Written: 12/15/20
Published: 12/21/20
About seven years had passed. Ray and Y/n stayed strong through all the 'adoptions' and kept the secret well. The boy kept requesting supplies for their tracker destroying device right under Mama's nose. Y/n wished she could do more. So she requested things from the outside world. Without even realizing it, Y/n had become more quiet than when she was 4. Granted, she still played with her little siblings every now and often. But typically had her hands full with observing Mama's moves and studying the outside world. Other children assumed her drawing away was because she was serious about her studies. But Y/n knew that her and her other fellow eleven-year olds had little time left. They were adopted on their 12th birthday and being 11 really was not relaxing at all. Her and Ray had to begin setting their plan in motion. If not? They would die. It was as simple as that.
Today was another unfortunate day. However, it was also the beginning of everything Y/n and Ray had been striving for. Today was the day that Emma and Norman would discover the secret of Grace Field. Y/n and Ray had it all planned out. Another poor unfortunate child was getting adopted today. The child was a six-year old female named Connie. Y/n and Ray both knew she would be next, observing the grades for her year. Y/n had tried to tutor the young girl, but the younger girl just couldn't seem to grasp the concepts. Of course, this pained Y/n, but she had nothing left she could try.
Connie held onto her stuffed bunny as Mama fed her. The young girl said today she could act young since she was getting adopted. After breakfast, they took their daily tests and Mama announced the four eldest got full scores. It wasn't like Y/n cared. She just needed to make herself look good and stay alive.
As according to the strict schedule, the children got to play the rest of the day. Everyone ran outside and began to plan the game of tag, suggested by Don. Don had grown into a tall, cute eleven-year old. Gilda had grown into a cute, petite girl.
"How about you, Ray? Y/n?" Emma asked the two. Ray was reading a book. Y/n sat beside him, reading the same book.
"I'll pass." Said Ray.
Emma pouted. "Tch. Would it kill you to come play with us once in awhile? How about you, Y/n? Come on! You haven't played with us since two weeks ago!"
The said girl shook her head. Norman who was nominated to be "it", began stretching and said we would start counting at this moment. The sudden announcement encouraged all the kids to start sprinting in several different directions. Of course, Emma had far superior athletic abilities so she was the first out of sight. Norman watched Ray and Y/n read together and he chuckled. He then set off after the clock in his brain rung that he could go search for his siblings.
"Ray. Are you prepared for everything to begin?" Y/n asked.
The black haired boy glanced at her. "Yeah. All our years of planning, finally settling. Are you prepared?" He asked. Y/n cocked her head.
"What are you... I've been ready since I agreed to join you seven years-"
"Not that." Ray interrupted. "You know... Emma and Norman won't be as happy, go-lucky after today. Perhaps you should have played with them."
Y/n hummed. "True. As for playing with them... they'll play another round. Don will get frustrated, as usual, and suggest another round." Y/n confidently predicted.
One sibling was running towards them. This meant they were caught by Norman. The two ceased their talking and continued reading. The numbers of children returning rapidly increased. The waiting children became bored and held a conversation.
"So far I haven't received a single letter..." Gilda said, "I'm sure they've forgotten all about us and are living it up everyday! Ugh! I wanna hurry up and go outside, already! I wanna try on different outfits!" Gilda whined.
"There's a whole lot outside that we don't have in the house..." Nat mentioned.
"I wanna see a train..." A boy named Phil fantasized.
The conversation was interrupted when they heard heavy footsteps in the grass. "What the?! You've all been caught already?!" Don yelled.
"Heheh... this is what happens when Norman is "it"." A random sibling said.
"Well, since Don is here, that means there's one left standing. It's not very surprising it's a one-on-one between Norman and Emma." Anna said.
Soon, Emma was approaching them looking very depressed. She collapsed on the ground. "He got me again..."
"Hey, you avoided capture for..." Y/n checked her requested pocket watch. "Ten minutes. Congratulations, a new record."
Emma whined more. "Why is Norman so good? Norman has never been able to outrun me in a foot race and yet I can never win a game of tag!"
"Well, think. What does he have that you don't?" Y/n assisted.
"Too much to count..." Ray whispered to Y/n. Y/n elbowed her friend.
"It's tactics." Y/n explained. "You're absolutely right that he's no match for you when it comes down to physical abilities. But he always uses his head. Defeating him is never straightforward." Y/n tutored. "Furthermore, tag is a game which allows tactical approach to shine the brightest. How will the target move? How will it attack me? You need to observe and analyze the situation. See through and predict the opponent's next plan... Then use all of this to form an even better plan. Think of it as chess, where you use your body to maximize all movements on the board."
Emma sweat drooped. "Are we still talking about tag?"
"The game he's playing is chess at the very least... you'd probably be wise to remember that." Ray said. Norman laughed as he said that's what made it fun. "See? That's why he's so good at it."
Emma sighed. "And there's Ray and Y/n's tactical brain on top of it all... and Y/n could even beat me in a race..." She huffed.
"I daresay Ray and Y/n have always been more of a strategist than me." Norman said shyly.
"Oi..." Ray said. "You're giving me too much credit..." he mumbled.
"Yeah." Y/n said. "Have you forgotten you've been getting perfect scores ever since we began taking exams?"
