Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After snapping the neck of the grabber in that godforsaken basement that’s when I realized I have finally done it. I was free. It almost didn’t feel real. I thought I was going to die in that wretched basement. I was prepared for it too. But once I heard Robin’s voice on that line telling me that I need to stand up for myself and to stop taking shit from anybody. After that moment that last phone call I knew what I needed to do. Once it was done, I couldn’t believe what I just did. I got off the floor as quickly as possible with the adrenaline leaving my body and making me realize how tired I actually was. It didn’t register yet that I just killed someone. That I became a murderer. But none of that matters now all I needed to do was just leave. I couldn’t stand being in that basement anymore. I couldn’t stand the smell. The smell of death.

As the dog’s barking grew louder, it drew me out of my thoughts. That's when I realized something about the freezer that Vance once told me about. The one I tried to use in my various escape attempts. That freezer contained some steak I could use to distract the dog so I could escape. I walked to the freezer that I had torn open earlier and picked up a cold and heavy steak before throwing it towards the dog away from the door.

Walking up the stairs felt as if it was an eternity before I reached the top. As I walked through the kitchen with a sigh of relief to see no one was up here waiting for me and towards the front door I started to put in the code from Griffin’s bike lock.

It unlocked with a satisfying click, and I threw the lock away and pushed the door open with all the strength I had left. As I opened the door, it was daylight out with the sun blinding me as I walked through. I felt the breeze through my hair with one thing on my mind. Gwen. I didn’t care about the chaos of police cars and ambulances forming outside the house. All I could think about was Gwen and where she was. With their flashing lights of red and blue blinding anyone who had gathered at the police tape, both curious and saddened of what was going on. I stood there for a moment looking through the crowd with my squinting eyes for any sign of her. Until I found her sitting on the grass. The one person who has been there for me the whole time. My little sister Gwen. She got up just as quickly from her spot in front of the fence and ran towards me crashing her body into my arms. Her body was shaking uncontrollably from her sobbing as I held her tightly. Police officers started to notice us and rushed past me and Gwen and into the house that once kept me hostage.

As I hugged her something caught my eye. I couldn’t take my eyes off the gurneys being dragged out, with black body bags laid across them. I almost didn’t notice when the police officers started to drag me and Gwen away from the house and into the back of the ambulance. Didn’t notice when they wrapped me and Gwen up with those shock blankets thinking that it will help. All I could think about was Robin and how he was in one of those body bags. And then I couldn’t help but wonder why did I survive and they all died? Why did I deserve to live while Robin had to died instead? As I thought about Robin and the others my throat began to tighten, and my eyes began to water. I began hugging Gwen even tighter. I didn’t want to think about the horrific basement anymore with its scuffed checkered floor and its dilapidated walls.

With memories of not even ten minutes ago of me killing a man. No, he was no man. He was a monster. I know I don’t regret my decision. But still I felt sick to my stomach that I was the one who did it. Whether or not he deserved what he got still doesn’t change the fact that I killed someone. The blood was on my hands.

A weight on my shoulder startled me out of my thoughts, and when I turned, I saw Gwen leaning against me as she often did. I took a shuddering breath and leaned my head against hers trying not to cry. I had to be strong right now. For Gwen at least.

A few moments had passed until I laid eyes on my father. Terrance Blake. When he spotted me and Gwen in the back of the ambulance he rushed over without a second thought. Kneeling before us asking for forgiveness over and over while crying and stuttering. I didn’t know what to feel in that moment whether I should forgive him or not. After all the damage and suffering he caused I don’t know if I am ready to forgive him yet. As I looked over to Gwen and saw that blank look on her face, I knew that she was not ready to forgive him either. It might be terrible to say but I felt relieved when the police officers led my father away most likely to question him on what happened.

In that next moment, I witnessed the police officers putting handcuffs on my father. In that moment I did not realize how much my life will change. One of the detectives in charge of the disappearance came up to us with a sorrowful expression on his face. “Hello Finney and Gwen. My name is detective Wright. I am glad to see that you are safe, but I am sorry to say that your father was found unfit to parent by police officers and child services alike. Based on the rumors we heard from your neighbors and when we found Gwen’s diary, we thought it will be best for you guys to be taken into foster care.”

