January 15th 2046, the day of Ray's adoption and his 12th birthday. He was not nervous or excited like most children at Gracefield were on their adoption days or birthdays. He seemed rather cold, indifferent and distant. Emma noticed he had become distant ever since Norman was adopted out of Gracefield a couple of months prior. Emma tried to cheer him up by telling him jokes, inviting him to play games, reassuring him that Norman must be happy with his new family. She even wrote Ray a fake letter saying it was from Norman to surprise him.
But nothing seemed to work or get Ray out of his slump. The last thing she did even made Ray angry. So angry that he even swore at her. "What the fuck Emma?! Why would you write this? Why would you try and trick me by pretending to be him? Norman is gone okay? Gone. He isn't writing me or you any letters. Go away! Please just leave me alone…" Ray slammed the door in Emma's face. Emma heard Ray's quiet sobs through the door but respected his wishes and gave him space to be alone.
It was very lonely for Emma not having her two best friends by her side. Norman was as far as Emma knew, adopted into a new loving family and had a brand new life outside the new house, school, and friends. Ray was probably right, he isn't going to write to either of them. Probably too busy and entrenched with her new life. Ray would rarely speak to Emma because he had been so distant and on the rare occasion he would. It was Ray talking about them two escaping Gracefield.
"Come on let's run away together. Escape Gracefield just the two of us. Aren't you curious to see what is out there Emma?" Ray suggested looking ahead through the forest. But, Emma could not understand why Ray would want to. "No way Ray, my family is here! I could never abandon our brothers and sisters or Mama! Besides, what do we need to escape here? We are safe here aren't we?" Ray just paused for a while then shrugged his shoulders "I don't know I'm just curious on what the outside looks like sometimes I…just feel trapped here." He whispered sadly as he played with a daisy in his hand ripping off the petals. "It's okay Ray we can see the outside when we get adopted. We can meet up with Norman and have fun like we used to!" Emma hugged Ray hoping to cheer him up. But he just froze up with Emma's hug. He then stood up and walked away without looking or saying anything to Emma. Leaving her to feel hurt and lonely again.
But, on the day of his adoption/birthday his demeanor suddenly changed. Ray seemed happy…cheerful even. Which was unusual for Ray even when it was the three of them. "Good morning Emma. Did you sleep well?" Ray greeted Emma happily with a smile. Emma's eyes raised wide and her mouth left ajar by such a simple greeting and question. But it quickly turned into a smile. "Good morning. I slept pretty well thank you. Did you?" Emma replied cheerfully Ray nodded "As well as I could with it being my last day a- at Gracefield." He smirked as he managed to mask what he truly was about to say. Emma thought Ray's change of demeanour was because he was happy he was finally getting adopted and leaving Gracefield so he could see Norman, Conny and the other adopted children again. But Emma couldn't be further from the truth.
That very evening, Ray suddenly approached Emma and whispered to her "Emma when given the option to become a Mama say yes always say yes." Emma was confused by Ray's sudden statement. "Eh? What do you mean Ray?" "I meant what I said Emma. Mama wants you to become the next Mama of Gracefield. I heard her say it. When you are given the option to become a Mama I want you to promise me you will say yes." Ray said firmly while staring intensely at Emma.
Emma was baffled at his request. What on earth was Ray talking about? But, Emma was good with children and she fancied having some of own one day when she was grown up. So she shrugged her shoulders "Sure, why not? I promise to become a Mama when I grow up." She answered smiling. Ray smiled in return as he wrapped Emma in his arms. "Thank you." he whispered gratefully.
Later, that very evening Emma was helping to prepare the dinner table when she heard a loud crash and then a blood curdling scream. "RAAAAYYYY!" It was Mama's and it was coming from Ray's room. Emma quickly rushed over to his room as fast as her feet could take her. When she reached his room, what she saw truly horrified her and broke her heart.
It was Mama crying, sobbing, her eyes red. As she was cradling Ray in her arms. His body was charred and badly burnt. There was a gasoline can and matchbox next to Ray and next to Mama was a giant bucket that held water used to put out the fire.
