December gave way to a snowy January. During my stay here in Saint Amorettes, many drastic things has occurred. I have long failed to charm the Jackson couple and no couple has arrived since.

I was able to evade suspicion of Melinda's death. For a long time, the other girls has stopped taunting and bullying me and Alyona. Jessica has made the effort to move out of her dorm to stay away from me.

Unfortunately Trinity is ignoring my existence. Worst of all, Trinity was ignoring Alyona's existence as well. I sat inside, overcasted with anxiety over never meeting my future family. I am full of hurt because of Trinity's rejection. I can't blame her for not wanting anything to do with me. I should have been discrete with her.

Only Alyona's presence kept me happy. I focused all of my attention and affections onto her.

Upon seeing the fresh fallen snow of winter, I convinced Alyona to go outside with me to build a snowman. I waited by the door, dressed in warm clothing, my hands are snuggled with thick mittens.

Sister Jane stood outside by the door, monitoring the children on the playground. After Melinda's death, the supervision improved. The Sisters now watched the children like hawks.

Alyona arrived downstairs in a light brown coat. Her mittens are black as night. Her raven hair is tied into a side braid.

"Come on, Alyona." I urged her in a soft voice. Alyona walked over to me briskly, she buttoned up all of her dark buttons on her coat.

When we came outside, I am amazed by how beautiful the landscape was. Melinda's death led the Orphanage gaining a fence to split the playground from the thick forest. I saw Trinity with her new group of friends. She was playing on the monkey bars, chattering and giggling with her friends.

It hurt my heart that I lost another child. First it was Blake, then Hope, Monica, and now Trinity.

"Mercy," Alyona seized my attention. Alyona began to constructively build the snowman. I assisted Alyona and we both complete the snowman in several minutes.

"Wow! It looks great!" Alyona expressed.

I decided to grab dark rocks from the ground and put them on the snowman for eyes. Alyona proceeded to gather up tiny pebbles and put them into the snowman to form a smile. "I'll get some sticks." Alyona stated. She then gathered up two long sticks. She planted the sticks into the side for arms.

Alyona smiled beautifully at it. She was amazed by our little art project. "Awesome!" Her sweet accent was adorable to hear. I then heard the bouncing of a ball. I turned my head to see Trinity playing with volleyball with her friends. I can't help but feel betrayed.

I protected Trinity and treated Trinity with kindness and affection. Now she broke off her relationship with me. She just dismissed our relationship at the top of the hat. I comforted her, cuddling her like a teddy bear when she was scared. I protected her from her tormentors. But the worst of all was her treatment of Alyona. How dare she dismiss Alyona's friendship? I did hate how our relationship turned out. I honestly did want to resolve our issues and rekindle our relationship. She and Alyona were my sun in this bleak place. I had Alyona, but I didn't have Trinity. I desperately wanted the other half.

I considered walking over to Trinity and talk to her. But before I could take one step towards her, Trinity caught a glimpse of me and fear was smeared upon her face. Her lips began to quiver. I decided to turn away and stayed by Alyona.

It was apparent that Trinity was terrified of me. She knew what I was capable of. Trinity kept a fair distance from me.

I exhaled in dismay at my failure. Then I turned to Alyona. Alyona seemed to have sensed my downhearted mood. "Mercy, do you want to go to the art room?" She offered sweetly.

I smiled at this moment. I admired this quality about her. I didn't have to use words to express how I was feeling. She just knew.

I nodded my head. Then we both walked side by side inside and to the art room. Alyona and I sat at the easel with our paints and paintbrushes. Content in each other presence, we began to paint and sketch. Time healed the pain I received from Trinity's coldness. "Mercy, look!" Alyona nudged me gently.

"Look at mine." She begged. I looked at her and my heart fluttered with bliss. It was a painting of me and Alyona together standing side by side. In the background is a tiny brown house with a beautiful, sunny sky and a green landscape. Her painting is amazing, mine was a simple rose, but Alyona's was vivid and detailed.

"That is beautiful, Alyona. You are really talented." I complimented. Alyona beamed. I analyzed her art and I learned the meaning of it.