Ray, Norman, and Emma continued discussing tactics and complimenting each other. Y/n looked over at the younger children. Y/n sighed. Once again, they talking about how out of their league the four eleven-year olds were from everyone else. Don suddenly yelled at Norman and suggested another game of tag. This time, the roles were reversed. They were about to start until...
"Hold up." Y/n announced. "I'll be playing this round." Last time for fun. Then it's back to thinking and planning for survival. Last time before it's life and death.
Everyone looked at her excitedly. Norman ran while everyone counted. Y/n found Norman and the children were called to the house for what? Well, Connie's farewell of course.
Y/n helped dress Connie for adoption like the mom she is. Emma burst he door open and asked if Connie was prepared. Connie hesitantly nodded and exited with Emma, her bunny in hand.
In the hallway, she froze. "I'll keep giving it my best even after I leave the house. I'll be fine! As long as I have Little Bernie with me. You know, Little Bernie is a unique one. There's only one of him in this world! He's a treasure that Mama and Y/n specially made for me!"
~~flashback~~
Y/n sat in Mama's office, sewing up a stuffed bunny for Connie. The woman checked Y/n's work after she finished and nodded in approval.
"How many hands is this bunny going to pass through?" Y/n asked.
"Not sure." Mama replied.
They called in Connie and Y/n handed it to the tiny girl. The extremely young blond took the plushie and hugged it tight.
"Happy 3rd birthday Connie!" Mama and Y/n synchronized.
~~End of Flashback~~
"I'm not that bright..." Connie continued. "And I'm not so amazing as the rest of you guys... But I want to become a mother just like Mama once I'm all grown up!" Connie excitedly said. "And then I'll never let go of any of my children!" Y/n raised a brow. You won't be like Mama if you keep your children, though. The children around her had tears in their eyes as they hugged Connie tight. The rest of them, excluding Connie, headed downstairs to give the second mama (I'm talking about Y/n) a moment with Connie.
Y/n took a knee and out a hand on the girl's head and rubbed it. "Good luck Connie. Be strong, okay?" Connie hugged the girl tight and cried a bit.
"Can you come with me, Y/n? I'm sure we can convince my adoptive parents to adopt you too! You're the best ever, after all!!" Connie pleaded.
Y/n shook her head. "No, they specifically want you, and just you. You know why?" Connie looked at her in question. "Because you're a special girl who has a bright future ahead of her." Connie smiled. "Oh no- Little Bernie has a hole in him. Here I can sew him quickly before you leave." Y/n lied. Connie reluctantly handed Y/n the doll. "Don't worry, I'll send someone get it to you." Connie smiled and headed downstairs.
After a second or two, Ray came from around the corner. He had a towel around his neck for some reason. The two locked eyes. They both then headed downstairs but to the dining room.
"Let's begin."
Y/n placed the animal on the table and followed Ray to the front door. Y/n hid behind him so Connie wouldn't be reminded of Bernie. Connie left with Mama after everyone said goodbye. Y/n poked Emma's shoulder.
"Let's go finish cleaning the dishes." Y/n said. Emma nodded and followed he other girl into the dining room. Norman, out of curiosity, followed the two. Emma spotted the bunny and yelped.
"Connie, you've gotta be kidding me!" Emma yelled. "After that great speech you got so careless! Now it's too late..."
Y/n inwardly nodded. Good. She saw it. Now for him...
Ray strolled in casually. "I wouldn't say that. Just now, I saw a light turned on at the gate from the bathroom window. Mama went to see Connie off and hasn't returned yet either. There's definitely a possibility that she still hasn't left yet." Ray convinced.
"Let's bring it to her together." Norman chirped. "It'd be best for Connie's sake if we hurry, right?" Emma nodded with a broad smile. The boy turned to Y/n. "Come with us?"
Y/n waved her hand vertically. "Nah. Ray and I were gonna read." Norman let out a small laugh as Emma pulled his arm towards the back door. "I don't want to see it again." Y/n said, knowing full well the two were out of earshot.
The door was locked, leading Norman pulled out a thin wire and picked the lock. He said it was a special circumstance. Y/n watched as the two darted out the door, into the night. She looked sadly at the closed backdoor. Please don't change after what you see, you two. Y/n hoped.
The eleven-year old girl walked upstairs and sat beside Ray. He held a lamp in his lap, book behind it. Y/n became bored, so she began to nod off to sleep. Ray didn't even notice since the book was on mechanics. So he sat there, believing Y/n was taking in the information since she was faster at reading than him.
When a sound of footsteps approaching the house, Ray shot up. Y/n fell on her face, waking her up. She held her head with her hand as she glared at Ray who halfheartedly apologized. The two quietly bolted downstairs to wait by the door. It opened, revealing the albino and carrot top.
They were a mess. Emma tried to cover her face with her hair. The corners of her eyes were red, evidently stained with tears. Her hair was far messier than usual, and that's MESSY. Norman didn't have any tear stained cheeks, but it was visible of how many emotions were swirling inside. Not to mention his clenched fists.
"Welcome back. How was it?" Ray greeted. Y/n felt awful seeing her friends/siblings this way.
"...We didn't make it in time." Norman replied. Him and Emma slowly trudged upstairs and into the bedroom.
"You were right." Y/n mumbled. Ray looked at her. "They were absolutely horrified. I don't think they were ready."
Ray huffed. "I don't think any of us were ready for this." He took Y/n's hand and led her upstairs. For the first time in years, the two slept beside each other. (No, not in that way.)
Thanks for reading!