𝐖𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞

-C. S Lewis

"Norman, tomorrow afternoon you escape by yourself." Ray said, straight to the point.

They were in the infirmary, where Emma was taken. "We won't let you die." Emma said with determination.

"Sorry, I can't do that." Norman said nervously. Both of them gave him a look and replied. "Denied."

"To be more precise, tomorrow afternoon, make it seem like you have escaped by yourself." Ray explained. "Disable the tracking device and pretend to have escaped. Then hide in an area until Emma's leg is healed."

"And on the day we escape, you'll come with us." Emma added.

"But even if it may be not true. Once I escape, the security will get tighter." Norman interjected.

"That won't be a problem." Ray said. "Based on the house's caretaking policies, the security won't increase much."

"Caretaking policies?" Emma turned to Ray.

"One, let us grow freely and comfortably. Two, strict confidentiality. The first point is best for developing our brains. A healthy child who grew rich with emotions. That's the minimum obligation for the person in charge of the house." He explained.

"So that means point two is.."

"The demons won't show themselves to us. If they rule us with fear, our brains won't develop as they wanted." He said. "If they do change the security, they would increase the number of guards or caretakers. That's something we can deal will. No, we will."

"Even so, they might increase the height of the wall or something. How will you climb then?" Norman asked, really pushing the fact that he won't escape with them.

"You can make a ladder while you hide."

"What if they change the tracking devices to a more complex one?"

"If they implant new ones, then we'll know where it would be. So we can just take them out!"

"We can handle it. You get it, right? You don't have to die. I'll supply your food and we'll keep you hidden no matter what. We can handle any security they will add."

The two bickered back and forth. Ray was starting to get irritated with Norman.

"I still have the trump card to outwit Mom! So live! Pretend to run away and with this method-"

"No, can't do it. It's not just about the security." Norman looked down. "If I run, you and Emma might be my replacement and ship you out instead. And you guys get killed instead of me? No, I won't let that happen. They can have my life. But I have no intention of giving them anything else."

"And she'll get shipped out as well." Norman smiled sadly. Ray stopped speaking and froze on his seat. Emma looked at the both of them, wondering what's going on.

"I'm not going to be shipped out. My leg isn't healed yet." Emma said, completely unknown to the situation they're talking about.

"Don't you think it's time to tell Emma?" Norman asked with a smile. The poor girl was confused and looked back and forth of the two of them.

Ray contemplated, but gave in. "Look, Emma.." And so he explained. Everything he told to Norman. About the girl Mom had kept a secret. Emma listened intently and was surprised as well. From the point where he met her to the time where Don told them there was a bed in the secret room. Basically linking everything.

"So you're telling me, we have another sibling we didn't know about?" Emma asked, confused and surprised. She looked down, he could see the sadness in her eyes.

"She's been all alone with no one to talk to.." Emma realized. "Never had a chance to play with us. She must have been so lonely.."

"That's why I will destroy what Mom's plotting and make sure you all escape, all of you." Norman smiled. "Both of you, thank you. You should have come up with a plan after I am gone."

"Don't be ridiculous. Then what was my six years of life for?!" Ray yelled, frustrated.

"I'm really sorry."

"Damn it!" Ray exclaimed. Silence, everyone didn't talk after that. After a few moments, Emma raised her hand. "Then Ray, you should break your leg too." Emma smiled. "It's okay right? Yeah, let's break a bone!"

"Emma, what are you.."

"You know since I am hurt. I don't think I'll be shipped in your place, Norman. Remember what the demon said at the gate said? We are high-grade merchandise. We are also special." Emma explained, with her hand motioning while explaining. "When we go we have to be in perfect form. So if they need a replacement, it'd be Ray. So if Ray was hurt so badly too, he wouldn't be shipped out immediately."

Ray started to get what she was suggesting. She was right. "That's a great idea!" Ray started laughing. "Alright, let's get cracking."

"But wouldn't my arm be enough?" Ray showed his arm.

"Oh yeah, then let's break your arm!" Emma laughed along with Ray.

Now, Norman was worried for his friends. "No, wait! It's not guaranteed that you won't get shipped out even if you get hurt."
Norman tried to stop them.

Emma turned to Norman, smiling. "Then catch a terrible cold. The demons won't have to eat me if I'm super sick right?"

"Breaking your arm will be super exhausting and painful, but you'll be fine right?" Emma turned to Ray with a smile.
Ray only nodded and grinned.

"We just have to use string-cup telephones and discuss our plans."

"That's a good idea. We won't have to worry about Mom hearing us" Ray agreed.

"But.. It doesn't change the fact that she'll get shipped out." Norman sighed.

Ray turned to him. "Don't worry, I'll figure something out." He said assuring him. "It's okay, Norman. I won't let you or her die." Emma smiled. "Even though we haven't really met her, she's still a sibling. You, you are our sibling. No one will die among us. We'll make sure of that."

