One more Chapter yay! hahahahaha. But really, I hope you enjoy it. This will be my last update for November since I'm traveling tomorrow to Colorado and visit some family. As always, thanks for reading my story and I hope you are entertained. Have a nice day and see ya in December.
There were so many emotions Brandon felt at that time, shame, surprise, skepticism… but the most important was wrath! ¿Weren't they already done? Why this family was challenging his logic? ¿Why this woman was hugging a child who didn't want her? The boy subtly tried to get away from that lady but to be someone who was about to enter her forties, she was very strong, he'll give her that.
-Lady!- Let me go! I said LET ME GO!
-NO!- Shouted Rita very decided to not break the embrace. There was no force on Earth that would me her do that.
-¿What? Hey! You can't do this against my will! You have no right! I DEMAND YOU TO RELEASE ME!- Brandon shouted and was starting to lose his patience.
-I have every right to do this! I am your mother!
-NO! You are not!- He shouted even but still, Rita only tightened it even more, it seemed hearing that affected her but not in the way Brandon wanted, as he struggled to get some air in the middle of those powerful arms, Brandon noted the middle age man in front of him, he was only watched him but he could jump to hug him too at any moment, he prayed God for him to not do it, even in all the confusion, Brandon managed to see something, in a very old van, the eleven loud kids were watching the scene, clarity came quickly to the boy, he immediately launched a murderous look to those guys, that didn't go unnoticed by the Lincoln and his sisters, some tried to simulate a smile as an apology, but Brandon ignored them completely and continued watching them with soul piercing eyes, Lincoln was sure that if Brandon could launch lasers from those eyes, he and his sisters would be dust already.
The anger to know his calculations had failed, allowed the white haired to focus all his strength in his arms, with a powerful cry of frustration, Brandon managed to open his mother's arms and get away from her with a jump, Rita was in disbelief having her arms still open, not believing what had just happened, not even Lynn Jr was able to break her bear hugs, she couldn't help but to feel very sad. If Brandon had managed to do what even her athlete daughter never did, that could only mean he really didn't wanted her close to him.
-¿Son?
-For the love of…! I've already told you I'm not your son, you are confused Lady!
-No. . . I am not confused, you are my son… ¿Why do you deny it? ¿Why are you doing this? You said you didn't hate me… that's what my son and daughters told me…- Rita said as her lips trembled and suddenly began to cry, covering her eyes with her hands. Brandon watched her with concern, he was not happy with that lady, and her lack of personal space but still. . . Is not that he liked making her cry.
-Hey… is not that big deal, please stop crying, people are watching us now, ¿Aren't you embarrassed?- Brandon spoke as he approached her, once he was a step away from her, he placed his hand on her shoulder and said:
-Miss Loud, seriously!... Stop crying.
Rita stopped and with a hidden smile, she immediately took Brandon in another tight hug.
-You fell for it! I can't believe you actually fell for it! You definitely are my Lincoln's twin brother! You're just as innocent as him and your sisters! You are without a doubt a Loud!
Brandon could feel the fury growing inside him again, he hated being treated with pity, he hated bullies but what he hated the most, was to be decieved, having this time his two arms free, Brandon decided it was enough.
-Miss… I really don't want to this, I really don't want to but you are forcing me to take extreme measures, you have until the count of three to let me go! Or face the consequences.
Rita heard him but didn't even flinch, Brandon right eye's trembled with irritation.
-Very well… ONE!
There was no response from Rita, Brandon began to raise his arms.
-TWO!
Rita didn't move an inch, Brandon arms were raised to the top, his two hands closed to form a double fist, he had already choose where to strike, he really didn't want to do it, he hoped for Rita to let go of him quickly, both Lynn Sr and his children saw what the boy was going to do, he started to walk where the mother and son were, he knew Brandon was serious!
-THREE! OK MISS! YOU ASKED FOR IT!
Brandon dropped his two fists to strike Rita right in the head, Lynn Sr and the Loud kids screamed at him to stop… and he did.
Brandon stopped his hands an inch away from Rita's head, panting and sweating, he couldn't do it, he just couldn't hit a lady who had not done anything to him, Rita smiled and gave him a warm gaze.