"Mama what happened, is Ray okay?" Emma asked horrified with tears in her eyes. "Emma get out of here!" Mama snapped at Emma which caused her to take a step back in fright. " Keep the children in the dining hall. Prevent them from seeing this. Please.. " Mama pleaded as she began to hum a lullaby to Ray through her sobs. A melancholic but soothing lullaby that Ray seemed to be familiar with as he slowly shut his eyes, relaxing despite the immense physical pain he felt.
"But Mama, Ray…" Emma argued ignoring Mama's instructions which was something she almost never did. "JUST GO!" Mama commanded Emma. Emma nodded as she began to run back to the dinning hall but not before hearing Ray whisper out in pain. "Emma…I'm so..sorry
"
When she arrived back into the dinning hall she was quickly bombarded with questions from the children. "What happened, Emma?" Marnya asked, concerned. "Is Mama okay?" Jemima asked worriedly. Emma did her best to keep her composure "She just got scared because she and Ray saw a giant spider but they're okay now. No need to worry." Emma very obviously forced a smile that wasn't believable to any of the other children.
"But I heard Mama screaming, shouldn't we check to see if she is okay?" Yvette suggested. Emma put her hands up defensively "NO! No..Mama is busy helping Ray packing for when he leaves with his new parents. We don't want to disturb them. Do we?" Emma argued unsuccessfully. "But Mama.." The children answered back beginning to head towards Mama. "Wait!" Emma begged, blocking their passage. "Why don't we give them time to themselves to get ready? Let's eat first! Mama said we could and that she doesn't want to be disturbed. Come on I'm starving!" Emma nervously grabbed a plate, almost dropping it. Thankfully none of the children noticed.
This excuse seemed to have done the trick. The rest of the children calmed down and each grabbed a plate of food or waited till someone else grabbed it for them. Emma led the prayer before everyone ate. With all their hands together and their heads bowed, Emma took a deep breath and began. "Th-thank you for the food we are a-a-about to receive. Please bless us all amen." Emma said shakily. And please bless Ray too. She thought. "Amen" the children prayed after her as the children began to eat heartingly into their meals blissfully unaware at what happened to Ray.
Emma managed to obey Mama's command and keep everyone in the dining hall while Mama took care of Ray. Well, almost everyone. Anna was walking back Phil and Sherry from using the bathroom. Anna gasped as she looked out the window and saw Mama carrying a badly burnt and injured Ray on a stretcher outside of Gracefield towards the entrance gate. "What is it Anna?" Phil asked her. Anna sheltered both Phil and Sherry's eyes with her hands. "Nothing, you two don't need to worry about it. Come let's go have dinner now!" Anna said with false enthusiasm as she led them towards the dining hall. But not before Phil managed to sneak a peek at what Anna was looking at outside the window.
Emma was sad remembering what happened to Ray. She tried to ask Mama what became of Ray. Mama just dismissed her "Ray was taken to the hospital. He is fine now and is with his new family. Please don't worry Emma. Besides, Ray wouldn't want you to fret over him.. Ray would want you to do your best so that when you are adopted you can both attend the same school together. That would be nice wouldn't it Emma?" Mama smiled calmly. Emma just nodded her head but it did nothing to quell her worries and only filled her with doubts. Eventually Emma forced these thoughts to the back of her mind blocking them out and devoting herself to her studies like Mama told her to.
Cut to the present day, Emma's thoughts were brought back to the surface by Anna's revelation. "Ray was hurt very bad right Anna?" Phil said sadly. "Yes he was Phil. He was very badly hurt." Anna answered bitterly. Emma looked shocked. "You two knew? But how?!" "Me, Phil and Sherry had to use the bathroom. Then I saw Mama carry Ray out on a stretcher…he was.." Anna held back tears as she remembered what he looked like. "It looked like he was burnt. His skin was peeling off his body. Why? Why did this happen? I tried to stop Sherry and Phil from seeing him like that but I guess I failed." Anna looked at Phil and began to weep.