"Let's keep living together, okay Norman?" Emma said, a tear slipping off her cheek.

"Yeah." He agreed, his voice cracking at the end. Norman placed his hands on his face and broke down to a cry. Emma comforted him by rubbing his back. Ray smiled in victory, hugging the two of them.

Everything will surely go right.

"I have some excellent news, everyone!" Isabella stood behind Norman, her hands on his shoulders. "A family has now chosen Norman, he will be leaving shortly tomorrow night."

Some of the children staryed to cry. Norman only smiled and bent down. The one who was sobbing hard was Sherry, as she was close to her favorite big brother. Stating that she doesn't want him to leave and she'll miss him. Norman smiled at the crying child and hugged her.

Ray stood there, looking at him. Tomorrow was definitely the day he will escape. Everything will go smoothly. He hoped that it will go as it is because it was the last option on his mind. And for a while, Norman could inspect the wall with no worries.

It was exactly nine in the evening. The trio planned about how to get in Mom's office. "Are we telling Don and Gilda?" Norman asked the boy before him. "Yes, they deserve to know. They're not stupid."

"In any case, we should do this at morning. When Mom's in the kitchen preparing breakfast. It's Nat and Anna's duty today so we'll be alright." Ray explained. They were going to go in and talk to the girl.

Emma nodded and so did Norman. "Norman could take her with him." Emma suggested.

Ray shook his head. "We aren't even sure if she'll listen to us, we must take things slowly. Mom hasn't exactly told me when her shipping date is."

"It could be around January, Ray." Norman said. "She might be your replacement."

"We don't know if she'll be shipped out with me too." Norman added on. He was right, all they can do is guess when. But first they need to convince her to escape with them.

"And remember, she'll never join your side."

It rang through his head. Did she mean that she had control over her? That must be it. Considering that she got the ropes from Norman and said that her prize was going to be given. It was just like his relationship with his Mother. Except, she has no idea at all.

"Ray.." Emma started. "Do you know her name?" She asked, turning to Ray.

"(Y/N). Her name is (Y/N)." He said. It felt oddly satisfying saying her name. "What does she look like?" Emma asked completely curious.

"Well for starters, she is a (H/C)-haired person. Her eyes are somewhat a (dark/light) shade of (E/C). Her stature a bit short just like you." Ray explained her features. It felt weird describing her. He could say she was pretty. A porcelain-doll like face. Not a single scratch on her. "She had her hair always tucked in braids, too."

Emma listened to him in astonishment. "I can't wait to meet her!"

Norman had been the one who explained to Gilda about 'her'. They wanted to keep it confidential from the other children. As they might fuss about it and reach to Mom. Ray had talked to Don about it. Both of them were quite surprised for the fact that there is a young girl inside the house living with them.

"So that's what the sounds were coming from.." Gilda trailed off. "Why is Mom hiding her though?"

"We don't know that yet and we plan to find the answers tomorrow." Norman said.

"But isn't it your shipment tomorrow?" Gilda said worriedly. "It's alright, I already have a plan about that."

"I hope everything goes well.."

"Mhm.."

Ray woke up from his nightmare. The same old dream that horrified him as a child. He has gotten used to it, but he was still scared.

They met outside and saw Mom on her way to the dining hall. "Ready to go?" Ray asked.

Emma nodded. "Let's go!"

As they approached the room, they were cautious in making any noise. Emma opened the door revealing their Mom's office. Don told them all about where the door was. So, Norman slid the bookshelf to the left.

There they saw a wooden door. Which was locked. Ray had given himself a facepalm as he looked at Norman. "Pick the lock." He said.

Norman picked the lock with a pin. A click was heard and the doorknob was finally unlocked. Ray breathed in and out before opening the door.

Instead of seeing anyone inside the small room. They were greeted with silence. The three inspected the room. Ray found a small face mirror and a vanity. Emma had found dusted toys in a box under the bed. There were books by the bed. It was indeed a small room, fit for one person. "Nobody is in here." Emma said, slightly disappointed.

Norman held the paint by the table. "But there is definitely someone staying here."

"I wonder where she could be." Emma wondered. Ray placed the mirror back on the table. The three of them abandoned the room and closed it shut.
Hearing the bell, breakfast must have been served.

"Emma! Mama is calling for everybody." Phil cutely rang the bell as he ran to the three of them.

As they got into dining hall, everyone was muttering and talking. Ray was confused by the fact that Mom wasn't on her chair. He sat on his chair and waited. Nat and Anna has served the food while he thanked them for that. Breakfast today were soup and bread.

Everyone waited for Mom to show up. They couldn't start eating without her.

Footsteps were heard and everyone turned to who it was. Everyone had gasped by the sight in front of them.