-I knew you wouldn't do it my lovely son.
Brandon gave her a serious and angry look while looking away.
-I'm not your son, make no mistake here lady, I didn't hurt you but that doesn't change what I said.
-I know…- Said Rita resigned - but I will do everything in my power to change your way of thinking about me.
Before he could answer, a new voice joined
-Ok! ¿What is happening here?- the Orphanage director said, she was standing in the house's entrance, watching the scene in front of her, she couldn't help to be surprised a middle-aged woman hugging the only white haired boy in all the place, she raised an eyebrow and asked again.
-Brandon, ¿What is happening here?
-Nothing! No problem! This lady is already going. . .
Brandon could not finish as Rita, much to her grief, broke the embrace and walked in front of the Director.
-Good day Miss, I believe you are the one in charge of this charming establishment
-Yes I am Miss…
-Loud, Rita Loud.
-Yes I am Miss Loud, ¿May I know why you were hugging one of my children?
-The answer is quite simple Miss Director, I was hugging Brandon because he is my son, my biological son.
The Director's mouth as of the few orphans who were behind her opened to the maximum, after a few seconds in shock, they all stared at the white-haired boy behind Mrs Loud, he shook his head to deny what the lady said but it didn't work, with all her children experience, The Director knew when a boy was trying to lie, she never imagined to see Brandon try to do it. Ignoring the white haired boy, she turned back to Rita, She didn't find a hint of lie in her face… ¿Could that be true? If she was honest, she indeed shared some similarities with Brandon.
-Hmmmm, I think you, your husband and me need to have a little talk.
-I think the same Ma'am.
-Very well, Brandon and everyone, I'd be in my office with Mr and Mrs Loud, don't interrupt us.
Knowing he couldn't do anything, Brandon only nodded his head. There was no doubt, he was screwed! Once all arranged, the three adults entered to the Orphanage and closed the door behind them, leaving there a kid believing his entire World was crumbling down.
Brandon debated with himself whether to enter or not but deep down he knew it was useless, he remembered the reality about how powerless an eleven years old kid could be sometimes, aside from that, he had work to do. With a sigh of defeat, he proceeded to continue his day as planned. He passed next to Vanzilla, not acknowledging the boys inside the Van, They were confused at watching him leave, Lola immediately spoke:
-Hey! ¿Where do you think you're going?
-It's not your concern girl! Leave me alone.
Before Lola could answer, Lisa intervened.
-Hmmm, it appears you are not fully aware about the situation in which you currently are ¿Right?
Brandon paused for a moment, He remembered how that little nerd had the last word the last time he talked to her, there was no way in hell he'd let her have it again. Without turning to see her, he responded:
-I am perfectly aware in the situation I am little girl, your parents are talking to the Director, I have no idea what they are talking about, I only know it I don't like it! ¿Why the hell you didn't leave me alone?
-¿You really need to ask?- Lynn said furiously- We can't just ignore you! Not after mom and dad finally found out…
Lynn's mouth was blocked by Luna's hand, who whispered to her ear:
-Lynn, don't say anything, remember that it will be mom who will tell him about that!
Brandon stared at the rock girl talking in a low voice to the athlete, he couldn't deny he was a little curious for what the brunette was about to say but he choose to pay no attention.
-Ok, even if it's a little interesting what you are saying, I have obligations to attend. As I don't have to wait for the Director to finish talking with your parents, I have to continue my day as planned.
With that said, Brandon just walked away from his sisters and brothers, no matter when some of them shouted at him to come back. In his way to the first house, he tried to calm down without success, he couldn't stop thinking about what those three people would be talking about, he imagined Mrs. Rita telling the Director about what happened in the Loud house, What the little Nerd discovered, Or maybe the would take him… A cold shiver ran through his body, remembering what Rita told him minutes ago.
My Son
Still feeling that icy cold, a drop of sweat ran down his forehead to finish on the floor, If he was really her son… ¿Would she try to (Gulps) take him away with her? Brandon laughed at that thought, yeah right! Even though this lady would prove to be his. . . Progenitor, he couldn't imagine her wanting a twelfth son! That was not possible… No! It was possible! ¿How he didn't think about that?
