The Secret of Meadowbrook Orphanage

By DC Johnson and Ron Rowan

It is said that love is the greatest gift of all, but in reality, there are two greatest gifts. One is love, that much we already know to be true. However, the second greatest gift is that of being a child, for it is only as a child that one knows how to truly believe. And it is this simple act of believing that has its own special kind of magic, as you will see in this story. When a child believes, there is an energy that feeds everything and everyone around them. It feeds even those magical beings who most adults can no longer see nor will they ever see again because they no longer know how to see that which they stopped believing in. Sadly enough, there are even some children who stop believing. Sometimes it takes the energy of other children to awaken their beliefs again, and that is also the case in this story. So I invite you to reconnect to the magic that each of us once had, the magic that children always hold, and the magic that will bring you to a place where everything is possible. All you have to do is believe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: May 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466918672

DC Johnson

DC Johnson is a Minnesota author and music lyricist who uses her training as a Mental Health Therapist to reach readers of all ages. She has written playful children's stories to stories about the dark world of vampires. Her vampire series brings you to a time past and lays in your lap a world you will not want to leave but would never choose to enter. It brings together new dark gifts, tempered blood lust, forbidden desires, and chilling realities. Each book in this series continues the journey of the Moon Coven, but each is through the eyes of a different vampire countess, bringing you twists that will surprise even the most accomplished vampire readers. Her first book in this series released in October 2011. Her second book in this series released in December 2011 and subsequent books will be released throughout 2012 and 2013, leading up to the movie based on her first vampire book in 2013. DC is also publishing a children's fantasy novel entitled "The Secret of MeadowBrook Orphanage" in early 2012 and is co-writing a children’s Christmas story with Rowan Creations to be released in 2012. For the latest on DC Johnson's books and movies, go to www.DCJohnsonBooks.com.

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© Copyright 2012 DC Johnson and Ron Rowan.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or

otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

ISBN: 978-1-4669-1866-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4669-1867-2 (e)

Trafford rev. 05/29/2012

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Dedication

To All Those Who Choose To Remain Young At Heart…

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1  Train Ride

Chapter 2  The Orphanage

Chapter 3  The Attic

Chapter 4  Discovery

Chapter 5  ‘Ma’ & ‘Pa’

Chapter 6  The Fairy Realm

Chapter 7  Recruits

Chapter 8  Trolls & Ogres!

Chapter 9  Fairy Realm Battalion

Chapter 10  Puppies!

Chapter 11  Moor Of Nightshade & The Backward Bog

Chapter 12  Supplies

Chapter 13  Captured

Chapter 14  War!

Chapter 15  The Secret of Backward Bog Revealed

Chapter 16  Victory!

Chapter 17  Criminal Crimp

Chapter 18  A New Plan

Chapter 19  The Dirt on ‘Criminal Crimp’

Chapter 20  Fairy Realm Possibilities

Chapter 21  Jack & Anne, Gidget & Tinker Make A Plan

Chapter 22  Crimp’s Clutches!

Chapter 23  Super Sleuths

Chapter 24  Crimping Crimp’s Plans

Chapter 25  Fugitives!

Chapter 26  Accomplices!

Chapter 27  The Empty Farmhouse

Chapter 28  Seth & Kingston

Chapter 29  Details

Chapter 30  Risky Ideas

Chapter 31  Exposed!

Chapter 32  Miracles In Fairyland

Chapter 33  Liquorice Whips & Chocolate Drops

Chapter 34  Kingston To The Rescue

Chapter 35  Picnic Preparations

Chapter 36  The Sandman

Chapter 37  Guts!

Chapter 38  The Visitors Arrive

Chapter 39  Seth Arrives

Chapter 40  The Campfire & Fairy Realm Surprise

Chapter 41  Our Buddy & Benefactor

Chapter 42  The Package

Chapter 43  The Prisoner & The Cloak Of Shadows

Chapter 44  Answers!

Preface

It is said that love is the greatest gift of all, but in reality, there are two greatest gifts. One is love, that much we already know to be true. However, the second greatest gift is that of being a child, for it is only as a child that one knows how to truly believe. And it is this simple act of ‘believing’ that has its own special kind of magic, as you will see in this story. When a child believes, there is an energy that feeds everything and everyone around them. It feeds even those magical beings who most adults can no longer see… nor will they ever see again… because they no longer know how to see that which they stopped believing in. Sadly enough, there are even some children who stop believing. Sometimes it takes the energy of other children to awaken their beliefs again, and that is also the case in this story. So I invite you to reconnect to the magic that each of us once had, the magic that children always hold, and the magic… that will bring you to a place where everything is possible. All you have to do… is believe.