Alyona and I are close knitted, Alyona even attempted to share the same room as me, but wasn't allowed to because another girl already booked the dorm. During our time together, we became inseparable. Where I went, she went. So it made sense that she desired to be adopted with me. She obviously treasured our friendship. I was her only friend.

Personally I wouldn't mind if Alyona was adopted with me, even though it is highly unlikely. Me and Alyona has different goals about adoption. But I don't want to dampen this sweet girl's spirits. "One day, we will get adopted together." I reassured her.

Alyona gave me a happy smile in response.

Then Alyona asked me about Trinity. "Why doesn't Trinity talk to me and you anymore?" She inquired.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know." I lied. "She's probably just upset."

Alyona took on a somber look. "I tried to talk to her. But she just told me to go away!" She lamented.

I frowned at that. Anger filled me to the brim. Trinity could disrespect and dismiss ME all she liked, but Alyona should not be mistreated. Alyona, a sweet and shy little angel that I saw as my own flesh and blood. I felt my instincts boiling inside of me. A mama bear's basic instinct is to protect her cubs.

I still had lingering hope that Trinity would come back to me and Alyona and we would be friends again. But honestly I do not see that happening.

"Did she hurt your feelings?" I asked.

Alyona swiftly shook her head. "No. But she's really upset about something and she won't talk about it." Alyona explained.

I put a comforting hand on Alyona's shoulder. "She'll be fine." I reassured her.

Alyona looked at me with a smile. She trusted my words wholeheartedly. "Yeah, you're right." She said softly.

Me and Alyona ate among ourselves at lunchtime. We were served stale spaghetti and bitter tasting apple juice.

"This is so gross!" Alyona complained bluntly. I chuckled lightly at that comment. I liked how blunt and honest Alyona could be.

After lunchtime, me and Alyona were making our way to the art room to bond again, when we entered, Addison and Trinity were planted in me and Alyona's chairs.

"Trinity?" Alyona gasped. Trinity's head swirled around to Alyona and her eyes flooded with fright upon seeing me.

"Mercy!" She shrieked. Addison appeared perplexed to her new friend's behavior. Alyona was oblivious and waved cordially at Trinity, she desperately wanted to talk to her and be friends with her again.

"What's wrong, Trinity? Why won't you talk to me or Mercy?" She demanded.

Trinity narrowed her eyes, becoming annoyed, her eyes avoided me and was directed at Alyona. "Leave me alone!" She cried. "Both of you! Just leave me alone!"

Alyona flinched with hurt, tears swelled up in her eyes. "But...Trinity, why?" She said in a small voice. I balled up my fists in frustration. I hated how Trinity was treating Alyona. Alyona doesn't deserve this!

"Do not talk to her like that!" I rebuked. My voice was strict and sharp, like a Mother yelling at her disrespectful child. My eyes locked onto Trinity with intensity. Trinity looked like a deer in headlights and bit her lower lip.

"She said leave her alone!" Addison broke in. She glared at me as she defended her new friend. "Go away or I will tell one of the Sisters on you!" She threatened.

I stood there, boiling with anger and resentment. Alyona, who was a passive soul, nudged me gently. "Let's just go." She said.

"No!" I hissed. I would not let Alyona be disrespected like this! Not my sweet daughter! At this moment, I wanted to punish Trinity for her betrayal. I did not want to kill her, I still cared for her on a emotional level, but I felt like I was obliged to discipline her.

I pointed a stern finger at her with a grave expression on my face. "Do not speak to Alyona like that ever! She is trying to be nice and you are acting like a petulant child! Enough!" I scolded sharply.

Addison rolled her eyes impudent. "Shut up, Mercy! Who do you think you are? You're not the boss of anyone! Go away or I will tell on you!" She seethed.

I took a angry step closer to this brat, I was tempted to smack the shit of her. Trinity then began to cry.

I opened my mouth to say something, but Alyona grabbed my wrist and kept me in place. "Stop it!" Alyona cried. "Just let's just go before we get in trouble!" Alyona said. This time I listened to her, I did not want one of the Sister to come in here and see me act like this. Me and Alyona hurried out of the art room and into the Day room. I heard Trinity's soft sobs emanating from the art room.