Phil went to hug her as he sniffled back tears of his own. "Don't cry Anna please, it's not your fault!" Emma began to cry as well and hugged both of them "No it is nobody's fault. Let's just hope that Ray is happy and safe okay? I love you both so much please don't cry." Emma said comforting both her siblings. "We love you too Emma." Anna and Phil said at the same time. All three embraced each other for a moment.
Ray really wanted to see what was beyond the wall before he was adopted. He can't now. But we can. Emma thought to herself she then proceeded to stare at the giant grey wall that prevented them from leaving with newfound determination. "Let's do it!" She exclaimed. "Do what Emma?" Phil asked. "Let's climb the wall together!" Emma said determined. Anna was shocked at Emma's sudden change of heart. "But what about Mama?" she asked. "Mama will forgive me it is my last day here. I will be back." Emma replied. "I need to find out what is beyond that wall. For Ray…" Anna smiled knowing that Emma made up her mind. "Okay I'll climb the wall." Anna suggested. "Oh can I come too Anna pwease?" Phil asked excitedly.
"No, neither of you will go, it's not safe. I will go. I am the eldest and the best runner." Emma argued. "But your leg, Emma your injured, you can't climb!" Anna argued back pointing to Emma's leg. Emma just shrugged her shoulders "It's just a scratch I'll be fine. Besides I need you to keep an eye out in case Mama finds us." Emma instructed Anna. "Are you sure?" Anna asked uncertainty. To which Emma nodded her head nodded her head back in response and grabbed a makeshift rope from her backpack that was made out of spare bed threw the rope over the wall and secured it tightly.
"Emma can I come with you pwease? I want to see it too. I can protect you too. Phantastic boy can!" Phil said proudly as he struck a heroic pose. Emma smiled amused "Okay Phil you can come. Hop on my back. Anna, tie him around me with the leftover rope." Anna did as she was told as she securely tied Phil to Emma's back. Once she was finished Emma nodded her head in anticipation. "Okay Emma let's go!" Phil cheered excitedly.
She slowly began her ascent up the wall as she climbed the rope. It was harder than she anticipated as she had to be extra careful with Phil on her back and with her injured leg. Click, Clomp the sound of her feet against the wall as climbed. The wind was blowing but Emma managed to keep the rope steady. Soon she was halfway up the wall. "Emma I'm scared." He said looking down frightened of the height. But Emma was not afraid of heights. "It's okay Phil, close your eyes and keep holding on to me. Focus on your breathing too. In through your nose and out with your mouth." She gently advised him.
"O-okay I'll try." Phil took Emma's advice and managed to gradually calm down. Soon they both managed to make it to the top. Emma jumped to the very top of the wall. Standing on the edge they saw something that both stunned and terrified Phil and Emma. There was more forest ahead of the wall. But between the forest and the wall was a large gap, a cliff that was much too wide to leap across and looked like the gap reached from as long as the wall itself. There was no going around it.T he gap seemed very deep too. It seemed to reach no bottom. A giant gap of nothingness, darkness that seemed like the entrance to hell itself. If one of the children fell down there they would never be heard or seen from again. Emma shuddered at thought.
Just then Emma heard Phil whine "Emma can we go down now it's not safe up here. I'm really scared I don't want to fall." Phil was shaking in fear. "It's okay Phil let's climb down now. You were really brave today, Phantastic boy. Thank you for accompanying me." Emma reassured and comforted him. This made Phil smile despite his fear. "Remember to hold on tightly, close your eyes, focus on your breathing in through your nose out through your mouth." Emma reminded him. Phil nodded his head and put on his bravest face. Emma and Phil then both took a deep breath before they started to climb back down the wall.
Going down the wall was much harder than going up as you could not see where you were going. But luckily Anna was there to help supervise them as they went down. "You're going down already?" Anna asked surprised but then realised the foolishness of her question. She couldn't get a response while Emma was busy climbing down. "Okay keep going your doing well." Anna said encouragingly.