I couldn’t believe what I just heard. Foster care. I didn’t know how to feel about that. On one hand, I should feel happy that Gwen and I don’t have to cower in fear anymore every time we broke something or when we were being too loud. This was our chance to find a happy and loving home. This was our chance to start fresh. But on the other hand, he was still our dad, and this was our home. Our dad wasn’t always like this you know. He was once loving too just like our mom. Then it hit me. What will happened to Gwen and me? Will we be separated because of this? I don’t want that to happen. I cannot stand being separated from the only person who has always been there for me. Now that Robin is gone, Gwen is the only person I have left.

As the detective started to guide us to his car I stopped suddenly. “W-wait!” I said, “What will happen to Gwen and me? Will we be separated?” As I said this I started to think about Robin and the others. I couldn’t leave just yet. Not until I see them be put to rest, and not trapped in that cold, dark basement. I had to see them off. So, I asked, “Can’t we also stay for the funerals too?”

The detective stopped and glanced at me with that sorrowful expression again. “I am sorry to say this, but I don’t know what will happen to you and your sister, but I will try my best for you guys to stay together. And about the funerals I can see about you guys staying at a motel until the funerals are over, but then I will have to give you over to CPS, you understand?” He told us with his voice gentle but firm.

Me and Gwen both nodded and almost sighed in relief. Believing the man’s words that he will try to keep us together. Hoping that he comes through for us in the end. I will not be separated from Gwen again. I will not be separated from the only family that I have left now.

The next day we stayed at the local motel, called Rodeway Getaway. It was just a standard motel you would find on the side of the road. Beige painted walls with red bricks, a barely lit sign that states the name of the motel, and tired looking employees that just want to go home. The room wasn’t anything special either. It was just two single beds, with red and white sheets and questionable stains. There was only one sitting area and barely anything on the walls besides one painting. We had one desk and a small looking TV that barely even worked. And one bedside table that only had one lamp above it. In front of our room across the hall was the detective’s room. With the same standard room as us.

We only brought a few of our belongings with us, not that there was much to bring though, and were packed inside our school bags tucked underneath the desk along with our black clothes for the funerals. When the day of the funerals finally came, me and Gwen got ready and put on our black attire, enjoying each other’s company without saying a word. It was a comfortable silence one I did appreciate. I didn’t have the energy to talk to anyone really. As we left our room holding each other’s hands refusing to let go we both met with the detective before he guided us to his car. The car ride felt so long until we got there. No one said a word as we drove to where the funeral was being held. I don’t think anyone wanted to at that point not wanting to be the first to break the silence that we were in.

As we arrived at the funeral, my sister and I refused to let go of each other’s hand. She then leaned towards me and whispered to my ear “Are you ready for this?” I didn’t really know how to answer that. I don’t know if I will ever be ready to say goodbye to my best friend, my only friend I ever had. Robin. But it doesn’t matter if I am ready or not because I must do this. I have to say my final goodbyes to my best friend and to the people who had help me make it this far. I owe it to them to show up and be there for them. Like how they were there for me during my time in the basement.

So, I got the courage to speak and whisper back to her “Yea, I think I am ready to go through with this.” My throat felt tight as I said this, barely even audible. But I knew she heard me once she nodded and got out of the car and walked towards the numerous coffins that were about to be lowered to the ground. The sun was shining, warm and bright, in contrast to how we all felt at that moment. I stood there before the five coffins watching them be lowered to the ground. The priest was an old man with grey hairs who stood before us, saying prayers and words of comfort for those that we have lost. But I didn’t get to hear a single word he said, instead I looked at the people around us ignoring the stares and whispers about me.

All the families and friends stood around the coffins. Most of them I was able to recognize considering this is a small town. I first look at Griffin Stagg’s mother who was crying loudly, and the father who was providing her with comfort but was also looking very teary eyed and filled with regret as he looked at his son’s coffin. I began to shift my gaze on to the second victim’s family Mr. and Mrs. Showalter. They both tried to be strong, but I saw the way that Mrs. Showalter was trying to muffle her sobs with her hands, and the way Mr. Showalter shoulders were shaking and his eyes all puffy from crying so much.

