell phone." Sister Wanda asked.

Sister Jane approached her. "Where did you last saw it?"

"It was in my office." Sister Wanda said bluntly.

"Are you sure?" Sister Jane probed. "Do you have any other ideas about its whereabouts?"

Sister Wanda narrowed her eyes. "I had it in my office. It was charging." She insisted. She gazed around urgently.

"Was anyone upstairs on the second floor at anytime?" I froze in my seat, my heart beats intensified. My hands began to tremble uncontrollably. No! NO! I began to panic on the insides.

"I'm not sure. I was downstairs with you and the others." Sister Jane admitted.

"Mercy, what's wrong?" Alyona nudged me and gave me a worried look. She noticed my anxiety.

I lied swiftly. "Nothing." I curled my hands into shaky fists. I inhaled and exhaled in and out softly to soothe my frizzled nerves. Alyona is alarmed by this sight and stared at me for a long time.

"Just in case, let's just look in all of the rooms and dorms." Sister Jane suggested. Sister Wanda nodded in agreement. "I will get Sister Josephine to look with me. You stay in here." She instructed. Then she departed the room.

My anxiety instantly vanished. I felt glee at the thought of Sister Wanda discovering her missing cell phone.

Once I composed myself, I turned to Alyona to reassure her. "I'm fine." I told her. Alyona doesn't seem convinced, but she didn't ask any further questions.

I sat and relaxed with my daughters for twenty minutes straight. Then I heard Sister Wanda's booming yelling.

"JESSICA!" She bellowed. Jessica, who was sitting in the corner with her clique, sprung to her feet with wide eyes. Her friends looked at her confused.

"JESSICA!" The playroom became silent as Sister Wanda stormed into the room. In her possession was her cell phone. She looked like she was seconds away from exploding.

"Yes…" Jessica said in a small voice. She shrunk at the sight of the angry Sister Wanda. Sister Wanda didn't seem to care that everyone else was in the room. She showed her cell phone to Jessica.

"Why was my cell phone under your bed mattress?" Sister Wanda demanded.

Jessica shook her head. "Sister Wanda, I don't know."

"It was under your bed, young lady. I want answers right now. Theft will not and will never be tolerated at Saint Amorettes!" Sister Wanda exclaimed gravely.

Jessica became teary eyed. Children stared at her as the event played out. "I don't know! I didn't do anything! I swear! I didn't steal!" She cried. But Sister Wanda was not in the mood. She frowned. "No, Jessica. Your behavior will not be tolerated here!" She rebuked. She beckoned her to come into the corridor with her.

Jessica proceeded to have a meltdown. She burst into hysterical tears, her face reddening and snot running down her nose. I chuckled under my breath at this.

Sister Jane is alarmed by this, but Sister Wanda is not fazed. Urgently, she walked over to Jessica and grabbed her wrist.

"NO! NO! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" Jessica screeched. Sister Wanda promptly dragged the distraught girl into the corridor. I continued to chuckle, I covered my mouth with my hands to hide my laughter.

Alyona and Trinity are occupied watching this scene to notice me.

"What happened?" Alyona suddenly asked me.

I decided to do something rash. I switched my English into Russian. "I stole Wanda's phone and I put it under her bed." Of course, Alyona being from Russia, understood me instantly. Her eyes lit up. She switched to Russian as well. "You did!"

I made my voice stern. "Don't tell anyone. I could get into a bunch of trouble!" I insisted.

Alyona nodded her head. "I won't." She promised. Alyona smiled brightly and went off to get another cookie.

I didn't want to inform Trinity. I hate to say it, but I am afraid that Trinity will tell. She had her doubts about me before. I don't want to risk it.

Jessica was given detention similar to her friend, Melinda. She wasn't allowed to play or interact with the other children for three weeks. She was forced to do chores around the place.

It was a week later when I headed to the art room to bond with my daughters when I caught a glimpse of hope.

A couple walking down the corridor being led by Sister Wanda. My heart raced with eagerness. This was the very first couple I have seen since I arrived here.

I studied them from afar. They looked like they were in their mid thirties. The woman was fair haired and tall. The man was dark haired and they both wore thick clothing.

I approached them eagerly. "Hello," I greeted them. They all stopped in their tracks and the couple gazed at me and noticed my accent. "My name is Mercedes, but I am often called Mercy." I said sweetly.