Chapter 1

Train Ride

I tried to rub as much of the dust off the window of the train as I could. I wanted to see the land as we rode past it. I knew it wouldn’t be much to look at, but I had stared at the other passengers in our train car long enough to know that they wouldn’t be enough to entertain me for the entire ride. It should have been a fun trip. After all, it was a train ride, which is a big deal to a kid in the 1940’s, in the midst of a huge war. I wiped the window repeatedly, but could not see much of anything really. The outside of the window was far dustier than the inside, due to the gusts of wind from under the train, that cause the dirt to billow up onto the windows. I let out a bored sigh. As much as I didn’t want this train ride to end, was as much as I wanted to get off it already! My sister and I were on our way to an orphanage. We had been in the care of a stranger for a couple weeks, but it was only temporary, until the county lady could find us something called ‘placement’. I didn’t know exactly what placement was, but I already knew I hated it. Only a week ago, our parents were on a trip, and we were staying at a friend’s house. They never came back. There was a funeral, lots of food, and lots of hugs and kisses. Then we found ourselves in the home of an elderly couple. They were nice, but they were strangers, and we knew it was charity. The county lady said it was godly charity that we should be grateful for, and we were to show our appreciation by behaving. It seemed like once the funeral was through; we were given only minutes to pack what we wanted to bring with us, only then to be shipped off to their home for a few days. It was only a couple days later that we were being shipped off to an orphanage on this train. I wondered what would happen to my house and our things in it. Would I ever see them again? I somehow knew I wouldn’t.

We had been on this train for hours now, and I was getting quite hungry. I knew my sister was hungry, because I could hear her stomach rumbling. It was hard to believe such a loud noise could come from such a little six year old! But then, I guess mine was pretty loud too.

Stay here. I’m going to see if I can find some food. I told my sister.

Can’t I come with you, Joey? Molly asked me.

No, I don’t want to lose our seat! I said grumpily.

But what if someone comes and takes me away, and I can’t find you? Molly whined.

Stop whining! Nobody is going to take anybody! The train hasn’t even stopped for hours! I said, agitated, and slid the door open to step into the narrow hallway.

It was true though. The train had not stopped for hours. And I was certainly not going to let my sister be taken from me, not after having lost the rest of my world. But I could not let our stomachs rumble like this for much longer either. I guess I was restless too, and I just needed to walk around. This was something I did when I was upset or nervous, I walked, or paced. Sometimes I was known to walk for miles, sometimes even for an entire day. My sister was just the opposite. When she was upset she only wanted to be held. I suppose it was because she was a girl… or because she was so little. But then, I was only eight! She was not really that much younger than me, but two years is an awful long time when you’re a kid. It can be the difference between being let into the yard alone to play for awhile, or being able to walk alone through town all day, like I sometimes did. My life was not that tough; at least, it wasn’t… up until our parents died. The things that used to bother me then, seemed like nothing now. A man in a funny hat and clothing was walking down the isle talking to passengers. I recognized his hat and clothing to mean he was one of the train workers. I stood in the isle for a few moments, staring at him, waiting for him to finish talking to a man and woman in a passenger seat.

Finally he turned to me and smiled, And what can I do for you, young man?

My sister is really hungry, and I was wondering if there was anything for her to eat. I asked and then whispered, She doesn’t have any money.

The train worker looked to me and nodded, giving me a quick wink with his smile, Let me see if I can do something about that. Come with me.

He turned around and walked back the way he had come, and then around a little corner. In it was metal and wood shelves, and more food than I had ever seen in one little place.

What do you think she’ll like? he asked me.

How about a couple sandwiches? I asked.

I knew she would only need one, but I was hungry too, and I didn’t have any money either.

How about you take what you think you need, and I’ll be just down the way. When you have what your sister needs, you just go on back to your seat. How’s that sound? he asked, winking at me.

Thank you. I said, feeling like a beggar boy.

I knew he could hear my stomach rumbling too, and I knew he had boarded us, so he also knew we were bound for the orphanage. I had learned over the past week what ‘charity’ was, and although I hated this, I appreciated it. As soon as he was gone, I slid my nap-sack off my back and filled it with just about everything I could fit into it. I did not know what this orphanage was going to be like, but if it was anything like this train ride, I was not going to look a gift horse in the mouth! I took several sandwiches, some bottles of soda-pop, some cookies and bars, and even some candy. I knew the candy was not necessary, but Molly would not see anything like this anytime soon, and at least we had a little something special for a change! I walked back down the isle, trying to be careful so the bottles would not clink together. They did anyway. I passed the train worker, keeping my eyes on the floor. I doubted that he would miss what I took, since he had so much, but I still felt guilty.

Charity! I muttered angrily.

I slid the door to our passenger car open and entered, closing it behind me.

Did you find any food? Molly asked.

I sat next to her and slid my nap-sack into my lap. The bottles clinked loudly. I opened it and pulled out a sandwich, a bottle of soda-pop, and a cookie for her. Her eyes lit up.

Sandwich first! I ordered, You know mom would have wanted it that way.

Molly didn’t say anything, but simply tore the wax paper wrapper from around the sandwich, and bit in. She was not just hungry, she was starved! She was a funny kind of little girl, she never said anything about being too hungry; she just sat there and rumbled. She was little, thin, had long red hair, bright green eyes, and her nose and cheeks were sprinkled with freckles. She reminded me of a doll. I didn’t like dolls, but that’s cuz’ I’m a boy, but she was what the adults called… ‘very cute’. I opened a wax wrapper around a sandwich and began to eat, then popped the caps off the soda-pop bottles for Molly and myself. When she finished eating and drinking, she handed me the bottle. There was a garbage container in our car, so I dropped the bottles in. I knew that glass bottles should always be returned to the soda-pop vendor. At least, we had always done that when my dad bought us soda-pop, but I didn’t want to let the train worker know I had helped myself to these as well as food. Molly let out a burp and then quickly clapped her hand over her mouth, smiling at me. I frowned. I had learned a lot in the past week, and one of the things I had learned, was that burping was no longer considered funny when you received charity. Molly lay down, with her head on my leg. I covered her with my coat, knowing this was something my parents would have done as well. The train rattled on down the tracks. I was tired too, but I didn’t dare sleep. I don’t know why, I just didn’t. Molly’s eyes closed, and soon, she was asleep. About an hour had passed, when the train finally rolled to a stop again. I knew that we would be retrieved when it was our time to get off, so I waited to see if this would be our stop. It was.