Phil was trying his best to be brave. But a sudden gust of wind blew the rope slightly causing Emma to lose her balance. "EMMAAA!" Phil screamed. Anna grabbed the other end of the rope to steady it. Emma quickly gained her balance. But her composure was shaken. She was now almost as scared as Phil. But she had to be brave for Phil so she took a deep breath and said "It's okay Phil we are almost there. Let's keep going." Emma's hands were trembling as she continued to climb down.
"I know you can do it Emma , don't worry. You can be a superhero too. How about Lady Spider? You are really good at climbing things like walls and the sheet is your web" Phil imagined innocently. This gave Emma enough courage that she managed to climb the wall without any further problems.
"You did it!" Phil exclaimed.. "We did it!" Emma corrected him, saying, "Phantastic boy and Spider Lady both conquered the giant wall!" Emma cheered in triumph. "Yeahhh!" Phillip cheered back, high fiving her. Emma then lovingly gave Phillip a flying hug both laughing as she did so.
Anna smiled as she watched the two celebrate. "So what happened guys, what did you see?" She asked inquisitively. That's when she saw both Emma and Phil's face fall. "There was a giant cliff right outside the wall. I could see the forest up ahead. But there was no way of getting across the gap; it is too big to leap over." Emma explained. "Yeah Anna there was a giant hole between the wall and the forest. If only I had a cape then I could have flown over it." Phil added.
"No, that's enough adventure for you today Phantastic boy." Emma teased, ruffling Phil's hair. Anna looked a mixture of both shock and disappointment. "So, there was no way for us to escape Gracefield before our adoption. Even if we wanted to like Ray?"
Emma shook her head "Nope unless we go out the front gate. But, you know Mama always keeps that locked unless we are leaving to see our new parents. Guess we just have to wait until we all get adopted huh?"
Anna nodded her head ruefully. "Come on, we should head back it's getting late Mama might catch us. She seems to have eyes at the back of her head knowing where we are at all times. No matter where we are." Anna remarked. Emma nodded as she followed Anna out of the forest carrying Phil in her arms. "Does Mama really have eyes at the back of head? Gross.."Phil muttered.
When they arrived back at the house, the three of them were greeted by the other children. "There you are. Anna and Phil, you made us win! How did you two hide?" They questioned them. Anna and Phil froze unsure how to answer. Emma gave a fake chuckle. "Oh I found these two sleeping in a tree. They must have been waiting for a long time. They really outsmarted me." She said covering for them. Anna and Phil smiled in relief. "That's right I can't believe we fooled you!" Anna giggled. "Yay we won!" Phil cheered. The others joined in with him as they all gathered around to hug the two that made them win the game.
Soon the ringing of a hand bell was heard. "Come inside children. Dinner will be ready soon ." Mama said beckoning them all inside the house. All of the children carefully gathered inside. After Mama made sure all the children were accounted for she closed the door to the forest. Just then she saw Emma, her leg was gashed open and bruised. "Oh Emma what happened to your leg sweetheart?" She asked as she crouched down towards her for a closer inspection. "Huh?" Emma asked, confused looking down at her own leg. She had forgotten all about it. But it was in a worse state before. "Oh don't worry I just scratched it while playing tag. I'm fine Mama" she smiled. "Come on, let's get that cleaned up before that gets infected. Hopefully it hasn't already. Besides we need to pack your suitcase before your parents arrive this evening." Mama said caringly.
Emma then was in her room gritting her teeth as Mama was applying disinfectant on to her wound. Mama then gently wrapped a bandage around her leg. Emma then stood up. She could move her bandaged leg just fine. So, she started packing her suitcase. Mama told her she didn't need to pack much as her new parents would provide her with new things. Emma packed her hair brush, comb, toothbrush, socks and spare change of underwear. Emma then packed the numerous gifts she received from her adoptive siblings throughout her time at Gracefield: The drawing from Phil inside, a diary and pen gifted by Gilda. Colourful hair ties given to her by Anna. A small handball by Don. As well as various other makeshift art pieces and trinkets made by the other children. Finally she gently held the letter written to her by Norman that she could finally read once she left Gracefield. Just then she felt Mama's eyes on her which caused her to turn around. "Emma did you cross the forbidden gate?" Mama asked directly.