I was offended. I felt so disrespected from her rejection. How dare she dismiss Alyona? Alyona was trying to help her sorry ass and this is how she repaid us?! With coldness, prolonging silence, with disrespect, with dismissive behavior? I protected this child, pampered her, comforted her, and loved her with all of the love in my heart. Alyona was sweet to her, empathic towards her feelings and attempted to talk to her.

I was resolved to punish her. As of now, I had no plan on how. Like I said before, I had no desire to kill her. But I wouldn't mind if I broke a bone or two. I wanted to give her a punishment that she will remember and look back on for the rest of her life.

I thought of Addison and I instantly hated her. Jessica was bad enough. But she's smart, she doesn't fuck with me or Alyona anymore. But Addison was now my new enemy.

I plotted how to punish Trinity. I considered beating her black and blue. Any kind of injury would satisfy.

For two straight days, I kept a keen eye on Trinity from the shadows. I made sure to keep myself hidden, I was like a snake lurking around it's oblivious prey.

I developed an idea quickly and I waited for the perfect moment to execute it.

Trinity kept close to her friends. She was cautious, I would see glimpses of her uneasy expression. Her nervous eyes darted to every direction. Trinity seemed to maintain a piece of innocence bliss when she was with her new friends.

"Mommy must punish her little one." I whispered to myself. My voice is filled with sorrow. Then a switch turned on in my mind. I then made the decision to talk to Trinity. I wanted to give her one last chance. One chance to reform herself and be my sweet daughter again.

I pushed my plan into the back of my mind. I proceeded the day as normal. It was a snowy Friday, I finished all of my classwork and I was preparing to get ready for dinner time. I gazed at the clock as I collected my textbooks.

I heard whispering behind me. I didn't pay attention to it at first, until I heard the name, "Mercy." I turned my head swiftly to see Addison and a couple of other girls talking among themselves. Addison shot me a bitter glare. "What?" She hissed.

I shot her a glare back. I needed to control myself.

"Mind your own business!" Addison fumed. I wanted to smack the shit out of this brat. I summoned all of my self control to restrain myself.

Then it was time to go, Sister Jane announced that it was dinnertime and the children hurried out of the classroom. I am the last one out and Sister Jane stopped me in my track.

"Mercy, Sister Wanda wishes to speak to you?" She asked me. I felt a pit in my stomach. My mind raced with anxiety. My heartbeat intensified.

I kept calm and followed Sister Jane to Sister Wanda's office. Sister Wanda was typing on her computer at her desk. I sat down in a chair in front of the desk.

"Sister Wanda," She seized her attention away from the computer. Sister Wanda's hardened eyes locked onto mine. "Mercedes, I have heard very concerning complaints about you." Sister Wanda informed me sternly.

My palms become sweaty. My mind raced and considered the worst.

I had on a meek expression, hoping I would charm my way out of this. "Sister Wanda, I haven't done anything." I denied.

Sister Wanda gave me a skeptical look. "Mercedes, Trinity has come to me and told me that you are messing with her."

I gasped slightly. Hurt brewed through me. I also felt indignant.

"Is there something wrong?" Sister Wanda probed.

I shook my head. "No. Trinity stopped talking to me and Alyona. She is being so mean to me." I mustered up tearful eyes for pity.

"I am sorry, Mercedes. But sometimes friendships has fallouts. Make new friends and leave Trinity alone." Sister Wanda advised.

I hung my head down. "I will." I said plainly. My heart is still racing. I'm not in trouble, but Trinity still betrayed me. She was inching away from her last chance.

I was escorted out of the office and I was ordered to go down to the messhall.

I paced down to the messhall and on my way, I saw Trinity walking down the hallway from the bathroom.

This time I decided to approach her. We were both alone. Everyone is in the messhall. I hurried to her and without a word I grabbed her wrist. Trinity gasped sharply in response and tugged against my grip. "Let me go!" She cried.

"I want to talk." I said bluntly. Trinity was pale as snow, her entire body became stiff as a statue. I was afraid she would scream out for help, but she doesn't. I dragged the scared girl into the downstairs playroom. There was no one in there and I hauled the girl to the couch. Trinity began to struggle against me, trying desperately to pry me off of her.

"Let me go!" She began to weep softly to herself. I tossed the girl onto the couch and she laid on her back. She became rigid with fright and grabbed a pillow. She held it in front of her face as if it was a shield from the beating she believed I would give her.