A man slid the door to our passenger car open and pointed at us, speaking to a lady, These would be the ones.

Very well, thank you. she said to him.

Come along, children. she said to me, indicating that I should wake Molly.

I shook Molly.

She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes, What, Joey? Are we there yet?

Yes, Molly. Hurry up. I said, upset that we were moved around like suitcases.

There were no more wake up hugs, nor any gentle rousing from naps in our own comfortable beds. Everything was ‘hurry up’ or ‘hurry up and wait’. Molly slid off the bench and stood on the floor, letting my coat fall to the dirty floor of the passenger car. I snatched it up. I was tired, had no idea who this woman was, nor where we were going… so my coat getting dirty only proved to irritate me further.

I am Miss. Crimp. I am the social worker here. I will be bringing you to the MeadowBrook Orphanage. Do you have all your belongings? she asked, as though we had done this a hundred times and we were being impertinent.

I nodded. Molly yawned. She turned and began to walk down the train car isle. We followed.

She led us outside, then into a car. Molly and I sat in the backseat, looking out opposite windows. This town was much busier than the one we had lived in.

Where are we? I asked Miss. Crimp.

We are in Minneapolis. she answered.

Minneapolis. Molly said softly, as though saying it would make things make sense.

Chapter 2

The Orphanage

Miss. Crimp drove us out of the busy city, and into an area that was not exactly countryside, but no longer city either. We drove down a long road, before turning into what I had thought to be another long road, but what actually turned out to be a very long driveway. She pulled the car up close to a very large building, with a sign that read, ‘MeadowBrook Orphanage’. So this was it. This was where my sister and I were to spend the next many years of our life. It didn’t look like much from the outside, but there were certainly a lot of children. I guessed them to be between the ages of four and twelve. I knew that little kids and older kids were placed in separate orphanages, one for older, and one for younger. I was suddenly very glad my sister and I were only two years apart. I used to hate it, because she followed me everywhere. Now I was glad, because I would have at least one person I knew with me. We stepped out of the car and stood beside it, waiting for instructions. This was another thing I had learned, ‘don’t do anything unless you are told’. Molly grabbed my hand. I could tell she was scared. I didn’t know if it was because there were so many other kids here, or if it was because the big house was unfamiliar, or both. I was glad she was holding my hand; I needed a hand to hold too. I would never have admitted that of course! Miss. Crimp walked up to the door of the orphanage and opened it, then turned to look at us, which let us know we were to follow. I entered, pulling Molly along with me.

The inside of the orphanage was huge! There was a very large sitting room to the right and a couple offices to the left. A large hallway led to a slightly winding staircase up. From the outside of the orphanage, I could tell there were three floors to it and an attic. I didn’t know if the entire building was used, but I guessed it was, because of all the children I had seen.

This is Joey, and his little sister, Molly. Miss. Crimp said to a man.

Aha! Well, Joey and Molly! I am Mr. Trinket. My wife and I run MeadowBrook Orphanage, and we welcome you to your new home. You will find lots of other kids here to play with, learn with, and I am sure they will fast become like step-brothers and sisters to both of you. My wife is around here… somewhere. Why don’t you all relax in the sitting room while I go find her. Mr. Trinket suggested, while headed down the hallway.

Molly and I sat in the sitting room, while Miss. Crimp stood by us, next to a large bay window, looking out at the other children. Very soon, a woman who I guessed to be Mrs. Trinket, briskly walked into the room.

Hello children! You must be Joey and Molly. How very lovely to meet you. We have been anxiously waiting to meet our two newest children. We have two other brother and sister pairs here, although we consider all our children brothers and sisters once they come to live with us. How was your trip? Mrs. Trinket asked.

I’m afraid the little one is quite tired, and pokey as well. The older one seems well for the wear though. Can we get to the paperwork? I do have other obligations today. Miss. Crimp asked impatiently.

Oh, certainly, Miss. Crimp! Right this way. Honey, will you be a dear and settle the children for me? I will be up as soon as Miss. Crimp and I are finished. Mrs. Trinket asked her husband playfully.

Sure can do! Follow me, kiddos. Mr. Trinket said with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.

As soon as we were around the corner, he spoke again, You’ll have to excuse Miss. Crimp, she’s a busy kind of lady, and can sometimes be kind of short tempered. However, if it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t have you now, would we?

Molly and I said nothing, we simply followed. Mr. and Mrs. Trinket seemed nice enough, and certainly jolly enough. I wondered what the kids would be like. Mr. Trinket led us into a very, very large room. I could tell there were lots of boys in this room, by the things it held. One bed had a soccer ball under it, and another had comic books on top of it. Yet another had boy’s clothes and suspenders on it, with a bat and baseball. I saw no beds with girl’s things on them, nor any nightstands with girl’s things.