With that new thought plaguing his mind, he considered going back immediately but was unable to do so. His ethics with the work were in the right place. He wouldn't fail to his employers, sometimes he really hated how well Helen educated him. He completed his work as soon as possible and returned to the Orphanage, it was nightfall by the time he go there, he was glad to not see the Van parked there but even so, he knew a conversation with the Director was waiting for him, she could only hope for good new… yeah right!
Just as he predicted, the Director was already waiting for him in the entrance, she looked calm but Brandon felt the air very heavy…
-Hello Brandon
-Hi Director… I guess it shouldn't surprise me to see you right here, waiting for me.
-If you were surprised, it would mean I definitely overestimated your intelligence this month you've been living here.
-Tough but fair. Ok, enough rambling. . . ¿What happened with the Loud parents?
-Always straight to the point don't ¿Right Brandon?
-It's more practical.
Both woman and child stayed watching each other for a few seconds, the tension was palpable and the boy really hated that feeling. He had so little patience for some things. After a few more seconds, the Director sighed and spoke:
-Follow Me Brandon.
The boy did as he was asked , the road was quiet and peaceful, it was not until they passed the Director's office that Brandon realized something was out of place, before he could ask the Nun, they had already arrived to where she wanted, Brandon already knew the orphanage enough to know which room the door was in front of him.
-No! Please Director, seriously. . . No!
-Sorry Brandon, but you know this has to happen… talk to her.
-¿Her? ¿Not them?
-She insisted on talk alone with you, she didn't want you to feel pressured with two adults.
-(Sigh) ¿do I have to do it?
-Brandon… She is your mother
She is not…
-Brandon! Please! Don't to try to insult my intelligence
-But she aban…
-No! Brandon! She didn't… please; just talk to her, if you don't do it for me or yourself, do it for your promise with Sister Margaret.
-¿What? ¿You know?
-Margaret was one of my best friends Brandon, of course I know, she told me about it, ¿Do you think you ended here by chance? Margaret knew about her weak condition from a long time ago and wasn't sure what would happen to her orphanage if she died, the preparations for your transfer were ready long before you think, she was always looking out for you.
-I. . . I don't know what to say
-Just tell me you will honor your promise.
The memory of that day came as fresh as if it had happened a few minutes ago.
…..
A young 10 years old kid was waiting outside the Director's office, unaware of what was coming, and he was used to it. He had been there at least seven times since he moved to the Orphanage, suddenly, a couple bathed in mud balls came from the Office, both directed a glare at the boy before continuing their way out of the place, a few seconds later, the Director came out, she was not happy… that was for sure.
Brandon! You chased away another couple again!
-Yes! Yes I did
-¿Why?
-I already told you, I'm not interested in having a family!
-Brandon! There are hundreds of children who would give anything for the opportunities you had! ¿How can you be so selfish?
-I'm not selfish! I'm only looking up for my future! And my future doesn't include a family! You know that better than anyone!
"Why do you insist so much to fulfill her…
-Enough is enough! Don't get Helen into this! It is my decision, please; No more Adoption Interviews.
Brandon, give yourself a chance to be happy!
-I'll be happy when I fulfill my goal! I'm just not interested (Sigh) My wishes of having a lovely family died with. . . Her, Sister Margaret, please, just let me be. There is no way I'm letting myself get adopted.
-Not even by your real family
¿What? Please Hahahahahahaha! As if they were one day to appear, parents who want to retrieve a boy they abandoned, I didn't know you had that sense of humor.
The sister looked at him for a few seconds, he was trying to deny it but she could see she had touched a sensitive vein in Brandon, she remembered the couple that had just gone, as well as to the past seven, she had no doubt that Brandon could do the same or worse to his own parents if one day they would appear, which as he said, was almost impossible. Even so, her faith that day would come was not all lost, she had taken care of that place for over twenty-five years, even if it was very rare, he had seen repentant parents looking for their abandoned children and and even receiving forgiveness and love, children just like Brandon. Kids who swore to never accept their parents back but in the end they did, that gave her an idea, it was an impossible bet she but had no other option, Brandon simply would continue driving away possible parents.
