Chapter 2

“Good Afternoon Dante,” said Mr. Hato.

Mrs. Dawkins left the room for both parties to talk.

“Uh- Hi, you have an interesting name sir.”

“Haha, I get that a lot, I actually live in Japan, I happen to just be over in the states for the month.”

“Uhh- Mr. Hato why are you at the orphanage then, if you live in Japan I mean.”

“Well, that’s quite obvious is it not. I want to adopt a child.”

“No like why you wouldn’t go to a Japanese orphanage.”

“Well unlike here in the states, in Japan, most of the orphans actually have parents. Also, there’s not many kids your age there as adulthood occurs at the age of 13.”

“The parent thing—that’s horrible.”

“Yes, yes, it is.”

There was an awkward pause between me and Mr. Hato for a minute then he continued conversation.

“How would you like to return to Japan with me at the end of the month.”

I was at a loss of words. Was this man actually going to adopt me?

“Wait really. Does that mean you’ll be adopting me?”

“No, I’m just going to take to Japan illegally.”

“Oh—”

“I’m just kidding kid, lighten up, of course it does.”

This was actually happening I couldn’t believe it. I had waited for this day for ten years and finally it was here. Although I was a but saddened that would mean I’d be leaving Malcolm. I mean he had been my friend for four years and yet I was just going to up and leave him.

“Uhm—I have to think Mr. Hato. My friend, I mean I’d be leaving him, a-and he’s been my friend for four years, through everything.”

“Ah, I understand. Well think it over and come back to me with an answer. Although I don’t have much time left here at the orphanage, so try and make it quick.”

“Will do.”

I had to go tell Malcolm about this. It was such a wonderful thing. I walked back to the Rec Room to find Malcolm, but he wasn’t there, which was weird because he was almost always there. The I remembered he had trash duty today.

“Wait those assholes are gonna be out there expecting me. Shit,” I muttered under my breath.

I sprinted to the back door as Malcolm wouldn’t be expecting them to be out there. On the way there I passed by the kitchen. I ran by faster, and then I stopped, as when I glanced into the kitchen while passing by, I had seen a strewn knife on the metal counter. I ran back to grab the knife, and then shoved it into my back pocket.

I kept running in the direction of the door. I hadn’t passed Malcom yet, so I assumed the worst. The door was fifteen feet away now closing in fast. I ran into smacking my arm into the push bar to force it open. It swung open with tremendous momentum. Looking out I saw The same trio I had yesterday and to the side of them, Malcolm, unconsciously bleeding on the ground.

“Well look who it is, our favorite Retard, Dante,” Blake exclaimed

“Not today Blake, I’m not in the mood.”

“Oh, tough guy are we, just because our friend is hurt were superman, coming to save the day.”

“I said I’m not in the mood.”

“I don’t necessarily like your sass-mouth Dante, didn’t your parents ever teach you how to be polite. Oh, wait that’s right, there idiots like you and weren’t smart enough to get out of that house fire.”

Blake was usually an asshole but that was too far.

“MOTHERFUCKER!”

Rage was coursing through my veins. Anger from my parent’s death, anger from Malcolm on the ground, anger from the fact that I was fourteen and was still an orphan, and most of all anger from these horrid two years of beating and mental abuse. This was it; this was my breaking point. I reached for my pocket and felt the rough knife handle and the now warm metal of the blade. I unsheathed it from my pocket.

“This is for everything Blake, you motherfucking asshole.”

The knife grasped firmly in my right hand I charged forward with speed. Blake had no idea that he was about to face god; that he was about to receive rightful judgement. I braced for impact, but the right before I could stab him, someone grabbed me and held me back. I turned around to see Mr. Hato grasping my arm and my chest.

“That’s enough Dante.”

“B-but—”

My eyes began to swim with tears.

“M-mr. Hato why, why did you have to hold me back. He was about to finally pay for all he’s done to me.”

Blake and his gang started to run, as they had now realized I could have killed them.

“T-THEIR GETTING A-AWAY, t-their getting—sniffle—a-away.”

“I know Dante, it’s alright I can take care of them after you collect yourself.”

I broke down and began to sob of the cold asphalt.

“Now Dante did you ever come to a decision.”

“y-y-yes.”

“Yes, you have?”

I was hard to speak trough my tears.

“N-no my decision is—sniffle—y-yes.”

“Very well, wait here please.”

In an instant Mr. Hato was gone, and in the distance, I heard what seemed to be three voices screaming. Mr. Hato was now back.

“wh—”

“You’ll learn soon enough Dante, now then they shouldn’t bother any of your friends when you’re gone. Why don’t we get your friend inside and get you into my car.”

“Uh-Yeah but wait what about the adoption papers.”

“Oh, don’t worry about those, I already had them signed, as I knew you would want to come with me.”

“Oh-ok Mr. Hato”

“From now on call me Hataru.”

“Ok.”

I then fell asleep on the asphalt. My emotions had been drained as well as my energy.