This is to be your dorm bedroom, Joey. Molly will be in the other room upstairs. We like to put the girls upstairs, so they are closer to Ma. We figure that you boys can help me keep our girls safe, in case there are any intruders. Not likely there ever would be intruders here though, not with all you strapping boys around to help me keep our girls safe. A body would be a fool to come picking on all of us! Mr. Trinket chuckled as he teased, How about this bed, Joey? This one suit you well enough?

He looked to me as though awaiting my approval after inspection.

This one is fine. I answered, putting my things on top of it, Where is Molly going to sleep?

Oh, I can show both of you where that is right away, if you’d like. Mr. Trinket offered.

Molly nodded, but asked, Can’t I stay with my brother?

Oh, it’s not a big deal, little one. You’ll see. Ma and I are right close by, and so is your brother. And if you ever want to, you can come right on in here and get him. Just be sure to knock first though. You don’t want to catch one of your brothers in his skivvies. Mr. Trinket said, letting out another chuckle.

Well, Mr. Trinket was definitely jolly enough, and he certainly appeared to like his work here, even to the point that he considered all of the children here ‘his kids’. I was certainly glad that Molly and I had not wound up in one of those orphanages I had read about, where there were evil house parents, terrible food, and cold rooms. Molly and I followed Mr. Trinket upstairs. He led us into another very, very large room. This one was definitely for girls. I rolled my eyes. There were dolls, jump ropes, pink frilly things, and more dolls. Ick! I was certainly glad I was not sleeping in this room.

And what bed would you like to pick out for yourself? Mr. Trinket asked Molly, beaming from ear to ear as though he were giving her the entire floor of the house.

Molly’s eyes twinkled. She loved picking things.

I want this one! she said, It’s by a window just like Joey’s.

That it is. In fact, right below your window is Joey’s! It’s almost like you two are on bunk beds, yours being right on top of his. Mr. Trinket responded, making the best of the moment for Molly’s sake.

Molly put her bag on top of her new bed and looked at me.

What do you two say we go into the kitchen, find a snack, then meet the rest of the family? Mr. Trinket suggested.

He seemed genuinely excited, not only about our arrival, but also about us meeting the rest of what he called ‘the family’. In the kitchen, he found us each an apple, some cheese, and some milk.

Tonight we have pot roast, and then ice cream for desert! Mr. Trinket said, After, we all take turns cleaning up, and then play games, sometimes even in the back meadow. After we tell stories, with each brother or sister making up a story, or building on a story from the night before.

I knew I was in an orphanage, but it was difficult to believe that this orphanage could be so… exquisite! After all, no one ever hears of an orphanage like this. It was not ‘home’, but if I was forced to see someplace else as home, I’d rather be in this kind of a home than the ones I had read about. We ate our apple and cheese, and drank our milk, all the while listening to Mr. Trinket talk about how the day usually went. Apparently we were up at about seven am, went outside to do some chores, then we ate breakfast. The boys would do a little work in the barn, which meant milking the cow and feeding the animals. Mr. Trinket said there were lots of animals. He told us about the lambs, pigs, a cow and a bull, chickens and a rooster, and some other animals to tend to. The chores were very important, he said, as it was what kept us fed, for free. He also said that morning chores never lasted more than an hour. The girls would pick vegetables from the garden, fruit from the trees and plants, and eggs from the chicken coop, then bring them inside to prepare for breakfast and lunch. The boys would fry up the eggs and bacon, or whatever was being made for breakfast, as breakfast was their responsibility. After breakfast was cooked and eaten, then cleanup began. The girls did all the cleanup for breakfast, because the boys cooked it. Lunch was exactly the opposite. The girls cooked and the boys cleaned up. Mr. Trinket said this was so everyone knew how to cook for themselves and the families they would one day have. Supper was cooked and cleaned up by Mr. and Mrs. Trinket. This was so we children could have our fun time, and get to bed early enough.

I guess I’m jumping ahead of the day here. First morning chores, then breakfast. Then everyone has school, right here, until lunch time. Then when school and lunch is done, we have afternoon chores, but not always in that order; sometimes we change it up for fun. We also help Ma out in the house or do yard-work when needed. There’s always laundry to be done, windows to be washed, floors to be swept or scrubbed, and other such things. After that, it’s free time until Ma and I have supper ready. There’s lots of land to explore, and lots of brothers and sisters to explore it with. Mr. Trinket said, smiling as though he thought this a most wonderful way to spend a childhood.

Well, it didn’t seem too bad. Molly could do her chores, I could do mine, and they certainly didn’t seem too hard, nor would they last too long. Maybe this place wouldn’t be so bad after all. When we finished eating, Mr. Trinket led us outside to meet the other children.

Hey kiddos, gather round’. I want you all to meet the two newest family members. This here is Joey, and this one is Molly. I trust you will all show them the ropes and remember what it was like your first few days. For now, why don’t you all just take the afternoon off from chores and get to know each other. Mr. Trinket gifted.

The kids let out whoops and yells of delight. No afternoon chores? Just because Molly and I arrived? I was surprised!

Well… introduce yourself. It’s a new brother and sister, after all. Not every day you get presents of two whole new people. Mr. Trinket said.

Mr. Trinket walked back toward the house, while the other kids gathered around us.