Every second, I was losing patience. I grew more and more frustrated. I composed myself and made sure my voice was soft and gentle. I sat next to her with a sweet smile on my innocent face. "Trinity, I just want to talk to you." I told her. I put a ginger hand on her shoulder.

Trinity was not comforted at all. She began to trembling uncontrollably. "Stop...stop...please.." She begged.

I took my hand away and simply smiled at her. "I want us to be friends again. I promise things will be different. Me, you, and Alyona were best friends. It hurts that you are just not talking to me anymore." I told her.

Trinity shook her head swiftly, her face still covered by the pillow. I became upset. I grabbed the pillow and yanked it out of her grip. Trinity's face was full of terror. I was losing my temper and I began to shake with anger.

"Enough! I am getting sick and tired of you being mean to me and Alyona!" I rebuked.

Trinity began to cry harder. I was getting angry now. I had no sympathy at this point, just frustration. I narrowed my eyes and my voice became sharp. "Stop crying!" I hissed. Trinity buried her face with her hands.

I balled up my fists. "Why are you avoiding me, Trinity?" I commanded.

Trinity's lips quivered. "Because...because...you are…" Trinity's eyes bulged with fright and her voice drifted off.

I raised my voice to establish my authority. "What, Trinity?" I snapped. Trinity trembled fearfully, she attempted to slip off of the couch, but I swiftly snatched her arm to stop her.

"Mercy!" She whined.

I gritted my teeth. "You are really pissing me off, young lady!" I snarled. "You are being so rude right now. You are being so mean to me and Alyona!"

"I...don't want to be friends with you!" Trinity squeaked out. "I don't want to be friends with you or Alyona! Let me go!"

I tightened my grip. "Shut up!" I commanded.

"Why are...you doing this, Mercy?" Trinity pleaded in a pitiful voice.

"I want us to be friends!" I insisted. Trinity then became bold. She launched a defensive punch with her free hand and socked me in the nose.

I was completely blindsided. I did not expect Trinity's attack. I lost my grip and I jerked back in my seat.

Trinity threw herself off the couch, when she has one foot on the floor, she clumsily stumbled to the floor.

Trinity scrambled to her feet, I recovered from the punch and I pinned her down with my weight. Trinity struggled violently against me. "Get off of me!" Trinity wailed.

Finally I had enough. At this point, there is no chance of us rekindling our relationship. I gave into my violent thoughts. I hopped off the girl and scurried to the door. I closed it and locked it behind me. I smiled wickedly at Trinity who was staring at me full of horror. She was still on the floor, looking stupid.

I hurried to her, flipped her over to her back, and immediately began to batter her viciously.

I punched her in the windpipe, causing her to utter out a sickening sound. I slammed my hand on her mouth to muffle out a scream. I grabbed her little throat and I proceeded to bang her head onto the floor violently.

Trinity began to cry again. I smacked her across the face with all of my strength. One..two...three..four...five..I kept cracking this brat across the face over and over again. Every slap is harder and sharper than the first. I only stopped because my hand was aching with pain from the force I inflicted onto her.

"You think you can betray like this!" I hissed. "You are sadly mistaken!" I voiced out all of my feelings to her. All the pain. All the heartbreak. All of the misery she inflicted on me and Alyona.

"I protected you!" With a twinging hand, I smacked her again. "I loved you. I cared for you! You were my best friend. I treated you with all of the kindness and devotion in the world. I comforted you when you cried in your sleep. I consoled you when you had nightmares. Who protected you, Trinity? Was it the Sisters? NO! Was it your parents that abused you? No! It was ME! Me! I protected you and treasured our friendship more than anything! And you, YOU took all of that away! You rejected me, betrayed me, hurt me, and completely dismissed all of the things I did for you!" I tightened my grip on her throat as I expressed my frustrations. "Melinda and Jessica were making your life hell! I protected you from them and this is the thanks I get. I get a pitiful little weasel! Alyona! Alyona was kind to you. She wanted to talk to you and be friends with you and you treated her like trash!" I watched Trinity's skin turned a shade of purple. I still did not want to end her life, I am afraid that I would be caught red handed. I loosened my grip and slapped her again. Her cheeks were painfully red.