Mrs Hopper watched silently as she saw her only child being lowered to the ground, with tears streaming down her face without making a sound. The father of an once Vance Hopper was nowhere to be seen though, and no one was there to provided even the slightest bit of comfort for the lonely Mrs. Hopper. I felt bad for Mrs Hopper she didn’t deserve that asshole of a husband.

Mr and Mrs. Yamada on the other hand were clinging to each other desperately sobbing for their son hugging their daughter tightly as they watch their son’s casket being lowered to the ground. Amy Yamada, who was Bruce’s little sister, was crying loudly too as she hugged her parents. When Gwen saw Amy break down in tears, she ran over letting go of my hand to comfort her friend.
And lastly was Robin’s uncle. It was one of the most heartbreaking ones to watch as Mr. Arellano broke down in sobs as he fell to his knees. Wanting his nephew back. He was the one who took care of Robin since his parents’ death. His uncle even took care of me and my sister at one point when our dad couldn’t. Watching him grieve for his own nephew was one of the saddest things I ever had to witness. The nephew who he saw more as a son than anything else. This was just too much for me to watch. I had to walk away to take a breather. Away from Gwen for a moment. With tears stinging my eyes and feelings of intense guilt washing over me I walked to the nearest tree and collapsed on my knees as I broke down in tears. I couldn’t take it anymore.

Damn the Grabber. Damn him for destroying other people's lives. Damn that monster for taking away his only friend that he ever had.

Chapter Text

A few minutes after the funeral, when all my tears dried up, Gwen came over and sat next to me. The tree’s shadow was the only thing keeping us cool from the sun that was blaring down on us. We sat in silence for a few more minutes until Gwen broke it.

“I’m sorry Finn, I know Robin was your friend. I wish I was able to help you more.” Gwen spoke softly as she deflating into herself even more.

As I was trying to wipe away a few strangler tears from my already puffy eyes, I looked at Gwen who had a saddened expression on her face who looked so guilty. I knew Gwen probably blamed herself for not being able to help Robin. But it wasn’t her fault. She can’t control her dreams it was wrong for me to ask her too.

“It was not your fault Gwen I should be the one saying sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you to use your dreams knowing you can’t control it. And you did help me more than you know.” I said in a comforting voice to let her know I meant it.

A look of disbelief washed over Gwen’s face as she listened to what I said. Not believing a word of it.
“But I led them to the wrong fucking house! He had two! Two! I thought I lost you.” Gwen said explosively with everyone now staring at us shocked at her sudden outburst.

“But you didn’t Gwenny. I am alive because of you; you kept me going. And I promise I won’t leave you alone ever again.” I said my voice determined now more than ever. I won’t be separated from Gwen again. I can’t. This time things will be different. I need to become stronger. I won’t let myself be pushed around anymore. Just like what Robin said I need to stop taking shit from everyone.

When I said this Gwen face brightened a little and looked like she believed my words this time although still a little unsure. But still she chuckled a little at that for the first time since I got out.

“I would hold you to that.” Gwen said in a light-hearted voice to try to lighten up the mood now.

A ghost of a smile flickered across my lips. I was about to say something else until I notice Robin’s uncle walking towards us. He looked a little worse for wear with his hair being all greasy and filled with sweat, and his eye being puffier than mine adding on to his heavy eye bags, probably staying up all night for the past few weeks waiting for a call or any information about his nephew.

As he got closer, I began to stand up from where I was sitting with Gwen imitating my movements. His expression was filled with grief and sadness which brought again intense guilt coming over me. Feeling sorry for myself for being the one to survive instead of Robin. Robin is the one who should’ve survived not me.
I felt bad for thinking this because I know how much Gwen needs me. But knowing this still doesn’t stop me from
feeling like shit for being the one to survive.
Feeling a lump on my throat I tried to speak “Mr. Arellano. I-I’m so sorry I-

Before I could even finish my sentence, he wrapped me into a one of those suffocating hugs with Gwen joining a moment later. I couldn’t help but feel confused by this. Shouldn’t he be mad at me? For being the one to escape and not Robin. But at the same time, it felt good. Being in one of his suffocating hugs. I couldn’t help the few strangler tears that streamed down my face in that moment.

