"The sting, it's only 50 pesos! How about yours?"
I opened the wallet I got and gave a hundred. I smiled and bragged about it.
"So unfair! you always get the higher amount”he said
'the plague of society', We are known for that name but in reality we are just two of the few young people in the world.
No home and no proper clothing. There is no hope and always in hunger. No one likes a life like this but we have learned to accept our bitter fate. I was ten years old and he was only eight years old. At an early age we were trained in stealing.
"Look Carl! the students are coming out ”said Celene
"We have to gain today"
I started walking but I didn't feel like she was following so I returned to him.
"What are you waiting? "
"Is it fun to study in a school?"he suddenly responded as he still looked into the eyes of the students going out.
"Of course not! For sure they are having headaches every time they're in school”
"If I get the chance to study I assure you I'll do my best to finish it and have a degree"
"What? You want to study? "I asked
"To have lots of money"
"In your dreams"
I saw her sadness as I said it. I couldn't recover it so I approached her and held her hand.
"We can save money for you to study"
Her facial expression changed quickly. She smiled and hugged me.
"... and when we get rich I'll buy everything you want ” she added.
"Why do you want to get rich? "
"Why? For us to have a good life a better life.. what about you? What do you want?"
"I just want a simple life... as long as the whole family is can eat three times a day "
"Is that so? meaning when I'm rich... you won't marry me? "
I was shocked at what she said. I blushed and stooped, she just laughed at my side.
"What are you saying, that's nonsense "I said and left.
My parents died in a fire accident so I drove down the street until I met Celene. She says she doesn't remember much about her parents. I tried to help her but to this day we have no news. She cried and was very upset but because of her I had a companion. We often get into an argument with others, often clash with territory and often wrestle with police. I taught her how to be brave as well.
One day we're in a quarrel again. I even challenged one of the street children. I was swallowed to see that he was not alone and they were many. I immediately pulled Celene and ran.
"Come on! You're so slow, run faster ”I complained to her.
"Just a moment! "
"Faster! They're near already they can easily chase us in that case. "
"Carl!! "
I stopped when she called my name. I looked at her and saw who was holding her arms. A cop,
"Finally! I caught you! you stole in the market one day" the police said.
"No... I don't! "
I couldn't run and leave Celene so I didn't realize I was being held by another cop.
"It's been a while, You're late now "said a policeman laughing.
We got into the police car and drove it.
"Why don't you run? "Celene whispered to me
"Well simple, I just want to know where they'll take you."
"Hey! when I was running I was bump into a police! I'm not slow "she replied
"Don't worry you're too young to be in jail" said the police driving the vehicle while looking in front of the mirror.
We stopped to an orphanage. I know this place, we treat it as a jail for street children because they say we can't act freely here.
"Carl! There's a lot of kids, I wonder if they're also studying here"
"Of course, we teach a lot in this place" a woman's response.
The police left us there. As I wondered how Celene could escape, she was thrilled to see around. People are kind to her and they are doing well but I am afraid.
"Let's stay here"
"Celene no, we have to escape"
"It's up to you, but I'll stay here"
"What?! you will not come with me? "
Shaking her head and turn away from me. I sighed.
"We will be separated here too"
"We will not be separated if you won't leave" she said.
"It's an orphanage Celene, when someone likes you and ...they will adopt you "
"Simple, I will suggest to include you as well"
"That will never happen, they'll just take what they want and no one will choose me because I'm old already "
This is what I fear for us to be apart of but it seems like I'm preventing Celene from having a family, to have parents who can take and care of her.
I was sad when thinking about it and because I didn't want us to be apart I stayed. Until that day someone choose her.
"Carl, I'm scared"
"That's all right, you can fulfill all your dreams in your new family so be kind! "
"Carl, you promise... promise that we will meet again, that you will find me ”
"Promise, Celene I will"
I met who adopted Celene. Basing on their clothes they are just simple. They are married and I am sure they are good people and a good parents to Celene.
"May I know what's your surname? "I asked
"San Diego, why did you ask? "
"I hope you will take good care of Celene"
That's what I told them before I ran away. Celene couldn't help but cry as she slowly did... away from me.
"Carl, come here"
"Why? "I wondered why Sister Kris called me.
"Mr. Lim, this is Carl ”
"I want to adopt him as soon as possible"
At first I didn't understand but I was surprised when sister Kris explain to me that he wanted to adopt me. It's rare to take such things as I usually get here at age eight and down. During my stay here I was twelve years old and still hoping that Celene might visit me.
I was not happy in those times because I knew when I left I would never see her again.
Those who adopted me were rich. They have no children and they need one to make their relationship stronger. At first I didn't understand why they chose me but eventually I found out why.
I studied abroad. They taught many things. Dressed in fancy clothes and gave whatever I want. Only in the eyes of my parents did not fall short because I could not be with them often. As the remarks about the rich in the super-sized house they hardly ever meet.
"Look Celene... isn't it your dream being rich? Your dream is a bit sad"I'm talking in the air
Every day she's the only person I think. Does her condition good? Is she educated as I am? I got the things she dreamed of, she should be here in my position, she would have been more deserving of this life and if she had been here she would have been very happy at this time.
The life I dreamed of was just simple. Up to this point am I still higher that her? Like a fifty and a hundred, our two lives are very far apart.
I promised myself that I would fulfill her dreams for the time we met she would be proud of me and I would be proud of her too.
"I'm so proud of you son, you really did a great job"
"Thanks, Mom... thanks Dad "
This is the reason why they want to adopt a child. They wanted me to finish school early and learn everything so I didn't disappoint them. They made me a part of the company and eventually I became the owner. All my hard work was fruitful and it was all for her.
"Look Celene, I studied well... maybe you're rich now "I smiled as I said that in the air.
Sometimes I went back to the orphanage and often donate. I remember myself when I saw a street children and remembered the memories when I was with Celene, I wonder what she looks like now.
Celen San Diego, that's all I know about her. I don't know where they lived then and I got other information in the documents at the orphanage about her parents too.
Finding me was not easy. In fact I was able to build a large house that I could live in and intend to gift to Celene by the time we meet again. One day I received another information where I can find her residence.
"You mean Mr. and Mrs. Diela San Diego? that couple often fought back then so they separated ”an old woman said.
"What?! What about their daughter... do you know where she is? "
"Their adopted? I have no news... maybe she went with Diela and moved to their province ”
Upon hearing that I was not discouraged. I continued my search.
Until I finally saw her.... with someone.
That day, I didn't approach her because I can see in her eyes that she's now happy.