"How dare you reject me?" I snarled. "I loved you! I loved you and cared for you!" I released the petrified girl. Trinity laid on her back, stiff and limp. She was too scared to move at this point. I towered over the helpless girl with a wicked grin. "Watch out, bitch. If I ever see your face again, you will end like Melinda!" I threatened.

I glared at her. "Do not tell a soul about this!" I grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her upright roughly. I slapped her across the face with my free hand. "Do not tell anyone about this!" I commanded.

"Because if you do, the Sisters will be burying you! Melinda will have a new roommate if you tell on me! If you like living, you keep your mouth shut!" I threatened darkly.

Then I released her and slammed her head onto the floor with all of my strength. Trinity wept heavily to herself. I hurried to the door and unlocked it. I exited the room and left the weeping brat by herself.

I returned to the messhall and I sat by Alyona. I acted as if nothing happened.

After dinnertime, it was one hour before bedtime. I headed to my dorm when I caught a glimpse of Trinity. I smiled at all of the misery I inflicted on her. She took my threat to heart, she had a thick scarf wrapped around her neck to hide the red finger marks on her throat. Her face was slightly blooming with bruises. Her golden hair covered her face. Trinity isolated herself and did not approach any of her friends or the Sisters.

Trinity spilled into her dorm and I proudly sauntered into mine. I slept like a baby that night. Confident that Trinity would not spill a word about the trauma I inflicted on her.

After that day, Trinity was dead to me. I never tried to approach the girl again. The girl meant nothing to me. Only Alyona mattered to me. For several days, Trinity's entire personality drastically changed. She became withdrawn, she faded into the background. Trinity became taciturn, rarely speaking to others and avoided her friends and all interactions with her peers.

Even when I am not around, Trinity still feared me. I lurked inside her psyche. I am her nightmare that she wakes up screaming from.

I felt proud. I felt justice and pride brewing within me. Trinity asked for this mistreatment. I gave her a chance and she blew it! Now she is dead to me.

Alyona became my primal focus. Eventually Trinity became a distant memory. Me and Alyona grew closer and closer as the weeks progressed.

It was on February the first when me and Alyona met Alyssa Green. It was a normal day at first. Me and Alyona was painting in the art room when Alyssa unexpectedly entered the room.

Alyssa was a young woman in her early thirties. She was quite pretty with her flowing cinnamon hair, her vibrant brown eyes, her body figure was curvy and slender.

She approached us with interest. Me and Alyona were both painting. Alyona was painting an adorable picture of a little ducklings following their Mother in a light blue pond. I was painting a picture of my deepest desires. I sketched out a painting of me with a handsome man. We stood side by side in a lush garden blooming with flowers. The sky is blue and clear. I'm dressed in a pastel pink dress, I wore my hair curly and flowy, my eyes shimmered brightly. The man towered over me, I designed my man to be handsome and chiseled, his hair is chestnut brown and curly, his eyes are blue as a cornflower. We were both smiling, frozen in lovely bliss.

Alyssa squealed and made me swirl around. Alyona turned her head slightly.

"Hello, girls. My name is Alyssa Green. How are you?" She was brewing with confidence. Her face is bright and her voice is cheerful.

Alyona gave her shy look. "Um…." She muttered.

I put on a charming smile. I saw her as a potential parent to adopt me. I anticipated that she had a husband or a boyfriend that I would swoon.

"My name is Mercedes, but most people call me Mercy." I said politely. Alyona sat in the background. I glanced at her briefly. I remembered our conservation from months ago. I did treasured this child and I wanted her to be around me as long as possible.

"This is Alyona. She's my friend." I wrapped my arms around Alyona sweetly. To charm Alyssa any further, I planted a light kiss on Alyona's forehead. I was like a loving big sister to Alyona at that moment.

Alyssa was beaming, smiling ear to ear. I knew that I have peaked her interest.

"Pleasure to meet you both." Alyssa said softly.

I smiled broadly. "Thank you." I chirped.

Alyssa was completely interested in us. I felt pride as I got this woman hooked. I wanted to know everything about her. Personally I was indifferent to this woman, if she adopts us and she has a male at home, she will be on my chopping list.