“You don’t need to be sorry. None of it was your fault do you hear me?” He said in a shaky voice trying to sound firm but failing miserably. I gave a shaky nod in returned not knowing what to say.
As he let go of Gwen and me, he grabbed my shoulders in a gentle manner afraid I would disappear if he looked away for even a second.

“I’m so glad that I got to see you kids again. Thanks so much for being here today. I know it must be hard for you guys as it is for me. To say goodbye to those you care about. But we must do it as life goes on. We may not be family or related by blood, but I will always be here if you need anything. Anything at all.” He said in a gentle manner looking between us.

“Thank you, Mr. Arellano. I appreciate you always looking out for us.” I said with my voice not as wobbly as before.

“Thanks Mr. Arellano. I’m sorry for your loss too.” Gwen said as she looked down on the floor still feeling silently guilty but not as much as before.

“Come on kids. No need to be all formal and shit. I have known you guys for a long time now you don’t need to keep calling me by my last name. Just call me Antonio. And thanks Gwen I am sure Robin would appreciate you guys being here too.” He said trying to keep his voice light.

“I’m sorry for your loss too. Robin was my best friend and frankly one of the only friends I ever had. He had always protected me and thought I could do better. I will try to make sure I live up to his expectations.” I said my voice now firm and determined.
I saw a faint smile tugging at his lips as I said this. His eyes softening up even more than before.

“You don’t need to do all that. You don’t need to change at all. Robin was friends with you not because you can fight but because you had a good heart who knew how to take a punch or two. You are already strong. Stronger than you know. All you need is just a little bit of confidence that’s all. And you were a great friend to Robin. One of the best. I’m pretty sure he would have flunked out of school if it wasn’t for you helping him.” Antonio said his voice sounding light and sincere.

I laughed softly at his words. Remembering what Robin said to me in the bathroom when he saved my ass from my bullies.

“Yea you are probably right.” I said sounding more upbeat than I had been this whole week.

“See Finn you don’t need to care what any of those shitheads say. You are stronger than any person I know.” Gwen said as she smiled looking proud at her brother.

“Haha thanks Gwen.” I said as I half hugged her with her returning the favor.

“I completely agree with Gwen. If anyone says any more shit to you guys you just need to let me know and I will deal with it.” Antonio said standing tall smiling at the two of them.

“Yea right, like you are going to beat up a bunch of kids.” Gwen said smirking.

“Hell, yea I will! I’m not just some old man you know.” Antonio said showing off his old man muscles.

“But you are though.” Gwen said in a teasing voice.

Antonio put his hands to his chest in a mock offense and went to refute her statement.
I couldn’t stop myself from chuckling a little at their interaction. I had missed this. Whenever we used to go to their house for movie nights, they always loved bickering with each other. With me and Robin just watching from the sidelines. Them not even paying attention to the movie. I will miss those moments more than anything.
Before their bickering got out of hand, the detective started walking towards us with his expression unreadable. I guess it was time to go then.

“Good evening Mr. Arellano. I’m sorry for interrupting you two but it’s time to go.” Detective Wright said in a firm but soft voice.

Gwen looked disappointed when he said this but not surprised. I wasn’t either. We knew we only had a little amount time left before we had to go. We just hoped it wouldn’t be this soon.

“Good evening detective. Don’t worry we were just about wrapping things up.” Antonio said as his expression saddened a little.

“Seriously can’t we stay for a little bit longer.” Gwen said sounding annoyed at the detective.

“Sorry but we can’t the social workers are already waiting for us at the motel.” Detective Wright said sounding a little bit guilty now.

“He’s right Gwen. You guys should probably get going now. But if it is alright with you detective, can we just have a moment to say our goodbyes.” Antonio said.

“Yes of course. I will be waiting by the car. Whenever you two are ready meet me there and we will get going.” Detective
Wright said as he started making his way towards his car.