Emma almost dropped Norman's letter when she heard Mama's question. How did Mama find out? "No of course not Mama. Why do you ask?" Emma lied. Mama looked coldly at Emma which sent a chill down her spine. "Do not lie to me Emma! Did you climb the wall as well?" She asked in an accusatory tone. Emma didn't answer for a second as she was taken back by shock. How did Mama know? Did she follow her? Did she see Phil and Anna there too?
"Well?.." Mama remarked impatiently from Emma's lack of response. Emma took a deep breath. "Yes Mama I did, I'm sorry." Emma admitted her guilt. Mama then smirked "Oh? And why would you do that? Was there anyone with you?" Mama continued to ask. Emma, not wanting to implicate her friends and get them into trouble, shook her head. "No I went by myself. I just got curious what the outside of Gracefield looks like since it is my last day and all." Emma fibbed, playing with Norman's letter in her hands.
Mama perched her eyebrow "I see and what did it look like outside the wall? What did you see?" she questioned in an almost playful tone. "Nothing just a giant cliff you can't cross with more forest ahead." Emma recounted disappointedly. "Interesting.." Mama remarked as she slyly took Norman's letter from Emma's hands. "You know when I was around your age, on my adoption day too I climbed the wall too. I wanted to escape Gracefield. But alas I soon realised it was impossible, a foolish dream." Mama remembered as she stroked Norman's letter with her delicate fingers.
Emma's stray lock in her hair stood straight as she gasped in surprise. "You were an orphan too Mama? You wanted to escape Gracefield but why?" Mama smiled sadly "Yes I was an orphan as well Emma at this very orphanage too. I wanted to escape. I wanted to see a boy I missed that was adopted earlier. Ahhh Leslie my sweet Leslie." Mama reminisced fondly.
"Was Leslie the one who taught you the lullaby you sing?" Emma wondered. The question took Mama by surprise causing her to freeze and tense up then she took a deep breath. "Yes he was." Mama muttered ruefully as she placed Norman's letter in Emma's suitcase before slamming it shut with a loud THUD.
It was now dinner time. The last dinner Emma would have at Gracefield before being adopted. The children were all lined up with their plates and cutlery in front of them on the dining table. In the middle was all the food they could choose from. It was like a buffet. All kinds of vegetables both roasted and fresh. All different types of meat ranging from ham, to chicken to beef and fish. There was bread, tofu, eggs, rice and pasta being served in different dishes as well.
"Thank you for the dinner we are all about to receive." Mama put her hands together as she began saying grace, "Please bless us all. Especially Emma who will be leaving us tonight" Emma then felt consolatory pats to her shoulder by the other children. "Amen.." Mama said finishing the prayer and gesturing for everyone to eat. Emma decided to eat her favourite dinner dish fish: Tofu curried rice with a side dish of roasted vegetables. She tried her best to avoid eating meat as it always disturbed her that she was eating a dead animal but Mama always made her eat a little. But this time Mama left her to eat what she wanted. Emma figured it was because it was her last day at Gracefield.
Emma ate two whole plates of dinner and was going to eat a third before restraining herself. She wanted to spare enough room in her stomach for dessert. When dessert time arrived. Emma grabbed her favourite carrot cake. She also added vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit like cherries, strawberries, pineapples and peaches. Mama even let her have a second plate since it was her last dessert.
Soon Emma was so full that she thought her stomach might explode. But she had to get ready. She was going to meet her new parents soon and they would be arriving very shortly to pick her up. Emma went to her room where she saw her "leaving outfit" lying on the bed as neatly put by Mama. The top half of her leaving outfit consisted of a white shirt, with a navy blue blazer jacket and shiny red tie. While the bottom half had the same coloured navy polyester skirt, with black stockings and Emma was given the option of either wearing her comfortable old brown boots she was used to wearing or the new slick black loafer shoes gifted to her as a leaving present by Mama.