Alyssa was eager to learn more information on us. "So tell me about yourselves." Alyssa proceeded to sit in a chair and gazed at us.

I was the first to talk. "I came from Estonia." Alyssa's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Wow!" She gasped excitedly.

I kept going. "I really like art," I gestured to my painting. Alyssa was engrossed in my painting. "That is amazing!" She beamed.

Then Alyssa looked at Alyona. Alyona evaded eye contact with Alyssa. She was still a shy girl when she was around strangers. I nudged Alyona. "Come on, don't worry. She won't bite." I reassured her.

Alyona looked at me for confidence. Her lips quivered. "My name is Alyona. I….I….came from Russia." Alyona croaked out.

Alyssa was on cloud nine. She was just enthralled by us. "I love your ACCENTS!" She squealed happily.

I smiled charmingly. This woman was easily impressed. She seemed like a high spirited individual. A person that is easily swayed by her emotions and interests.

"Well I'm from Florida. I moved here several years ago." Alyssa told us. She gave us a pleasant grin. "Your paintings are lovely. Both of you." She complimented.

Then her expression became soft. "Um...I could ask you why you two are here?"

I was beaming on the insides about this question. I decided to use my Sullivan sob story and Mercy's origins.

I made sure my eyes are tearful, my voice is soft and sorrowful. "My Mommy was very mean to me," I mustered up pitiful tears. Alyssa is attentively listening.

I kept going. "All I always wanted to have a happy, loving family! I...I...was adopted by this nice family." My voice became light. "I had many sisters that were so nice to me. I had a Mommy who loved me and a Daddy who was very sweet to me. I had two little sisters that I would play with every single day." I made sure to make my story lighthearted and happy. "Then…..." I pretended to act like I was struggling to utter out my next word. "I…..I…" Tears rolled down my cheeks. Alyssa began to look uncomfortable, but was still attentive.

"They died. There was a house fire and….only me and my baby sister got out!" I wept. Alyssa became emotional, she covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh my god…." She groaned.

"My little sister was taken away. I was so sad when no one came for me. I still don't understand why they didn't come for me!" I wailed pitifully.

I wept to myself softly and Alyssa embraced me warmly. I knew that I had this woman wrapped around my finger.

Then she turned to Alyona. "You?" Her voice was uneasy.

Alyona lowered her eyes to the floor. "I….I... personally don't want to talk about it." She objected. Alyssa seemed embarrassed that she asked. "I am so sorry!" She gasped.

I kept up the energy in the air. "Are you here to adopt?" I said stupidly. Alyssa nodded eagerly. "Yes." A massive grin formed in her face. "In fact I think I found my matches." Her eyes glanced to me and Alyona.

I squealed out of genuine joy. "Yes! Thank you!" I rejoiced. Alyona is beside herself, she has a shocked expression. "Wow." She breathed.

Alyssa then got up. "Now I need to talk to someone." She told us. Then she left.

I was bursting with joy. I embraced Alyona and I spun the little girl around happily. "We did it!" I cheered. I released a stiff Alyona. "We….are getting adopted." She mouthed.

I nodded. "Yes! Together!" I squealed. I rustled her hair gingerly. "Honey, we can be a family now." I gave her light kiss in the cheek. "I love you, Alyona."

I felt nothing but euphoria. I was delighted that Alyona would be with me. My treasured daughter. I have lingering disbelief about what happened. It was so fast and short. I barely knew a thing about this woman. I didn't know if she has a boyfriend or a husband I could steal or a small child I could adopt.

But for now, I had a home and Alyona will be with me.

The paperwork took several weeks, Alyssa would visit me and Alyona twice a week. I learned a few things about her. Unfortunately she was a single woman living by herself. She had no children and worked as a hairstylist.

The only positivity I could put in this situation is that she will get a boyfriend in the future. She's very pretty and attractive. I'm positive men constantly try to get her phone number.

Finally! I have hooked myself to a home that I could make my own in the future.

In next chapter, Alyona and Alanna are visited by a woman seeks to adopt.

I am currently writing The Avenging and my other stories. The Infection is going to take longer because of my writer block, so read my other stories and leave reviews and thoughts on them.