The woman smiled. "I love your accent!" She cooed. The man gave me a friendly wave. "Nice to meet you." I found the man attractive. He was handsome.

"My name is Cara Jackson. This is my husband, Carl." She introduced. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mercy." I extended out a friendly hand to her.

Sister Wanda chimed in. "Mercy, the Jackson are prospective parents, you know?" She informed me. I ignored her and continued to smile at the couple.

"Would you like to talk to Mercy in the Day room?" Sister Wanda offered.

"Sure." Cara agreed. I was bouncing up and down with joy on the inside. I briskly led the couple into the Day room. A fair sized room that was next to the art room. I frowned in dismay to see Melinda in the room.

Melinda sat alone at a table, her eyes are fixated in a book she is reading. I was shocked that this bimbo could read. Melinda's eyes flickered up when she heard the couple entering the room.

"Hello." She said softly.

Cara smiled at Melinda and glanced at her book. "Hey, what book are you reading?" She inquired.

Cara walked over to Melinda interested. I was seething with jealousy. What the fuck? I was here first! I screamed in my mind.

I felt like I was a product at this point. I was nothing but an object that must lure and charm potential buyers. Disappointment overflowed through me.

Carl followed his wife and left me stranded. I turned around crestfallen to see Sister Wanda. She gave me a sympathetic look. She knew I wanted to charm this couple.

I struggled to contain my frustration. I stood by and watched the couple chatter with Melinda as if I was not present. I never felt so disrespected before. (Well I have, but you know what I mean.) I was prepared to use my lovely charm and wits on this couple and they are attracted to this bimbo! And for what? For reading a fucking book?! WHAT THE FUCK?

I gritted my teeth in envy. I struggled to figure out why Melinda attracted their attention by doing nothing. I refused to be ignored like this. I forced a sweet smile on my face, I kept my tone gentle and polite as I approached them.

"Are we still having our talk?" I asked meekly.

Cara looked at me with a mild expression. "Yes. Sorry, I forgot." Then her eyes flicked to me and Melinda both. She formed a toothy grin. "We could have a talk together!" She suggested.

I discovered that Melinda was glaring at me. I could read her mind and we both had the same answer.

"I rather talk alone." I said honestly.

Melinda nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I want to talk alone too."

Cara frowned in dismay. "Oh." She mouthed.

I began to lose hope that this couple will adopt me. There is no chemistry between us. I recollected how I charmed the Sullivans. I was amazing. I had them wrapped around my finger with my charms and tragic sob story. But this couple, I don't think I have a chance to charm them.

Melinda became rude. "Go away already!" She hissed. The Jacksons looked at Melinda with appalled eyes. They were completely taken aback by Melinda's abrasive personality.

I gave up hope that I would be adopted by this couple. Honestly I was happy about that. This couple clearly doesn't respect me. Especially if they are willing to dismiss me like that. Fuck them! I walked straight out of the room without another word.

I was fuming with aggravation and indignation. I was shaking with fury towards Melinda. That bitch made my blood boil. I ran into my dorm and jumped onto my bed. I was alone and I released my anger onto the pillow. "FUCK!" I screamed into my pillow. I then began to violently tear at the pillow.

Then my emotions hit me like a tidal wave. Heavy tears burst out of me suddenly. I curled up into a ball on my bed and sobbed to myself brokenly. I felt myself spiraling into despair. I was a failure. I failed to charm this couple into adopting me. I didn't even have a chance to prove myself worthy! Then fierce anger seeped into my psyche. I slammed my fists into my pillow and I proceeded to batter it. "THIS IS ALL MELINDA'S FAULT! I HATE THIS PLACE! DAMMIT! DAMMIT! I HATE THIS SHITHOLE!"

My emotions was like a violent hurricane. All of my extreme emotions erupted inside of me. All of the frustration, the anger, the disappointment, the self pity, and just plain desperation.

I broke out into soft sobs as I buried my face into my pillow. "Why can't I ever find happiness?" I wept.

I softly wept in my pillow for a long time. My mind was plagued with violent thoughts. Melinda needed to pay. She was the root of most of my problems here!

After the party concluded, the children were allowed to go play. I stalked Melinda from the shadows. I evaded Trinity and Alyona, I did not want them to see me. Melinda resided in the detention room and was monitored by a Sister.