-¿Sister Margaret? What are you thinking?- Asked Brandon very curious, he knew that look in her Director, Brandon knew her long enough to know she was up to something. The Director smiled and spoke:
-Very well, Brandon, you win; no more interviews with couples to adopt you
-¿Really? That would be…
-Ah ah ah! ¿Do you really think it will be so easy?
-Dang it! I guess not! ¿What's the catch?
-A Promise
-Uh? Ok? ¿What Promise?
I know I can't convince you to be adopted but I believe if your parents appear. . .
-Ok! Seriously Sister! ¿You really believe…
-Let me finish Brandon! I'm giving you what you want! Now listen to me! As I said, I believe that if your parents appear. Even if they can't convince you to go with them. They can take you with them if they prove they are your parents.
-You know that's not possible, they abandoned me
-Brandon, none of us know that for sure; I admit that it is most likely but I have faith maybe didn't do it and if they did, they could repent, Brandon… the promise I want you to make is that no matter the situation, if your parents ever want to talk to you and explain what happened, you will listen to them without hesitation.
-¿Listen to what? ¿How relieved they were after abandoned me?
-Even if that's the case, which I doubt, you will listen to the end.
-¿Are you aware you are making a lost bet?
-I know, but I decide to have faith, then. . . What do you say? No more interviews in exchange for that promise ¿Deal?
Brandon thought for a few minutes, being honest; it wasn't a difficult decision, it was virtually impossible for his "parents" to come to try to find him.
-Deal!- Said the boy and shook his favorite Nun's hand, in the inside, he congratulated himself for making the most easy bet in his entire life.
…
-To be honest, I really believe that woman could foresee the future.
-Trust me, I found myself believing that many times. So ¿What you say? ¿Will you honor your promise?
-(Sigh) Ok… let's do this, just one question… ¿Is she planning to take me…
-Of course Brandon- she interrupted him- It was the first thing she asked after proving she is your mother, the process has already started. In this case I cannot help you, and I probably wouldn't if I could, I recommend you to take this as an opportunity to get to know her better from today.
-Shit. . . Well, Thank You Director.
-Language Brandon! Now go, she is waiting for you. . . Your mother is waiting for you.
Brandon winced but remained silent, slowly entered to the interview room, there she was, she looked a little tired, it seemed she waited for hours, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty, it was not good to make a woman wait, at least that was what he was told. Rita saw her son, she felt happy but also nervous.
-Hello my boy.
-. . . . . . . . . . .
-Come… let's talk.
As much as he wanted to get out of there immediately, Brandon knew it was useless, his immediate future was already sealed, he slowly moved forward and sat on the seat his side of the table, his gaze never abandoned Rita's
-Hello Mrs. Loud- Said Brandon with coldness. Something that did not go unnoticed by Rita but she was already prepared for something like that.
-Hi. . . Wow! You really took your time, ¿Having fun with your friends?
-Hmmmm, no, I was working
- Do you Work? But you're only a child
-Freelance jobs, such as when I was going to cut your lawn ¿Do You Remember?
-Oh! I see.
The silence took over the room, as much to mother and son, the mood was very uncomfortable.
-You. . . You look good, healthy and well nourished, I see you eat well here.
-I don't complain, despite what many think, the orphanages. . . Or at least the ones I know of, treat their children very well.
-I'm very pleased to hear that, I was afraid you were treated badly in this or you're last Orphanage.
-I would have escaped or fight back, trust me! I'm not one of those who like to let himself being abused.
-I see… well… Brandon ¿You know who I am, Don't you?
-Rita Loud, Mother of eleven children, I must admit that it's something one don't see every day. I hope you planed to have so many and none of them were "Accidents"
-Hmmm, that last statement was not necessary but I can understand why you are saying that, I love every one of them, I can assure that, by the way. You were almost right, I am Rita Loud but I don't have eleven children, I have twelve.
Brandon raised an eyebrow.