“I don’t want to go to the stupid orphanage.” Gwen said with her sounding more annoyed.
“Yea I know Gwen, but you guys have too. I promise you guys will find a loving family who will take care of you. Just give it time.” Antonio said with a comforting voice that makes us want to believe him.

“But what happened if we get separated again or the other families don’t want two kids.” I said this time my voice
trembling a little.

“Don’t worry bout that! You guys are not going to get separated if I have anything to say about it! I will even talk to the detective myself and demand you two to be in the same home together.” Antonio said his voice determined.

Me and Gwen both smiled at each other before giving him a hug so tight that you can’t even breathe. Antonio laughed a little at the sudden contact.

“I will miss you guys too. Make sure you two don’t get into anymore trouble you hear?” Antonio said trying to keep his voice light.

“Yeah, don’t worry we won’t” I said laughing softly.

“Yea yea That might be hard, but I will try to stay out of trouble.” Gwen said smirking a little at herself.

“And please Gwen for the love of god try not to swear that much when you are up there.” Antonio said in a teasing tone.

“Now that will be impossible.” Gwen said chuckling.

Antonio just sighed in response seeming to already know what Gwen was about to say. As he let go of the hug he smiled at us again.

“Alright you two it’s time for you to go. You have a long drive ahead of you.” Antonio said trying to keep himself from tearing up again.

“Yea I guess we do.” Gwen sighed as her gaze shifted downwards.

Antonio stared at her for a moment then at me with his face brightening up a little as he reach down towards his pocket to pull something out. It was a piece of paper with a phone number written on it.

“Here Gwen. This is my phone number you guys can call me anytime” Antonio said as he handed the paper over to Gwen. Gwen looked a little surprised by this but was grateful nonetheless as she grabbed the paper gently from his hands worried that it will wrinkle.

“Thanks Antonio. We will call you to let you know when we get there.” I said feeling grateful that we at least had someone else who was there for us besides each other.

“You guys better.” Antonio said as he ruffled both of our hairs messing it up.

“I guess this is it huh.” Gwen said as she was trying to fix her hair.

Yea but don't worry we will see each other again. You guys are welcome to visit anytime if you can. I know you guys will be just fine on your own.”

I sniffled a little at that, but I didn’t cry. I won’t cry cause I know we will see each other again. Maybe with our new family we can try to coordinate coming up here occasionally to visit him and to visit Robin’s grave bringing him flowers. That does sound a little nice being able to visit them.

“Bye Antonio we will try to visit as much as we can.” I said as I started to make my way towards the car waving back at him and gesturing to Gwen to come along.

Gwen started to follow me but stopped suddenly and looked back towards Antonio who was waving goodbye to us.

“Bye Antonio. We will call you so much that you will start to get annoyed hearing our voices.” Gwen said as she smiled brightly. Antonio chuckled a little as he looked at Gwen.

“Looking forward to it!” Antonio said with one final wave.

Gwen and I started making our way back to where the detective was standing near his car. As he sees us approach, he smiles softly.

“Are you kids ready to go now?” said Detective Wright as he stared at us expectantly.

With one final look back at our hometown. The town where we grew up at. Where we shared countless memories together good and bad. I’m ready to start fresh. Somewhere hopefully far enough away where no one has even heard of the Grabber.

“Yea, we are all ready to go.” I said sounding a bit disappointed.

“Yea let’s get this over with” Gwen finally says a bit annoyed. I couldn’t help but agree though. We never really liked CPS. Mostly because of all the horror stories and rumors we heard from other kids from our school who had gone through it. I just hope it’s not like that.

The detective opened the door for us, and we made our way in. When Gwen and I got into the back of the police car we sat on opposite sides, looking out the window. Looking out to our hometown that we probably won’t see in a while. Taking in everything that we see like a soaked sponge.