Emma decided to go with the latter as it will go with her new outfit. She put her old boots in her suitcase. She slowly took off her uniform and carefully hanged it on her bedpost. It was a bittersweet moment for Emma, signifying her leaving her childhood at Gracefield behind and starting a new chapter in her life. Little did she know how drastically different that new chapter would be or the prevailing obstacles that lie in the future ahead of her.
Emma waited for the water to turn warm before going into the shower. She let the hot water spill over her face and body washing away her dirt, her past, her life as orphan cleansing her anew for her unknown fate as a teenager, an adult outside of Gracefield without her siblings or Mama..Emma then began to sob uncontrollably letting go all the worries and sadness about leaving Gracefield. But the shower water and her tears mixed together seemed like one in the same as they both dripped from her face.
After what seemed like forever Emma begrudgingly turned off the shower and stepped out. The hot steam covered her as she wrapped a white towel around herself and put on her bathroom slippers to prevent herself from falling. She had enough injuries for one day. She walked towards the foggy mirror seeing herself as just an unclear blob of colour.
Emma wiped the mirror with her hand. Peering through the clear gap she made on the mirror she could finally make out her doll-like face. Her lightly coloured youthful skin made up her baby face. Her giant green eyes shined back at her like emerald gems from her reflection in the mirror. Emma's button nose perked up as she practised her best smile for her new parents. Emma was adorable in every sense of the word. Surely her new parents would love her as their new daughter right?
Emma's short fiery orange hair was soaked and dripping wet. She grabbed the hair dryer
that was on the sink, plugged it in then switched it on. WHOOOOSH the loud roaring of the hair dryer went as she began drying her hair. Her hair had poofed up like it had been electrocuted. She turned off the hair dryer once her hair was just damp and went to reach for a comb since her hair was much easier to manage when it was then she realised she had already packed her comb in her suitcase. It would be too much of a hassle trying to find it amongst all the other items she packed.
Emma then began running her fingers through her hair trying to fix it. She managed to get it to its normal tangly state. That will have to do, I hope my new parents won't mind too much. Emma thought worriedly as she switched on the hair dryer again. WHOOOSH the hair dryer went as she continued until her hair was nice and dry. She then switched the hair dryer off before unplugging it from the wall and putting it away.
Emma then went back to her new outfit and slowly began to put it on. Emma loved the scent of her new clothes though she couldn't not quite describe it in words except "new" The fabric especially her shirt that felt so soft and comfy. Her blazer jacket made her feel warm and snug. While her skirt and stockings made her feel agile and mature. Her feet easily slid into her new loafers and fit her perfectly. She looked at her new self in the mirror. Emma saw a stylish and classy schoolgirl that looked like she went to an expensive high class academy.
Emma took a deep breath as she was about to leave the room to say goodbye to her siblings before she was adopted. She saw a hat on the side of her bed drawer. Of course how could I forget about the hat? Emma thought, grabbing it. The black pork pie hat with a red ribbon wrapped around it went on top off Emma's messy hair effectively hiding it which caused her to smile and worry less about making a bad impression on her new parents.
Emma finally gathered enough courage and stepped out of the room. There she was greeted by Mama standing right by the door's entrance. "I was just going to get you. Come let's quickly say goodbye to everyone then you can be with your parents." Mama smiled with her hand open towards Emma, which she gladly took. Mama led Emma to the entrance hall where all of her siblings were waiting for her.
Her siblings cried as they shared a box of tissues amongst each other. But there wasn't nearly enough tissues to go around as there was not a dry eye among them. It was normal for the children to be crying when one of their siblings gets adopted. But this adoption was even more emotional than usual as Emma was like a second Mama to all the children despite her young age, Emma was very nurturing and loving to all of them. "Emma please don't go!" Some of the younger children cried out.
"Now, now everyone." Mama said, clearing her throat. "I know we will all miss Emma but please try to be happy for her. She is going to a new loving family that I ensure you will love her just as much as we do. Now you may all hug Emma and give your final goodbyes before she leaves." Mama instructed, smiling.
