Hell Home

By Adorial Maxwell-Hazell

Hell Home

A very inspiring children's book about faith, strength and survival. A book fill with emotions and anger, yet very comforting to the hearts of young children and adults who believe in the power of pray.

A touching story about seven little girls living at an Orphanage under the supervision of a psychotic Matron called Miss Cross. The children were treated horribly and very often were forced to go to bed without food and water. Sarah, a very brave little girl was the self appointed leader for the group, and convinced the others to protest the inhumane living conditions at the Orphanage.

This decision was met with severe punishment by the Matron who ordered the girls to be locked up in the basement cellar. The dirty old basement was reserved for storing broken pieces of furniture, including old beds and garden equipment, besides other unwanted items. It was also used as a haven for rodents and a burial ground for dead animals.

The children remained in the basement for days without food and water, a punishment which they endured on a number of occasions. The staff members at the Orphanage were very afraid of Matron Cross and participated in the bad treatment of the children. This cruel and inhumane situation, along with lack of proper medical attention led to the death of Sandy, who was accidentally burnt and succumbed to her injuries. Nola drowned while trying to escape from the 'Hell Home' Orphanage in a boat. Megan's health deteriorated rapidly from ill treatment and Kate committed suicide while undergoing punishment in the basement.

Reader, see how a courageous little girl name Sarah O'Dell persevered and fought hard despite the prolonged bad treatment from Matron, to transform St. Francis Children's Home into a home away from home for future children. Also, prepare yourself for the unfortunate demise of Matron Cross.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 21, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452010946

Book preview

Chapter 1

The day was cloudy and overcast. Sarah O’ Dell woke up early, feeling very excited because her family was going to the country to visit grandma O’ Dell.

While her parents were busy preparing for the long journey ahead, Sarah was given the task of dressing herself and her four year old brother Kriss O’ Dell.

Katherine O’ Dell was a remarkable and fine woman in her late thirties. Her neatly dressed appearance and well-spoken manner made her an ornament of class. She was a kind natured woman of competent education and very devoted to her family.

Mark O’Dell was tall and noticeably handsome. He was known for his disciplinary attitude and charming personality. A pharmacist by profession, he was always impeccably dressed and had a sympathetic and kind approach towards everyone. He was highly respected in his hometown and being of Christian principles made sure his family attended church service regularly.

With the preparation of the trip now over, Mark O’ Dell calmly nodded his head to his wife that it was time to leave. Let’s go, my dears, she shouted with excitement in her voice and Sarah raced her brother to the grey sedan parked in the driveway.

The journey to Grandma’s home was quite a long one. Sarah and her brother enjoyed the trip across the rugged terrain of uninhabited land, with its picturesque scenery of the coastline to the left and residents of Border Springs harvesting their cornfields on the right.

As the O’ Dell family hurried along, obviously hoping to reach Grandma’s home before dark, the kids waved and cheerfully shouted attracting the attention of the busy residents who surprisingly did likewise.

What a pleasant sight, and to have the kids working along with them, Mrs. O’ Dell said as she shifted into a more comfortable position, quite contented with being driven on her birthday.

Unaware of the horrible tragedy ahead, Mark O’ Dell hurried down the narrow strip of road, disappointed at the threatening rains in the distance waiting to spoil what could have been a wonderful day.

What a pity, all of those people are going to get wet, Katherine said, as she glanced back down the road in a concerned manner.

Too late, remarked Mr. O’ Dell. The rains have started and we are approximately twenty minutes away from Grandma’s home.

The heavy rains and dark clouds which masked the sky, made it virtually impossible for Mr. O’ Dell to safely continue the journey ahead as visibility was almost zero.

Please be extremely careful dear, and drive cautiously, Mrs. O’Dell said, as she looked over her right shoulder at the children huddled together in disbelief at the sudden rains.

Look out Dad, shouted Sarah, as another car seemingly out of control sped around the corner. The driver, obviously blinded by the heavy rains, skidded across the road, hitting the embankment with such violent force and throwing the car on a deadly collision course with the O’ Dells.

Oh my God, cried Katherine, as she helplessly forced herself in the back seat in an effort to protect her children with her body. The sudden impact echoed across the open land, sending pieces of metal flying in all directions. Mark O’Dell, unable to escape the remains of the ill-fated mangled vehicle, whispered a prayer and in a soft loving tone cried, Goodbye, I love you all.

