The Kiss that Sparked it All

Ellinor paused before asking Baber, “You wanna leave this place?”

Baber looked a little nervy but he nodded anyway.

“And where do you want to go?” Ellinor asked again.

Baber tried his best to express himself, “The orphanage.”

Orphanage?

Damn, the kid even wanted to go back to the orphanage. Life at the Howard’s must really suck.

Ellinor gently ruffled his hair, trying to comfort him and build trust. T’d love to give you a hand, but you’ve gotta understand, I’m just a guest here, and Patricia is your legal guardian. Unless we can find some dirt on her and strip her of her custody, I can’t help you leave this place.”

Baber was all ears, but his understanding was limited, and he still looked at her with a puzzled expression.

might have been

Wait for the right moment, and I’ll help you make a run for it,

gradually lost their guarded look, and he obediently nodded.

to show resistance when things get tough. It’ll just make the bad guys meaner.

he

her neck and

as you’re wearing it, it’ll protect you. No one can

much got it. He treasured the necklace around

matter how scared you are, remember not to cry. Smile and call her mom. That way, she won’t hurt you” Ellinor encouraged him.

soon meet the ‘mom’ who scared him,

scared, but don’t forget, you’ve got this

looked at Ellinor, his eyes filled with determination, “Yeah! I’m not