-Twelve wonderful children, eleven at home and one which I hope, will join them very soon, if it were up to me, I would take him today with me but the law don't let me… I really hate to wait.
Brandon continued staring at Rita, He was already getting impatient ¿How long would Miss Loud take to speak about what he really wanted to know? Mrs Loud notice Brandon's frown and tried to take his hands with hers but he quickly retrieved them and shook his head. Rita knew it was no use to keep kicking the bush.
-I didn't abandon you
Even though he was waiting for those four words to come out, the impact was still strong, how was it possible that after everything he had anticipated, those words were still able to reach him ¿Were a mother's words that strong? Silence reigned for a few seconds until Rita continued speaking, her eyes were already watering.
-My son… I know you believe I abandoned you but that never happened, I swear in the name of what I love the most, I mean my children… you included, that I would never do that to any of my angels. You were stolen away from me.
After hearing that, Brandon couldn't help but chuckle a little.
-¿You said you didn't abandon me? Excuse me if I find it hard to believe that after 11 years that you or your family, never tried to find me!- Responded Brandon recalling how Helen told him there never was any sign of people searching for a newborn baby with white hair.
-That's because we never knew about your existence! It was until I saw you that day at my house door that I knew you existed. . . At first, I thought you were just a boy who looked like my Lincoln but… something inside me told me otherwise, I felt our connection; our unbreakable mother and son connection.
Brandon became silent, but that only gave him away in front of the lady, Rita smiled tenderly.
-¿You felt it too… Didn't you? Don't worry, you don't have to answer me, I see it in your eyes, those beautiful eyes you inherited from me.
-Miss Loud…
-But I don't expect you to believe only in my words. . . Look at this!
Rita suddenly pulled out of her bag a sheet of paper and left it on the table for Brandon to read it, even if it had words very complicated to understand, the boy got the message, it was... ¿A confession?
-Yes Brandon, it is what you are thinking it is, is a confession letter, a veru disgusting person wrote and signed it, that person was the one who took you away from me!
Brandon was watching Rita without saying anything, even when the confusion on his face was more than evident, his mother didn't take long to notice it and decided to explain the situation, without leaving a single detail outside, she told her second white haired boy everything that person said, his horrible business, How Brandon ended in an alley alone, how she never knew he was even born.
-And that's what happened!... I swear if I had known from before, I would have moved mountains and oceans to find you, I love my daughters, God knows that, but when I had to Lincoln, my boy; my joy was immense! If I had known from the beginning you were twins, I think I'd had exploded from happiness, Brandon. . . I'd had loved you beyond your mind can imagine, not to mention your sisters. They love Lincoln with all their hearts, it would had been the same with…
Rita started to cry even louder.
-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! It's not fair! You deserved the same kind of love. You deserved to be taken care like Lincoln, to grow up with your sisters as he did! With them protecting you! Watching over you! Why this had to happen? This was so unfair, not only for you but for us too.
The scene in front of the white haired boy was not pleasant, that poor woman was extremely in pain, and the worst. . . he didn't believe she was lying. He was not a lie detector like Sister Margaret or Helen or Mr Zen, but he was very sure there was no lie in that woman words. He was sure that even without the letter, he would have believed in her. He had mixed feelings, at the end… Sister Margaret was right. He was not abandoned! There was surprise and incredulity, but strangely, he was not very affected as he expected. Maybe deep down, Despite everything he had repeated to himself all his life, he knew he had not being abandoned after all, and he only took refuge in the most cliché reason of why a child would end up in an orphanage.
But even with that issue at last explained, it was not like it really mattered. In the end, it changed nothing, It wasn't like he was going to discard all his hard work until now… or what he thought about families… it didn't change! Nothing had changed! His beliefs and motivations were still as strong as ever! Everything that he lived up to that time were proof of that! Families were a threat for his plans, he knew that much… still, he would never say that to the woman in front of him but he needed to calm her down.
-Miss Loud.
-¿Uh? Said Rita trying to dry her tears with a handkerchief.
-It's ok Miss, everything is ok.
-No. . . it's not.
-Yes it is, believe it or not, my life has been good, I can't say is perfect and yes, I had many hardships but I'm grateful for it, I like to work, I like the Orphanage, my life has been bearable and fun.