I’m Cornelius. a boy said.

And I’m Sebastian. the next replied.

I’m Teddy. That one is Spencer, and that one is Elliot. We like soccer and football. Do you play anything? Teddy asked.

Naw, not anymore. Used to. Played football and baseball, and some hockey and rugby. I answered.

We play all those here, got enough of us for equal matched teams too… in everything. Sometimes the girls play though, so we gotta go easy on em’. Teddy answered.

Theodore Bear! You know we can take you any day of the week! My name is Lavinia. I play just as well as any of those doofus’es and don’t you forget it! This here is Cordelia and Virginia. We all like to play anything you can come up with, and we’re sure to be as good at it as any others here! Lavinia spewed, scrunching up her face at Teddy.

Teddy… Bear? Molly asked.

Some of the kids giggled.

Yup, Teddy’s my name and Bear rounds it off. Not too often one gets named after a toy known round the world! But call me ‘teddybear’ and I’ll squash ya! Teddy said, pretending to be proud of his name. The rest of us knew he was embarrassed, but everyone played along. This bunch was proving to be quite unusual. If any of my friends back home knew of a kid with the name of ‘Teddy Bear’, he’d a’ felt it!

A little girl, about Molly’s height, came up to her, I’m Lissy. Do you have any dolls? I have lots if you want to play with us. Actually, they aren’t all my dolls, but we all share them. You can play with them too… if you want to.

I have three dolls, but the rest are at my old house. I couldn’t bring them with cuz’ I didn’t have enough room in my suitcase. Molly said, Wanna see em’?

Sure! Lissy said excitedly, This here is Sarah, Ceci, and Emily. We all play dolls together. The older girls won’t play with us anymore, but we don’t care, we don’t want them playing with us anyway. They just boss us around, is all they do! C’mon.

Molly ran off with the other littler girls, and I was certain she’d be alright. I, on the other hand, was not sure what might happen to me. The other guys in this orphanage seemed nice enough, but they definitely had their own ‘clicks’. After many more introductions, both from the boys and the girls, a game of baseball started. They put me up to bat first. They said it was to welcome me to the team, but I knew they were really wanting to see what I was capable of. On my first swing, I missed completely. On my second swing, I slammed it clean into the meadow! I ran, a surge of excitement through my body that I had not felt in weeks, driving me! The rest of the kids were either cheering, or yelling to catch the ball. The ball hit the ground… I was safe! We played until the sweat soaked our shirts.

Finally one of the girls yelled, It’s too hot, I quit! I’m goin’ swimmin’!

Awww, you’re just a sorry sport cuz’ you’re losin’! another yelled, but all headed for the brook beyond the meadow anyway.

I followed, as eager to cool off as the rest of them. We ran into the meadow. Just a few yards beyond the meadow was a brook. Shirts and trousers were being stripped off, along with dresses and shoes. Everyone stripped right down to their bloomers, then jumped into the running waters! I did the same. I was glad it was not a lake. Even though I could swim, I was not the best swimmer, but I sure could float! The water wasn’t deep; it was only up to our necks. We splashed and played until Mr. Trinket came wandering down to us.

I could hear you all the way up to the house. he said, smiling, and stripping off his shirt and trousers as well.

None of the kids seemed to mind in the least.

Mind if I join ya’? he asked.

Most kids continued playing, but a few turned to splash Mr. Trinket, so he jumped in and splashed back. If any adult had dared join me and my friends back home, we’d have all left. This was not like any home I had ever known, or read of. Oh sure, my dad and mom joined me and Molly when we went swimming, but then, that was not with my friends either. They swam with us when we were on vacation or out for a picnic, or fishing… things like that. The kids here genuinely seemed to enjoy Mr. Trinket joining them. I guessed I could see why. He had a way about him. He was an adult, no question about that, but he was like a kid too. He played every bit as hard as we did, and was every bit as fun. He even tackled me in the water, but then joined me against some of the older boys. Soon enough, we heard Mrs. Trinket calling us to eat. The afternoon had passed quickly and dusk was upon us. I stepped out of the water and felt a little chill.

Everyone grab your duds and head back to the house. Don’t forget to hang your wet clothes on the line. We don’t want Ma having to mop up after us. Mr. Trinket yelled to the numerous bodies bounding across the meadow for supper.

Back at the house, we hung our clothes on the line, then scampered upstairs to find dry clothes. I opened my suitcase and put on dry trousers and a t-shirt. None of the other boys put on socks and shoes, so I stayed barefoot as well. We all made our way downstairs to the dining room, where a very long, very large table held mounds of food. There was pot roast, mashed potatoes, cornbread muffins, biscuits, gravy, a green salad, and some coleslaw. Everyone was chatting and digging in to the meal.

We talked all through supper until Mrs. Trinket said, Okay, my babies, time to finish up and get to your games and activities. It seems you don’t need baths tonight, after all the playing in the brook, so enjoy your extra free-time. Now skedaddle! I need to clean off this table.

She was chasing us away, but smiling as she did so. I remembered Mr. Trinket saying that it was their job to clean up, but I noticed some of the kids helping anyway. I decided I had better help as well, in case they were deciding whether I was grateful for their charity. I didn’t want to seem ungrateful, and they were very kind people.