When we made it to the run-down motel that we were staying at, we see two figures standing near our room. One was a young woman, probably in her early 20s with long flowy brown hair and big brown eye. The other one was a male in his late 30s who still looked young besides the massive eye bags under his eyes. Yea he definitely needs some sleep.
As we began to approach the two, they both had smiles plastered on their faces as they greeted us which made me feel less tense about the situation. Gwen, on the other hand, still looked a bit skeptical about the two of them, with an annoyed and disgusted expression on her face. I almost wanted to laugh at the face she was making at the two social workers. Detective Wright walked up to the two social workers, shaking their hands, and introducing me and Gwen.

“Hi, you two it’s been a while. These are the two kids I was telling you about. Gwen and Finney.” He said with a friendly expression on his face. The two social workers started at us for a moment still with soft smiles on their faces.

“Hi, you two my name is James Henry, and this here is Hazel Woods. We will be the ones taking you guys to the orphanage today.” He said with a croaky voice that sounded like an old man.

After Mr. Henry spoke the detective pulled him off to the side to speak to him for a moment. Their voices were to hush for me to hear anything. But I got a little distracted as the other social worker known as Hazel came up to us next with a friendly expression on her face.

“Hi, you guys it is so nice to finally meet you two. I am sure Detective Wright here has taken good care of you.” Hazel said in an angelic voice much in contrast to Mr. Henry’s voice.

I guess it was my turn to say something now since Gwen looked like she wanted to be done with this conversation already. I gave my best customer service smile trying not to be rude.

“Um hello. It’s nice to meet you too.” I said my voice sounding more hoarse from all the crying I was doing earlier.

“Are you two ready to go or do you need a little more time.” Hazel said in an upbeat tone.

“Um I think me and Gwen haven’t quite finished packing up just yet. Is it alright with you if we go to our room really quick and gather up all our belongings.” I said my voice sounding unsure.

“Of course! We will be waiting here until you guys get back alright?” Hazel said in her same upbeat tone.

Gwen looked at her annoyed but nodded anyway as we started making our way towards our room. I followed closely behind her unlocking the door with our key before making our way in. Our room was the same as we left it, but just a little bit messier with our beds being unmade and all our clothes being everywhere.
We started to clean our room in relatively silence getting everything organized before we had to go. It didn’t take us that long since we didn’t bring a lot of stuff to begin with. After we finished packing up all our clothes and stuffing it in our backpacks. We began making our way towards the door looking back at a now clean room. Before I opened the door Gwen stopped me for a moment tugging at my shirt. I was confused by her sudden reaction and made it obvious by lifting one of my eyebrows.

“Hey Finney.” Gwen said in a soft voice.

“Yes Gwen?” I said wondering what this is all about.

“Do you know where they are taking us? She said with an unsure voice. I was even more confused now and it showed when she sighed.

What I meant is like which orphanage they are taking us too?” Gwen asked in a soft tone.

“Honestly I have no idea.” I said truthfully. “But I will be by your side the whole way. You are not getting rid of me that easily.” I said trying to lighten up the mood. Gwen smiled at that and gave a quick nod before we opened up the door seeing 3 figures standing in the hallway still conversing with one another. Gwen and I walked out of the room to make our presence known and that we are ready to go.

“Are you two all packed and ready?” Mr. Henry said in the same croaky voice we heard earlier.

We both nodded and made our way down the hall and to the stairs to make our way to the empty lobby with only one staff member at the front desk. The detective quickly pays the staff member at the front desk while we wait for him outside with the two social workers. When the detective was finally done paying, he made his way towards the door. As he left the motel, he gave the social workers a thumbs up letting them know that they were all set to go. The social workers began leading us to a black SUV opening the door for us.

“Well, this is it. It was nice knowing you two, and Gwen we may have started off on the wrong foot, but you have helped us a lot with the case, and a lot of people were able to find closure in what happened. Without you I don't think we would have ever caught the man who did this and be able to recover the bodies. Thank you and I hope you two can find a good home together.” Detective Wright said in a gentle but firm voice.

“You better keep your promise and make sure that we stay together.” That was all that Gwen said as she made her way into the back of the car not wanting to hear anything else that the detective had to say.

I just nodded to what he said and mutter a thanks before getting into the back as well. Hazel then closed the door behind us and made her way into the passenger seat. Mr. Henry on the other hand stayed back a little talking to the detective again.