"Everyone, meet (Y/N)." Isabella smiled as she placed her hands on her shoulders.

"Wah! She's pretty."

"She looks like a doll."

"I wanna go up to her!"

"Do you think she climbs trees?"

She was indeed a doll. She wasn't dressed in her usual Grace field uniform. Instead, she wore a white dress that reached her knees. Her braided hair now in a bun. He stared at her in shock and astonishment.

He hadn't expect Mom to show her out of the blue. He was just as confused as Emma. "Hello, my name is (Y/N). Pleasure to meet you all." She softly said, smiling after her introduction.

That smile, it was a pure smile. Hinted with some act in it. Ray thought she looked very beautiful in the dress. But what wondered him the most was that why she was here. Right in front of them, revealing herself.

"She will be staying with us for a while." Isabella said while the little children started to swarm around (Y/N). She looked overwhelmed. She bent down and had a small smile on her face.

"Ray." Emma whisper-yelled at him. "What's going on? Is that her?"

Ray sure did not know what was going on. He thought Mom would never let them know about her. This was all confusing. "Yes, that's her." Norman looked at the situation seriously. Both of them looked at the girl who was making way to an empty chair.

"I thought she won't ever come out?" Emma asked. She was told that Mom was hiding her for 'some' reason. And to Ray, he wasn't sure what the reason was.

"She looks like a nice person." Emma said while looking at the girl.

He was starting to get suspicious. There was no way she would show herself just like that. Mom wouldn't allow her too. But Mom had shown her and revealed her identity without even explaining. Staying for a while means her shipment date was soon. Isabella had told them about that a few days ago.

It made no sense. Why show her now when she was going to get shipped anyway? There was something behind her smile, it wasn't the same one from that night they met. It was really odd.

"Something is off." He spoke, making Norman nod in agreement.

From the other table, he could hear their conversations. "I'm Phil! I'm four years old. You're so pretty!" The little boy giggled as he praised the girl beside him.

"Thank you, Phil." She smiled. A smile that was on Ray's mind for a while.

"Did you come from outside?" Alicia asked her. (Y/N) seemed to hesitate before answering. "Yes, I did." Ray saw through her lies, by the way she hesitated to the way she looked away. And, he knew that she didn't came from the outside.

"What is it like outside?" Alicia added on. The little girl was curious about everything. "It's.. nice, I guess?" She replied.

"Stop the questions and eat." Gilda, in her usual strict style sat there glaring at the kids. "Yes, Ma'am!" They funnily started eating. (Y/N) smiled and thanked for the food. Ray didn't notice that half of his food were gone now. "Thoma!" Ray smacked the kid lightly resulting Lannion to laugh.

"What do we do now?" Emma asked, sitting by the tree. With the help of Norman, she sat there comfortably.

"Mom sure is plotting something. She wouldn't give her away like that to us." Ray said. "But then we can talk to her with no worries now."

Ray gave Norman a look. "No, you won't. You'll be in the forest preparing, I'll talk to her."

Emma attentively turned her head to Ray's back. (Y/N) was walking towards them. She was now in an all-white uniform, her usual smile plastered on her innocent face. "Hello." Ray turned around to see the girl he had once met this close. "You're Ray, Norman and Emma. Am I right?" She asked while looking back and forth.

"Yes! It's nice to meet you-ow." Emma winced as she forgot that she had an injury on her leg.

"Oh no, don't bother yourself." She bent down and shaked her hand. "What happened to your leg?" She acted so polite that she could fool anyone with her act. He knew something wasn't right.

"Just tripped." Emma came up with an excuse. (Y/N) nodded and stood up. She faced Norman who smiled. "Nice to meet you, (Y/N)."

Ray had notice the number on her neck which was (__)194. Her hair was still styled in a bun, so it was easy to look over her neck.

"Hello, Ray." He jolted in surprise when she called his name. "Pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand and he gladly took it. "Same to you."

Norman and Ray nodded and faced the girl before them. She looked confused as Ray stepped closer. "What are you planning?" He directly asked.

"Oh, so you've figured it out." She mumbled.

"Tell." Ray stepped forward that made her stumble a little bit. "Us." She looked back up to him. "Now."

She smiled, a smile that could make them doubt about her real intentions.
"What are you talking about?" Despite her innocent facade she's showing, he wasn't stupid to not see through her.

"Stop playing dumb." He said. Ray knew something wasn't right, it was too good to be true seeing her converse with them with no worries. Out in the sunshine and not hiding.

"Me? Well my task is simple." She paced to the tree and stopped. "I'm not letting any of you escape."

"Especially you, Norman."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

A/N: Dang, her entrance wasn't what I expected. (Bruh, you're the author-)

I changed le numbers, bcs lol i was dumb. It's now (__)194, in the blank space you will decide what numbers to put.

What are her true intentions? Find out on the next chapter! 📃