The children obeyed, all taking turns hugging Emma. Gilda, Anna and Don went first. Gilda cried on Emma's shoulder as she hugged her. "Hey don't cry." Emma began to whisper in Gilda's ear "I'll see you again soon, okay? Promise me you would continue to study hard and use the text books I gave you." Emma encouraged. Gilda nodded "I promise, goodbye Emma I love you." Gilda whispered back in Emma's ear. "I love you too." Emma responded.
Next, was Anna who smiled through her tears as she hugged Emma. "Best of luck Emma. Your new family sure is lucky to have you joining them. They will love you like I do. Like we all do." She said supportively. "I love you too Anna. Thank you, one day you will have a family of your own that will love you and be lucky to have you too." Emma replied back supportively.
Don, overwhelmed with emotion, gave Emma a tight hug accidentally, smothering her. "D-d-don" Emma croaked. Don, realising what he was doing quickly stopped "Oh sorry Emma. I'm just really going to miss you." He apologised bashfully. Emma giggled "It's okay I'll miss you too. Let's have another round of tag some day, okay?" Don nodded "And next time I'll win." he said determinedly.
Lani and Thoma both hugged Emma at the same time, each hugging the left and right side of her. Emma then picked the both of them up, hugging them as she spun them around. The three of them laughed as Emma put them down.
Nat, Sherry and Alicia were also very emotional as their eyes flooded with tears, hugging Emma as they commented to her "I don't want you to go." "I'll miss you" which Emma empathised with.
She continued to hug all the remaining children until she finally reached the last child…
Phil.
Emma picked him up, raising him in front of her smiling then gave a giant hug lovingly. "I'm going to miss you so much Phil. You're the best superhero. Please keep Gracefield safe while I'm gone, Phantastic boy and stay out of trouble, okay?" Phil nodded and smiled. "I will Spider Lady. I promise you stay safe on your adventures out there saving people. I love you Emma." Phil said sweetly. "I love you too, Phil." Emma replied before giving him one last hug and a kiss on his forehead then putting him back on the floor.
"Emma it's time to go now, your parents are waiting for you." Mama hushed. Emma nodded as she waved goodbye to everyone, one last time. "Goodbye everyone I love you." She announced as she looked at every single one of them, remembering all their faces. My family. Emma thought sadly. She was glad she had cried beforehand, otherwise she would have struggled to keep her composure in front of them.
"Goodbye Emma we love you." "Good luck with your new family" "Don't forget to write us letters!" Her family called out as Emma began to leave through the doors of Gracefield. Mama shut them behind her with a thump.
Emma followed behind Mama as she led her towards the gate. Mama held out an oil lamp in front of her as she walked. Which was some of the only light outside besides the stars and the half moon shining in the sky.
Emma looked up at the sky in wonder, she had never seen the nighttime sky in person before only through the window of her Gracefield window. It was so beautiful and magical.
"I'm so proud of you, Emma." Mama suddenly spoke.
"Huh why Mama?" Emma asked. "Because all the children in there were devastated you were leaving them. As if they were losing a mother or sister figure. Which they were, Emma. You made an impact on every single child there. That's how I know one day you'll make for an exceptional Mama." Mama praised.
"Th-thank you Mama." Emma muttered in response. But something about Mama's praise of her made her uneasy. Click click their shoes went on the ground as they continued walking to the gate. It was the only sound that could be heard on this eerie night until Mama started humming her lullaby. "Mmmhhmm" she began and Emma soon joined in as she was taught by Mama. Mama then happily began singing which filled Emma with hope.
But that hope turned into fear when they reached the gate. Mama stopped singing "Wait here, I'll open the gate." She instructed. The cold wind blew past Emma as a chill went down her spine. She remembered the nightmare she had the previous night. "Emma you can go through the gate." Mama called out.
"Coming Mama.." Emma gathered her courage as she wobbled through the gate. It was hard to see even with the oil lamp Mama was holding. But could barely make out a figure slowly approaching them. Emma was very nervous but did her best not to show it and she gulped away her fear.
Finally, the figure could be made clear once they came closer to the light. It was an old woman in a long black dress and her short curled hair was almost as white as the moon. The lady's face was very cold and serious. Is this who is going to adopt me? Emma thought nervously. This woman did not seem kind or that she cared for children very much.
