A/N: Thanks to A Mosaic Masterpiece, LocalTalent53, Michelle Maria Salvatore, CrumbledCandyWrapper.
Okay, first of, I had a problem with fanfiction which I solved by changing browsers. Also, to apoligise for late-ness, you get another chapter later today.
Second, a change of plans. Because of the flow, this chapter will only consist of Tyrone. Next chapter will be Lukas, and the next will still be as planned. I didn't want to have a jarring change of theme. With that, let's read on Tyrone shall we?
"O God, Protector of all people and nations,
protect my family wherever they may be
from the violence and evil of others.
Keep them safe from the weapons of hate and destruction
and guard them against the deeds of evildoers.
Grant them your protection and care
in tranquillity and peace
Grant this through Christ... our Lord."
With a deep sigh, Tyrone McRoux opened his eyes slow and unclasped his hands. Having finished his usual prayers to his lost mother and father, Tyrone climbed to his feet and looked around the room. Thankfully, the rest of the children were still asleep. He didn't like them to hear his voice when he prayed late at night and early in the morning.
Initially, he was like the rest of the orphans who grew up to Christianity. Devotion to Him and Christ. However, during each prayer, Tyrone always had a question, wanted an answer... needed an answer. Where were his parents?
Unlike the other orphans, his parents neither died at birth, or even died at all as far as he knew. The story he was told was that he was left in a basket at 1 year old, with a message simply saying:
Sorry. Tyrone McRoux, you'll live through our hearts.
Your loving mother and father.
It wasn't as if he was disowned. The message was as if they still loved him. There was no discernible reason for them to have left him. Tyrone needed answers, and hoped against all hope that the Lord could give it to him.
But as the years went by... one year... five years... ten years... fifteen years... Tyrone grew wary. He prayed and prayed but never once was he given a hint, a sign, any possible news of his parents. He didn't want them to be cast in mystery, he needed to know. Even if they disowned him Tyrone needed a reason. Any reason, just something to set his mind at ease. So his voice during his prayers was wary and almost benign. He didn't need the children to hear him like that. The feeling of... almost hopelessness.
It was then lightning flashed and thunder rumbled loud and clear, to the point that there were cries of shock as the orphans awoke. Tyrone quickly scrambled to the lights and switched them on, lighting the faces of the scared and pale orphans.
Tyrone sighed. They were all so young... all so innocent. He was by far the oldest, four years older than the oldest of the other orphans. Some probably didn't remember the last proper storm.
"Guys, hey guys, come on over here." Tyrone knelt down as another flash of lightning lit the sky. The six orphans in the room quickly padded over to him.
While the orphans slept in bunk-beds – two to a bed, Tyrone had grown too big, and needed a bed of his own, as well as space.
"It's just a storm. It'll pass." Tyrone said comfortingly, looking around at the faces of the orphans. Little Timmy, Elliot, Chris, Tammy, Felicity and Lucy. All sweet little kids and all looked up to Tyrone. His calm voice carried on to them, and soon they were sitting around him, eyes wide. Tyrone sighed. He knew they weren't going to get to sleep during this storm any time soon. Luckily it was early morning, with the sun barely peeking up. They'd just go to sleep later in an hour or two.
"Tell us a story!" Timmy cried.
"Yeah, Ty, tell us a story!" The others called out enthusiastically.
"Okay, okay..." Tyrone smiled and got them to be quiet. "I'll tell you a story. It's a story about a journey. A journey from the blackest forest to the brightest city. A story from the darkest depths to the brilliance of heights. A story of discovery, of loss, of emotion, of sadness and of happiness." One thing Tyrone was good at was telling stories. An imagination that could only be quelled by either writing in notepads or reciting in his head. The orphans just loved his stories.
"The hero of this journey is a simple boy. A boy with no name, no discernible features. A shadow, if you will. A shadow who could only be seen by his never-ending smile. It was one day, after many days, he finally decided that he would go out into the world. The world his elders told him was dangerous. He didn't like being confined as if in a prison, and wanted to see the huge world. So it was that this boy left the confines of his jungle and travelled for three days and three nights. Cutting across the last vine, cutting through the last branch, cutting down the final strands of long grass, the boy uncovered a world he had never seen before in his memory. A world of daylight..."
Suddenly, the lights flickered off in a deadly hum, plunging the children into darkness.
A few brief screams, but Tyrone quickly calmed them. "It is just a blackout. The lights will come on soon."
As if at his word, the lights flickered back on. Tyrone smiled.
"Continue the story, Ty!" Lucy grinned toothily.
"Another time, children." Came a familiar voice. All heads turned to the head of the orphanage, a lovely lady coming to the end of her years named Evelyn, or 'Eve'. "I realise you will not be going to sleep. Take your prayers, and come down for a snack. Go back to sleep after until seven."
"Yes Eve." Came the chorus of children.
"And Tyrone. I have some news." Evelyn held a hand out, which Tyrone grasped. Evelyn walked down the hallway, reciting the message to the other rooms. Finally, she came to a stop outside her office, or 'cub-hole' as some took to calling it due to the comfy seats and floors. "Tyrone... I have some good news."
"Good news?" Tyrone repeated hopefully.
"I had a phone call from a newly-wed couple down in Baltimore. After browsing our site, they have contacted us to see if you can visit. They are thinking of adopting you, Tyrone."
"A-Adopting me..." Tyrone blinked, out of shock. He had seen many young children be adopted, and he was getting to old to be seen as a 'cute child' anymore. He couldn't believe it, but the sight of Evelyn's smile was no joke. This was real as real could be.
"Correct. They would like a capable child they can love as they do not have the money for a younger child around the house. They seemed to be very keen. Jake will take you on Tuesday to 'test the waters' so to speak."
Jake was the groundskeeper, and also drove a minivan to and from the orphanage. He was friendly and loved the children, giving them presents often. He was as close as a father figure most of the orphans had.
"Do you want to go? You have a choice on whether or not you want to."
"I-I'll meet them." Tyrone said after a moment. Closing his eyes, he silently let his thoughts run clear. 'Perhaps it's time to move on... perhaps I should grow to love new parents... I will pray for my mother and father but... maybe I should allow myself the love I always craved..."