Oh now, you know this is not your meal to work. If you want to help, I certainly am a lucky Ma! But don’t feel obligated. Tis’ a small price to pay to have such wonderful babies to call my own! she bubbled contentedly.

About eight of us helped her clear the table and another four helped with the dishes. I could already tell that the kids here had this planned out. I supposed they didn’t mind, considering they had such a good day.

I soon realized this was how they always did things, when I heard one of the younger girls whisper to an even littler girl, No, you’re supposed to offer to help tomorrow.

They worked together like a well oiled machine, as my dad used to say about people he knew who got a job done well, and efficiently. I helped clear the table, but had no idea what to do in the kitchen, so I went into the living room to see what everyone was up to. I saw Molly playing with some of the littler girls again, and it was then that I realized I had not even bothered about her all afternoon. She was having a good time playing, and seemed very content. Maybe this was the best outcome for she and I, for now anyway. It certainly was not anything to worry about, like I had expected would be the case. We passed the time playing games, and eventually Mr. and Mrs. Trinket came in from the kitchen to join us. Everyone began cleaning up their activities at once. I realized something was about to happen, as it seemed their entrance was a cue of sorts.

Everybody ready for a story? Mrs. Trinket asked.

The littlest boy, named Chaom, crawled into her lap, What’s the story about tonight, Ma?

Tonight I thought all of you could tell our newest brother and sister a story. How about letting them decide how it begins, and you can surprise them the rest of the way? she suggested, clearly pleased to show off ‘her babies’ to me and Molly, as well as what they could drum up, Joey, why don’t you and Molly both pick one thing you’d like in the story tonight, and the rest of your new family will begin to spin their tale for you both?

Molly piped up immediately, I want a unicorn in the story!

Dragons. I added, hoping this would be both exciting, but also not too lame in the eyes of the older boys.

Perfect! Mr. Trinket said, How about if I start it out?

The other kids encouraged his idea. The story began, and continued, until very dark. Finally Mrs. Trinket ‘chased us all off to bed’ as she and Mr. Trinket called it. I was definitely surprised at how we were ‘chased off to bed’. We each went to our respective floors, got into our pajamas, and then into bed. Nothing about this was all that unusual for me, except that I was doing so with about fifteen other boys. I had not been used to undressing in front of others, but I could tell that they were all very used to it by now. I knew it would be best if I just pretended the thought never even crossed my mind, so I quickly changed, but acted as though I was just in a hurry. But it was what happened next that was quite unusual.

There came a knock on our dorm door, and Mr. Trinket’s voice could be heard, Is everyone decent in there? Don’t want to scare our girls out of their skivvies, just cuz’ they see you boys in yours.

Alls well! one of the boys called out.

The door opened and the girls walked in to say good-night. It was then that I remembered there were two other brother-sister pairs here, besides me and Molly. One was Josiah and Josie. Josie was the girl and Josiah was the boy. Josie ran to Josiah’s bed and flopped herself upon it, and the two instantly began chatting. The other brother-sister duo was named Spencer and Emily. I remembered Emily, kind of, as she was one of the little girls Molly went off to play dolls with earlier this afternoon. Emily ran to Spencer’s bed and sat upon it, and these two began chatting as well. Molly came running to my bed and wrapped her arms around me. As I watched, I noticed that each girl had a brother she would make her way to, and the two began talking. I only then realized that each had been paired with a ‘brother’ for the evening. I gave Molly a hug, and asked her how her afternoon went.

It was great fun, Joey. I do hope we can stay here if we can’t ever go home again. I do like it here, very much. But I don’t know if I like that we can’t sleep in the same room. Molly said, both excited, and yet a little worried, I don’t like it when mommy and daddy aren’t here, and now you won’t be there either.

I’ll be here, Molly. Remember what Mr. Trinket said. He said that I will be right here if you need me. Just think of it as a big slumber party with all your new best friends. I consoled as best I could.

Okay. she said, a bit unsure of this part of her first day here.

I looked around and each boy and girl seemed to be quite into their little discussions. Some were planning things they were going to do the next day, some were talking about chores and swapping jobs, and others were even talking about me and Molly. Well, at least Molly and I had started off on the right foot… somehow. Things had not been this good for us in over a week, so I was grateful.

‘Grateful.’ I thought, ‘There’s that charity word again!’

I gritted my teeth. Would I ever think of anything the same again?

Okay my precious babies, now it’s time for ‘lights out’! Pa will see to you boys and I’ll see to you girls. Everyone into their beds, we’ll be in a few moments. Mrs. Trinket sang out, as though she were lulling us to sleep.

Chapter 3

The Attic

These two were a strange pair, but quite nice, and very well matched it seemed. They sure did like ‘their children’. I wondered where everyone came from and why they were here. Did I dare ask? I didn’t want to cause trouble, now that things were running so smoothly. I decided not to ask just yet. I was sure that I would probably learn all this with time anyway. Then I wondered what they would say when they learned why Molly and I had to be here. Would our story be like any of theirs? I guessed it would be, as there were so many others here, so surely one of them had a similar story.

Okay boys, you have ten minutes to talk amongst yourselves quietly, then I will return to make sure you are in bed and the lights are out. See ya in ten! he said, as cheerful now as he had been earlier today when Molly and I met him for the first time.