"So.." The old woman croaked as she turned to Mama. "This is the girl you recommend to become a candidate for a Sister or Mama." Mama grinned proudly, "Yes grandmother she has shown both exceptional intelligence and athletic capabilities. Has passed the MSC test with flying colours and is shown to be excellent in caring for the other children." She boasted proudly which made Emma feel uncomfortable.
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Emma." Emma introduced herself politely despite her uncertainty about the woman. She reached out her hand for the woman to shake it."Hmpf" The old woman ignored her attempt at a polite greeting as she continued to stare coldly at Emma, studying her. "Slender build, seems a decent weight, but is slightly short. " The woman said as if she was buying an item instead of adopting a child.
She suddenly grabbed Emma's chin with her wrinkly and bony old hand pulling it closer so she could get a better look. "A pretty face but she seems rather pale. She needs to eat more meat." Emma felt extremely uncomfortable at her assessment but was too shocked to say anything.
The old woman quickly snatched the hat off of Emma's head revealing her bright messy red hair. She ran her cold rough fingers through Emma's hair disapprovingly. "Hmpf what a mop, have you never heard of a brush girl? I guess we will have to shave you bald then." The woman teased mercilessly. Emma was horrified, surely Mama wasn't going to let this vile old lady adopt her, was she? Mama didn't seem to react or call out her behaviour as if she expected it.
The nasty old woman then saw the bandage on her leg. "What happened to your leg girl?" The woman seemed to demand an answer and not because of concern for Emma but because it piqued her interest. "I injured my leg playing tag." Emma answered truthfully. The woman's lip curled "Well you will be getting much more injuries in your future. Some a lot worse than a scraped leg my dear. So you better stay sharp and on your guard. I'm not going to babysit you." She warned.
Emma was baffled and taken aback by this woman's callousness. If she wasn't going to take care of her, who was? And what did she mean about getting more injuries in her future? The old witch then began poking and prodding Emma all over until she was satisfied. "At least your reflexes are sharp." the woman sneered as she finished her aggressive examination of Emma, much to her relief.
Emma then remembered the conversation she overheard in Mama's room. "So your grandmother?" Emma asked, finally gaining back her courage. Mama looked shocked for a second that Emma knew grandmother but then quickly composed herself. The old woman smirked at Emma. "Perceptive this one, I like her." she remarked before answering "Yes I am grandmother." she answered.
"Now I bet you are waiting for what you came here for. One moment please." She went back into the darkness to find someone or something… Maybe she is fetching my new parents? Emma hoped. But the reality was far far more terrifying than meeting new adoptive parents for the first time, or a nasty cruel old lady mocking, judging and poking you.
Grandmother soon returned and not with joyous new parents awaiting to meet their new daughter. But a creature and not just any creature, a monster. Just like in Emma's nightmare. But this monster had a long white face with four vertical eyes that all went in different directions. Two, on the top, two on the bottom with a giant mouth in the middle filled with hundreds of sharp knife-like teeth and a terrifyingly long thick tongue that was saliva was dripping from.
The creature was dark, 10 ft tall and stood on its hind legs. It's giant spindly arms with it's long sharp claws looked like it could squash Emma or even Mama or Grandmother. It also had two pointed horns at each side of his head. This wasn't just a monster…it was a demon.
The sight of the creature had caused Emma's eyes to raise unnaturally wide, mouth gaping wide open in horror as she began backing away. This caused grandmother to smile menacingly as if Emma's reaction amused her.
"You have two choices Emma. "Finally addressing her by name. "Either you come with me and live to become a sister or mother raising children to become cattle like yourself, on a farm. Or you die and become Gotzuzel's next meal." She gestured to the demon towering next to her that looked at Emma like a gourmet steak.
"It's your choice sweetheart." She taunted with her wrinkly long bony witch-like hand outstretched towards Emma.
End of Chapter 2.
Author note: Sorry for these very long first 2 chapters I planning on making future chapters much shorter and easier to read. Chapter 3 is where we really get to see Emma become a Mama.