Mr. Henry finally was done talking to detective Wright as he made his way into the driver seat waving goodbye to the detective. He started up the car and made sure we were all buckled before we go.
As we drove out of the parking lot and made our way to the main road, I looked back at the small town we once called home. Looking at all the run-down homes, shops and passing by the baseball field where I launched my first rocket. I was going to miss this place. Sure, this place wasn’t luxury, but this is the place where we grew up at. Where we spent most of our childhood. Now we are forced to leave our home to a place unfamiliarly to us. I hate to admit it, but I was nervous. At least back at home we knew most of the townspeople, but this time we don’t know anybody. We are completely on our own. I hope the place where we are going to have at least friendly people and hopefully less fights.
That made me think of Robin beating up all the bullies and assholes of the school. I still don’t get why he did all that, but I guess Robin was always a fighter huh. My thoughts began to shift when I saw the sign that said leaving Denver. I guess we still have a long way to go until we get there.

The drive there felt like an eternity. Gwen was already passed out in the seat next to me while I looked out the window. I tried hard to stay awake but after the long day I had I just couldn’t. So, I passed out as well laying my head on top of the windowsill.

Gwen and I didn’t wake up until we arrived at the orphanage. I rubbed my eyes, feeling sluggish while Gwen’s hair was slightly tousled as she woke up slightly dazed. Hazel looked backed at us still so cheerful for it being midnight.

“Alright you two we are finally here!” Hazel said excitingly.

“Urgg it’s too late to be this cheerful.” Gwen said as she opened the car door exiting the vehicle.

“Looks like someone is not use to staying up this late.” Mr. Henry said as he chuckled getting out the car.

I finally got out of the car with my legs stumbling slightly as I got up. As I looked upon the orphanage, I notice it was a two-store building with red bricks all around. The orphanage looked slightly run-down but not as bad as the motel that we stayed at earlier. I shifted my gaze to the big green sign in front of the building reading the words “Gotham’s Orphanage Center.” Huh Gotham where have I heard that name before I wonder.
Gwen seems to recognize the name as she had a shocked expression plastered on her face. Was this town really that bad? I will ask her about it later I noted. The social workers begin leading us to the front door ringing a bell with a speaker on it. The speaker rang until I heard a clicking noise and a female’s voice coming through.

“Hello this is Gotham’s Orphanage Center how may I be of assistance.” The woman’s voice spoke with a confident, even toned.

“Hello ma’am I am James Henry with my assistant Hazel Woods. We are both from child-protective services and we are here with two lovely kids who need a home.” Mr. Henry said trying to sound upbeat, but his tense expression said it all. He looked like he was waiting for something bad or unexpected to happen. So does Mrs. Woods and Gwen. I wonder what that’s all about. What have we gotten into.

“And you came to Gotham.” The person on the other line said skeptically.

“Haha yea I know but this is one of the only orphanage available that will take the two of them together. Their files should have already been sent.” Mr. Henry said trying to ease his nerves.

I’m even more curious now on what the hell is wrong with this place. Is it just the orphanage or the city in general? I just can’t shake this feeling that I have heard of the word Gotham before, but I can’t exactly place where I heard it from. I really hope I get a chance to ask Gwen soon or maybe one of the social workers.

“Alright hold on a sec while I try to find their files.” The lady said as she ruffles through some papers on the other side of the com.
“Aha I found it finally. That took while.” The lady said sounding proud at herself. Another moment later I heard a clicking noise and the door opened with a woman appearing on the other side of the frame. The lady looked to be in her mid 20s with short black hair and purple glasses wearing an olive-green button-down shirt with black jeans.

“Alright well come on in.” The lady said in a grating voice like she was already done with us.

“Thank you miss-” Hazel said obviously trying to ask the lady for her name.

“The name’s Blair and there is seriously no need to thank me like seriously don’t.” The lady who is named Blair said as she starts walking back inside the orphanage. Hazel just stared at the back of her head for a moment not knowing what else to say before following her inside along with Mr. Henry. Me and Gwen both stared at each other for a moment before walking into the orphanage as well.