-But it could have been better…
-It could have been different, but we cannot be sure if better, even so… there is almost nothing I would change if I could. (I would just change one thing to be honest, Brandon thought)
Rita couldn't help but feel a little hurt to hear him say that ¿How he could say it wouldn't be better to grow up alongside his family? ¿Did he really enjoyed being alone?... unless he…
-Brandon, did someone take care…
-Let's not change the topic Miss Loud, my point is, we did the best we could with the lives we were given, you could breed and live happily with your family as a great mother who cares for her children, and by my part, I can say I had an interesting life in Hatzeltuki.
Rita's lips trembled
-No. . . Is not true, you're wrong with me, I'm not a great mother, ¿what kind of "Great Mother" Let her child be stolen and let him grow away from her?
-You underestimate yourself Miss, for what I could see, I can say you are an amazing mother, I saw cases where assholes parents can't even handle one kid and they abandoned him or her in the Orphanage but you have eleven children and take care of them all without breaking. . . If that's not a definition of Great mother, I don't know what it is.
For the first time since they started talking, Rita smiled honestly, it made her happy to hear her child say that but at the same time the guilt also increased, in that moment she knew that it was time to tell him, it was time to start to rectify things, being faster than the boy that time, she embraced his hands with hers.
-Brandon, You will come with us!
-¿What?
-You will come with us, I'll take you home, and you will be a Loud, as you always were. I know the Director already told what I had planned for you ¿Right?
Brandon didn't hesitate to show discomfort in his face, for a moment he thought about yelling at that woman in a desperate attempt to make her change her opinion, it had worked before but this time, he knew it would be useless, that woman was very determined, much more than any Foster parent he had known, Not to mention he didn't picture himself yelling at that woman…
-¿Would it help if I say that I don't want to be adopted?
-No, it won't help you.
-¿Do you know why I never was adopted before?
I heard stories from the Director, I have to say that some of them are. . . Disruptive.
-I had to be a little harsher with some persistent couples but I managed to chase them away… Sigh, you do know that when I'm around sixteen or seventeen… I would go away.
-The Sister told me something like that… you had some kind of plan for when you were release from the Orphanage.
She almost doesn't know anything, but yes, I have a plan that will start when I'm older.
-I understand… ¿are you really serious about it?
-Very serious! Since I was six years old.
Rita looked at her son in the eyes, her mother instincts confirmed he was indeed pretty serious about his long future goal, She couldn't help to wonder what kind of plan could a kid would be thinking for half a decade, I already knew what would be one of the most important things she would like to know about her son…
-¿Is there any way that you tell me about it?
-Nope. Sorry… very personal.
-I see, anyway… you are still coming with me.
-I will refrain from jumping full of joy if you don't mind.
-Funny kid, Well Brandon, let me be the first one to tell you, welcome to the Loud Family!
-I'd say I'm just a guy living in your home for a while. Do not be confused, remember that I'm not exactly excited to go living with you and your family.
-Ouch Brandon, a little harsh ¿don't you think?
-Sometimes my honesty knows no limits, don't be offended.
-I'm not, I knew this would not be easy, but I accept the challenge.
-My condolences- the boy said with a smile that Rita immediately followed. After that, she said her goodbyes; there was no hugging or kissing, they shook hands and wished happy night to each other. Once again Rita was forced to separate from her son but this time, she knew she'd be back for him.
After a little talk with the Director about what would happen in the next few days, how he would be visited for a social worker, a little visit he had to pay at the hospital to give DNA samples since the little Loud nerd couldn't be used, Brandon finally was in his bed, observing the communal room and the other sleeping children. He couldn't help but think that in a few weeks, he would not be there anymore, his life was about to give a new course, with luck. One not so bad this time. Before being able to sleep. Brandon sighed and spoke to himself.
-At least I can say my life indeed interesting. . . Well, I don't know what is waiting for me in that house but they will not break me. I will endure these five or six years I'm living with them and then… Good bye Louds!
Having finally said those words in his mind, Brandon let himself to sleep.