By the time the rains subsided, the messy mixture of petrol and blood, along with the horrible sight of disjointed body parts were all that re-mained of a loving family, full of life and a total stranger.

Chapter 2

It was one of those days that Sheriff Allen Casey wished he did not have to leave home but work is a commitment to the people of Border Springs, especially Sheriff Casey.

As he carefully drove along the wet road, unaware of the horrifying situation waiting for him up ahead, he smiled and thought to himself; Oh What a peaceful and beautiful place to live.

Nodding his head and tapping his fingers in tune with the song, TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS, his strayed away thoughts quickly returned to his hectic duties.

What the heck happened up there? Increasing his speed, Sheriff Casey nervously approached the scene, which was already guarded by curious onlookers, trying desperately to understand the sad tale confronting them.

It’s a tragedy, a horrible tragedy, cried an elderly lady at the scene.

Any sign of life? asked Sheriff Casey, fumbling with his radio as he gradually and very diligently searched the area.

This is most certainly the worse vehicular accident I have ever seen in my seven years as sheriff.

Sheriff Casey, Sheriff Casey, a male voice from behind the bushes shouted. Hurry, over here. I think there is a little girl still alive but badly hurt. It seems like a family taking a trip, but the others appear to be dead.

By that time several onlookers arrived on the scene, anxiously waiting to assist in any way they possibly can.

Oh sweet Jesus, Sheriff Casey whispered with tears now filling his eyes, quite evident to everyone that he recognized and knew the family well.

Sheriff Casey to base, come in base. There was no reply from his radio. Base, this is Sheriff Casey, do you read me, come in please. Finally, a tired voice came on the radio. This is base, Deputy Rose speaking, go ahead Sheriff. Please get an ambulance and a doctor down here immediately. There has been a very bad accident at the junction between Border Springs and Texas Creek Drive. Seems like about five bodies including a little boy. There is a little girl but she does not appear to be that critical. Also dispatch a few deputies for crowd control. I have my hands full down here. Please hurry Rose. Yes sir, replied Deputy Rose.

Ladies and gentlemen, although your assistance is greatly appreciated, I must caution you not to try moving any of the bodies as we are not sure whether they are dead or unconscious, warned Sheriff Casey.

Every one nodded in agreement. Then a sharp and painful cry broke the silence. It was that of Sarah O’Dell struggling to free herself from the weight of her mother’s lifeless body.

The sound of a thousand feet following Sheriff Casey rushed to her aid and watched in astonishment as Sarah miraculously dragged herself out from under her mother. Visibly shaken with fear and disoriented, Sarah collapsed into the arms of Sheriff Casey. Within minutes a red and white ambulance transporting Dr. Charles Wood arrived on the scene; followed by five outriders who quickly cordoned off the area.

Stand back! Stand back! Please let us get the little girl into the ambulance quickly before she goes into shock. The people responded very well to the instruction given. Still curious about what could have happened and the identity of the victims now pronounced dead by Dr. Wood, intense murmuring could be heard from among the large crowd.

Dr. Wood! A moment with you please, said Sheriff Casey. This is the O’Dell family from St. Francis Heights. Mark O’Dell, the city pharmacist and his wife Katherine, along with their two children Sarah and Kriss. They were probably visiting his mother in Lilly Springs.

Oh my God, the poor old lady, what are you going to tell her? asked Dr. Wood. And the other guy, do you know him?

No, he is probably a stranger to these parts. Besides, his face is so badly disfigured, making it extremely difficult for proper identification, replied Sheriff Casey.

Deputy Rose, let’s get the little girl to the hospital now and I need this area cleared at once, instructed Sheriff Casey. Remember it’s our main road in and out of the city. I will inform the O’Dell’s next of kin immediately. See you at the hospital in a while.

The ambulance drove away at such speed, sending the onlookers scampering for safety.

Chapter 3

Grandma O’Dell, who was nursing a badly injured ankle, sat on her front patio anxiously awaiting the arrival of her family. Sheriff Casey, after parking his jeep, gradually walked towards Grandma O’Dell, and with outstretched arms beckoned her to meet him.

Reluctantly, she returned the favour, suspecting something was wrong. What is it, my dear son? asked Grandma O’Dell.

Terrible news Grandma O’Dell, there has been an accident, very bad accident up Texas Creek Drive, continued Sheriff Casey. "Mark, his wife Katherine and little Kriss are all dead.