He didn’t seem to tire out in the least… ever. The boys immediately gathered around my bed and asked me where I was from, what happened that brought me here, and even wanted to know about Molly.

I told them my parents had died while on a trip, which left Molly and I orphans, as my parents had no brothers or sisters.

No other family at all?! Elliot asked, That’s as bad as ole’ Cornelius here. He ain’t got no family neither… cept’in us. Looks like ya’ fit right in!

Elliot slapped me a hard one on the back, his way of welcoming me to the ‘family’, I could tell. I figured that if they could ask me about my parents, I could ask them about theirs, so I did. One by one, they began re-telling their stories to me. We didn’t get a chance to finish, because Mr. Trinket came back in. I knew we would get back to this tomorrow night. I was surprised however, as I expected each boy to want to hide their story. It had left them an orphan, after all! But it was quite the opposite. Each had a story to tell, and seemed to be proud of it in a way. Not all had time to tell me their stories, but each that had, reveled in certain particulars.

One boy lived in the basement of an abandoned building for months, until it grew so cold that he had to light a fire every night to stay warm. The smoke from the fire was how he had been found. Another had tried riding the rails like a hobo, but was soon caught, and instead wound up riding the rails with a county worker to various orphanages, finally winding up here. Each had their own story, but perhaps the best I had heard so far, was the one from a boy named ‘Charlie’. He actually came here on his own. His ma had died giving birth to him, so he was raised by his pa. His pa took sick when he was nine, and died when he was just about to turn ten. He actually came here himself, and arrived on his tenth birthday. He just walked right in, suitcase in hand, and walked right up the stairs and found himself a bed. He had lived only a few miles from here, so he knew of this orphanage, even sneaking over a few times to see the kids. The first time he ever snuck over, it was to see why all the kids were here at all. It was then that he found out it was an orphanage. When he saw what a nice place it was, for an orphanage, he decided he would stay here after his pa died. He simply walked right on inside, dropped his suitcase under an empty bed, and refused to leave.

Of course it was fine with the Trinkets. They were actually proud that a child would come and refuse to leave. Naturally they didn’t know that Charlie had already met most of the kids, and had been playing with them for several months. It wasn’t often, of course, but often enough to be familiar enough with all of us and the orphanage. Anyway, he had the best story of them all, and I told him so. I also told him that it was exactly what I would have done, if I had known of a place like this. Yes-siree, I’d have marched Molly and myself right on in, and would have refused to leave as well! I guess it was fair to say that I liked Charlie right off the bat! He had spunk, that’s for sure! He called it self-reliance. Whatever it was, I wanted to have some of that too. I figured I’d need it, now that I had Molly to care for. I hoped that Molly was being allowed the same time for talking that we boys were. But then, they were girls, and they didn’t exactly have as many interesting things to say… not like us boys. We talked about important things; who we were, where we came from, the ropes around this place, and even our jobs tomorrow. That was when someone mentioned secrets they had in this place. When it came to the secrets, I had to ask what these were about!

Oh, you know… secrets. For instance, we boys have a pact with the girls. If Ma and Pa need some help around here, we take turns helping out in our own way. We have our secret shifts, like tonight, for instance. When Ma cleared off the table, did you notice some of us helped her out? Sure ya’ did, you helped out right along side us. Well, that’s one of our secrets. They know we help out, but they don’t know how we decide who helps, or why. But there are other secrets too… better ones. Teddy said, Ya’ promise not to tell? Hope to die if you do?

Sure! I said, eager to know a real secret already, after only being here a day.

It wasn’t the secret I cared about so much, it was knowing that I had already been accepted, really accepted. They were trusting me with something big already. I was glad I hit that baseball into the meadow earlier… I guessed it showed them what I was made of, and guessed they liked it.

Well, one of our secretest secrets, is that we sneak out to the woods past the meadow on certain nights, and go exploring. No girls, no adults, nothing but us guys! It’s the best. We play pirates on the brook, bandits in the trees, and spy too… we even spy on the neighbors. When we play that, whoever’s turn it is to spy on a neighbor, has to bring something back from the neighbor’s place. No one knows about this, certainly not Ma or Pa, and definitely not the girls! Those girls think they are so tough, but none of them would go into the dark, in the mud, barns, and ditches… just to spy. They gots’ nuttin’ on us! Teddy said, beaming with pride, Now remember! You promised not to tell!

Cross my heart, an’ hope to die a torturous death if I do! I said, now very much liking this place.

Maybe being in an orphanage wasn’t too bad after all… if one could end up in an orphanage like this one!

Okay my strapping lads, lights out! Time for this old Pa to get his sleep so he can keep up with you all tomorrow. Mr. Trinket said, another of his beaming, ear-to-ear smiles spread across his face.

Night Pa! the boys called out randomly.

Night, my boys! Mr. Trinket said.

He turned the lights out, but instead of leaving our dorm, he walked quietly to my bed.

We have a little tradition around here, and I need you to come with me. Mr. Trinket said, and I could tell by his voice he was still smiling.

I crawled out of bed and followed him silently. None of the boys made a peep. He led me into the hallway and up into the attic.