I walked down the corridor, contemplating what I should do. I sat on the floor with my legs out. Then a young girl blindly tripped over my legs. Her fall was almost comical.

It was a ginger haired girl named Addison. She was best friends with Melinda. And she was just as belligerent and unruly as Melinda.

"What the fuck, Mercy?" She shrieked angrily.

I rolled my eyes and remained silent.

Addison felt indignation from my indifference.

"Are you going to help me up, you stupid bitch?" She hissed.

I sprung to my feet and walked away. Unlike Melinda, Addison doesn't follow me and try to provoke me. I heard her angrily mumbling. I decided to cool off by going outside. On my way, I was shocked when I spotted Melinda out of the detention room. She appeared cautious. She inched downstairs quietly. Melinda snuck downstairs and even managed to stealthily make it to the playground. The supervising here is shit. I followed her to the playground. I watched her like a hawk.

Melinda noticed me staring at her. No one seemed to care enough to pay attention to us. The Sisters were occupied with the other children, so I had the opportunity to do anything I like to this bastard.

Melinda glared at me. "Why the fuck are you looking at me, you bitch?" She hissed. "Fuck off!"

Melinda then gave me a smirk. "Oh, I get it. You're upset that family liked me more than you." She teased cruelly.

I gritted my teeth in anger. "Fuck you!" I snapped.

Melinda giggled. "You are a dumbass! It's not my fault you'll never be adopted. You'll just rot here forever." She taunted. "Who would want you? Some stupid foreign bitch. No wonder your parents left you, they left you because you were born." Her words were extremely harsh and cruel.

"Go fuck yourself." I said in a low voice.

Melinda balled up her fists. "Wanna to fight me?" She gave me a aggressive look and took a menacing step towards me.

I smiled slightly. Now my plan went into motion. I then pretended to be scared and ran off to the thick forest that surrounded the yard. No one was paying attention to this shockingly.

Melinda eagerly chased after me. She shouted out cocky taunts and brutal insults at me. "Don't be scared now, Mercy. You were tough shit before, why are you acting scared now?" She mocked.

When I am deep enough in the forest, I stopped in my tracks and dove into nearby bushes.

Melinda was shouting out for me. I heard cruel laughter as she made it up to the bush I was hiding in. Then I striked. I leaped out of the bushes and I tackled the girl without giving her second to react. Immediately I wailed on her with hurricanes of hard fists. I was on top on her, I banged her head into the ground. Melinda struggled violently against me. She was a worthy opponent, I'll admit. She nearly managed to knock me off of her. I slammed my fist on Melinda's throat, damaging her windpipe. She released out a sickening cry and coughed violently.

Melinda still struggled violently. I wrapped my fingers around her throat. I smiled wickedly as her eyes became wide with fear. For once this cocky little brat was finally meeting Alanna Petrov! I squeezed the girl's throat. Melinda turned a shade of purple. Her eyes become bloodshot red. Her hands pierced into my skin, desperately trying to pry me off of her.

But her efforts are fruitless. I strangled the girl for a long period of time, she became limp as she struggled to cling to life. I looked her directly in the eyes as I did. "Aw, Melinda. I guess this is the end of your story. Too bad, you will never be adopted." I teased callously.

I laughed at her terror. She looked like a pitiful animal with her glassy eyes. She couldn't utter out words and vocalized out pitiful cries. I squeezed Melinda for a good few minutes. I watched the life seeping out of her eyes. I released my grip on her throat. I laid my head on her chest to check for breathing. I smiled with glee when I hear nothing.

"YES!" I rejoiced. I gazed Melinda's lifeless body. With pride in my chest, I left the girl in the snowy forest and hurried back to the playground.

I was not noticed by anyone amazingly. I felt so in control right now. Like no one could touch me.

I hurried to find Alyona and Trinity. I found them in the art room.

"Hey." I seized their attention.

"Mercy!" Alyona was overflowing with happiness and ran to me. She embraced me sweetly. I was charmed by this moment. It made the murder I just committed seemed surreal. I didn't feel remorse for what I did. Melinda deserved it. I just wished her death was more graphic and agonizing.

I embraced my beloved child lovingly.

It was an hour later when the Sisters discovered that Melinda was missing. Apparently she somehow managed to sneak out of detention and outside. The supervision here is pathetic!

