"Mr. Roman Villarta"
I gave a short glimpse on the man's direction again before I head my way to meet Julia and Father Escalante at the gate.
When I am almost at the orphanage's entrance, one of the bully boys in the institution extends a foot on my way that's why I lost my balance and fall on the mud. The boy's name is Alfred.
They all burst out into laughter, but I just only ignore it. When I am about to pick up the miniature model that I had created, Alfred get it instead. "This one is yours, huh?" he said. "What a mess?! Real guys never waste a single moment creating stuffs."
When he said those words, I almost burst out into anger. "Give it back to me. That is for Miss Julia."
"Oh, this is for the little puppy love of yours?" He throws it on the mud, causing a break on its wings. "Bastard!" I shout as I punch him on the jaw. He falls on the mud but I am not contented. I grab the collar of his shirt and punch him again on the face.
Alfred's bastard boys grab my arms while others on my legs and they work together on punching and beating me. One of the nuns caught us fighting, so Alfred and I are being turn over to the admission office of the head nun.
At the admin office, Mother Abess is still talking on the gentleman. "Mr. Villarta, so sorry for the inconveniency of this institution. I guess, we disappoint you."
"Not really, Missus. I bet these little lads of yours are great kids, huh?!" he said. Mr. Villarta puts off his reading glass then he turns towards me "You kinda' brave and smart. Hope to see you soon poor boy."
After he said those words, he then utters farewell to Mother Abess and left.
"You fellows," Mother Abess said to me and Alfred, "You are supposed to be send to the attic and receive a punishment but since it is only a kids' fight, you must go now and prepare for someone will come here to find a boy to take care of."
"Yes Mother," we both said as farewell. When I am about to close the door, Mother Abess said to her assistant, "Is the adoption papers ready?"
That day, I've been waiting for Julia but she's not coming. Father Escalante told me that she got a fever and is confine to the hospital. I am really worried for her, but Father Escalante said that she will be fine soon. So that's it, I spent the rest of the afternoon on fixing the broken jet stuff then afterwards sleep on the balcony of the backyard. When I finally woke up, I am still wondering on who is the man and what is the connection of the adoption papers and why he is so nice to me.
When night came, Alfred and I were assigned on cleaning the dishes. It is our punishment for our out of manners. During that moment, we still never talk to each other. For my part, that is the best thing to do just to avoid another fight between us because we both knew that we never like each other.
"I admit that I don't like you," Alfred said as he broke off the silence. "You see, I hate loners and cowards that's why I hate you, but when I saw you this afternoon fighting like a beast, I guess, I am beginning to like you. Oh boy, can we just be friends?" he said as he offers me his hand. I accept it. "Friends," I said then we both laugh as if there is no tomorrow.
The next day, Alfred's dad came to the orphanage and fetches him with that expensive luxury car. Last night, Alfred told me that he's not really an orphan because he still has his dad, but he was sent to the orphanage because no one will takes care of him. Now, he told me that he will be sent to America soon.
On the afternoon of this day, all the children were ordered to fix ourselves and wear our finest clothes for a very important person is expected to come on that day. When we are through, we were gathered on the assembly hall of the orphanage.
Mother Abess is standing there. With her is the gentleman yesterday.
"Children, this is Mr. Roman Villarta. He is one of the sponsors and funders of this institution. Come on, greet him."
"Good afternoon Mr. Villarta."
"Great!" Mr. Villarta said with a warm applause and a very big smile. He then turns his gaze to the children as if he is looking for someone, then he turns to me. "There you are kid!" he exclaimed. Mr. Villarta whispers something to Mother Abess then the head nun nods.
"Okay," she said. "Nathan, come over here." With a confusing look, I come towards them. "Nathan, from now on, Mr. Villarta would be your father."