This here place is just chalk full of nonsensical old stuff. But it seems it appeals to all our young-in’s. Every time we are blessed with a new boy or girl, we like to give em’ a welcoming present… so to speak. Ain’t nothin’ much, but like all our other kids, you may have any three things up here you desire. They are to be yours and yours alone. We all share everything, like any good family does, but sometimes we need something all our own. You find what you’d like, son. When you’re done, turn off the lights, close the door, and head to bed. Mr. Trinket said… still smiling.

He gave my hair a good tousle and patted me on the back, then turned and left. I was surprised! I got to have any three things, all for myself? I wondered if Molly could have any three things she wanted too. Or did this only apply to us boys? Perhaps Mrs. Trinket had a tradition for the girls as well? I didn’t know if she did, but in case she didn’t, I wanted to find something for Molly too. I looked around to see if there was anything I could find that stood out amongst the other things. After looking for some time, I saw a large sled. I knew it would only come in handy in the winter, but I also knew I would have my very own and that meant not having to take turns… even though I would, just to be nice. And besides, this one was very long. It would be great if I were sledding with any of the other boys in a group sled race! I would be sure to win then! The sled looked brand new, which confused me. Mr. Trinket said they were old things, but this sled was brand new. Then I realized they had bought these things, and left them here for us to choose from. I could pull Molly and her new friends on this sled too, so she could enjoy it with me. Yes, the sled would be my first choice. Now I had to find one more thing for me, and then one thing for Molly. I was glad I chose the sled, as technically I would be sharing it with her too. This meant we each got one thing for ourselves, and one thing to share. I walked around again, slower this time, to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I finally found the item I would keep for myself; it was an explorer’s kit! This would be perfect for when we slipped out on those dark nights to explore. It had a small one-man canvas tent, a lantern, a compass, and a Swiss army knife. And as if that wasn’t great enough, it was all fastened securely onto the back of a hiking pack. This was as good as gold! I couldn’t believe my luck! Now to find something for Molly. I hunted around, and realized there were many, many things girls could want, but the things here a girl could want were also things a boy could want. Nothing looked like it was especially bought for a girl.

I then guessed this to be the tradition Mr. Trinket had for only the boys, and that the girls would have a different one… if they had one at all. I hoped they did, but either way, Molly would have something for herself. I looked and looked, wondering which of these boys’ items she might want. Finally, in the far back of the attic, I saw a few things I knew she would like. I would have to choose between the three items. The first was a rocking horse, which I knew she would greatly enjoy, and could share with the other girls. As well, it would provide something fun to do when it was cold or rainy outdoors. The second thing I had to choose from was a collection of games. There was a box containing card games, jacks, pick-up sticks, and many other games that would keep Molly (and the other girls) busy year round during free time. The last thing I saw was a very, very large dollhouse, made out of very thin branches. This would be perfect, but I dared not choose this, as it would be obvious that Molly had gotten one of my gifts. I did not want the others to be jealous, and I did not want Mr. Trinket to suspect that I could not follow orders, or that I didn’t appreciate what he was trying to personally give me. No, the dollhouse would have to remain up here. It had been pushed to the far back of the attic, and I presumed this to be because no boy would ever want it. I finally decided on the games, as I knew I could pretend she was borrowing them from me, and it would not seem like I had bent the rules regarding the ‘special tradition’ gifts that Mr. Trinket was giving to just me. I gathered up my chosen possessions and headed to the door. I made sure to turn off the light and shut the door tightly. I did not want to appear lazy or forgetful. No, I would do nothing wrong here, as I had no need of anyone telling me that I would not find a better place to live. I wandered back down the stairs and into my dorm. I put my new possessions under my bed and crawled in.

What did ya’ pick? Sebastian asked.

Apparently they all knew where I had been and what I had been doing.

Awww, just a backpack, some games, and a sled. I answered, making sure to sound grateful, but not too excited.

A sled? I never saw a sled when I was up there! Teddy called out quietly.

That’s probably because they weren’t invented when you got here! called out a voice I could not yet identify.

The boys laughed but then went right to sleep. I had kind of hoped they would want to talk a little longer, as I was anxious to hear the rest of their stories, but it was not to be.

I woke with a jump, to a very loud bell that clanged from somewhere outside. It seemed like it was outside the very window I was sleeping by.

Yup! That’s why none of us sleeps there! Noah told me.

Noah was one of the littler boys. He was obviously very outgoing. He had scratches, cuts, and bruises that seemed to speckle his body. During the day he seemed always smudged with dirt. I had overheard him talking with one of the other boys his age about a fort they were working on. He said something about monsters too. It was my guess that he and his three or four other little buddy-brothers were the adventurous types. They were as scraped and bruised as he was. I also guessed that the bell must be quite annoying, if even the most adventurous of spirits here refused to sleep nearest it. Oh well, Molly knew that I was right below her, so I would stay right below her. It seemed to please her, and I wanted her to settle in well. The last thing she or I needed was her not being able to sleep at night over something as little as my moving to another bed. And she was the type that could find a huge issue with such a little detail. No, I would stay put for now. Maybe I could sleep with a blanket over my head to muffle the loud clanging.

We all dressed and headed out into the early morning to do our chores. It was already quite warm, even at this somewhat early hour. The season was summer and the month was July, the end of July to be exact. This summer had been unusually hot and humid. I found out after chores were done, that there was time for a quick dip in the brook before breakfast. I was glad I was let in on this other secret. I was sweating something awful! It seemed the girls knew about this too, as several were already