"Has anyone seen Melinda?" Sister Jane demanded frantically.

All of the girls became worried and some aided the Sisters looking for Melinda. Jessica and her clique also looked.

I pretended that I cared and I helped the search with Alyona and Trinity.

"Where do you think she went?" Trinity asked.

I shrugged my shoulders.

We walked through the corridor and Alyona peeked inside the rooms. I felt happiness by all of this. I felt confidence. Melinda was rotting in the ground and no one knew.

I smiled at the thought of her lifeless body rotting in the snow.

"Why are you smiling?" Trinity demanded. I looked her, unable to control my smiling. Trinity was baffled by my behavior. Fear and doubt filled her eyes.

"Mercy, this is serious! This isn't a joke!" Trinity rebuked. "Melinda is missing!"

"That's good, Trinity." I urged in a soft voice. "Melinda will never mess with us anymore!" I extended out my hand to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Trinity took a cautious step away from me.

Trinity became teary eyed. "No, Mercy. I didn't like Melinda either. But she's missing. We need to be serious!"

I was impulsive. "Trinity," I slowed my voice down so she could comprehend what I was saying. "Melinda is gone. We can have peace now."

Trinity began to tremble. "M..Mercy, did...did..you do something to her?" She stuttered out. Trinity's eyes are wide with fright. She braced herself in case I attack her.

I continued to be gentle and soft spoken. "No." I lied. "Melinda probably just ran away. She'll be fine."

Trinity lowered her eyes to the floor. She seemed very uncomfortable. She staggered away from me. "I'm going to help Alyona." She informed me. Trinity hurried after Alyona, leaving me behind.

I felt my heart break. Trinity is visibly disturbed by me. I stomped my foot in anger. "Damn!" I muttered. I wanted to kick myself for being so dumb. Why did I say all of that? I desperately wished that I could turn back time.

My worst fear hit me like a pile of bricks. "She will tell Alyona!" I gasped. No! I couldn't bear it if BOTH of my daughter fear me.

I pulled my hair in frustration. "You are an idiot!" I scolded myself. "A fuck up! Well done, Alanna!" I felt tears filling up in my eyes.

I needed to prevent Trinity from confiding to Alyona. Alyona is currently the only one that trusts me wholeheartedly. I bolted down the corridor after Alyona and Trinity. I ran into Trinity first. She was right behind a oblivious Alyona.

"Trinity!" I called out. Trinity swirled around with massive eyes and shrieked.

Alyona turned around to the commotion. "What's wrong? Have you found Melinda?" Alyona asked.

"No." I admitted. I grabbed Trinity's clammy hand tightly. "We need to talk." I told Trinity. Trinity protested by yanking her hand away. Hurt brewed inside of me. I nearly cried when she did that.

Trinity backed away from me. The look in her eyes was sheer terror. She knows that something is wrong with me. That I am dangerous. I opened my mouth to say something when Sister Wanda appeared.

I heard her talking on her cell phone to the authorities. Wanda was pacing around aimlessly as she spoke. "Yes...yes...her name is Melinda Powers. Yes….yes…"

Sister Wanda didn't notice us. She paced downstairs and continued to talking.

Trinity began to weep. "Melinda is missing!" She wept.

Alyona appeared shaken.

I pretended to be sad for Alyona. "I'm sure she's around." I reassured her.

Afterwards an Amber Alert was issued. Eventually police swarmed the area, searching for Melinda. I was overwhelmed with anxiety. I made sure to evade the cops in fear of looking suspicious.

Melinda's corpse was found fairly quickly. Her body was still fresh and was discovered buried in the snow. Detectives swiftly confirmed foul play and launched an investigation. The Nuns were gradually questioned and many suspected the local pedophiles. No one suspected me and I was overjoyed. No one recalled seeing me or reported me.

But my joy is short lived. Trinity has seen the real me and promptly didn't want anything to do with me. She even moved out of the dorm and would never interact with me. She even dismissed Alyona because she would still cling to me.

I hated that our friendship is over. I still cared about Trinity on a emotional level. But if she wished to have nothing to do with me, I will respect her wishes. Alyona is the only one that still made me happy. So I was fixated on my last daughter.

Next chapter. Mercy struggles to cope with Trinity abandoning their friendship. I am writing Infection and other stories, so please be patient and leave reviews.