sis amore :)

A Sister’s Love.


Elizabeth,

If time slips away without a word from me,
You don’t have to worry about our friendship,
Because feelings beyond words will always
Keep me around you.

Andrianna


I smiled and folded the piece of paper. Again, a note from my new found sister, full of words of encouragement and love that I have never ever experienced before. A note which helps me get through the stages of life, even with the life I now lived in.
I was born in an orphanage, in the slums of the great city. Being a child out of wedlock, I didn’t know who my parents were. And the fact that I’m a child of an immigrant stirs great curiosity and sympathy from my caretakers. I had a dark complexion, with big eyes and jet black hair. I was named after my caretaker at that time, Elizabeth. But she often said,it was after Queen Elizabeth, the Queen of England.
Since I was a baby, I was disliked by the other orphans. Nicknames were called after me. I was lonely. I lived in misery. We were provided board and shelter, the basic necessities. We lived in dormitories. Big and ugly, I used to describe it. The mattresses were hard. The meals awful.
A time passes by, one by one of us were adopted by people. As usual, the routine never varied. When a prospective visitor will be dropping by, we were tidied up and dressed in our best frock. One by one, we were checked, questioned and examined for. It was exciting and an occasion worth looking forward to. One by one, my friends were picked and brought home. I envied them. Oh, how I wished I was picked too!
One stormy, rainy night, I was roughly woken up by Mrs. Jenny. “Hurry up!”, she hissed. “Pack your belongings and meet me downstairs. Someone is here for you”. She trumped down. How my heart leapt with joy! At last, I’m going to have a proper home and care I longed for.
As fast as lightning, I packed ay few possessions in a battered suitcase. For the last time, I tiptoed across the landing, whispering goodbyes, and plunged down the stairs. Mrs. Jenny was waiting with an anxious looking woman. Kind and softhearted, my instincts suggested. She smiled, and I nervously shook her hand.
“Elizabeth, this is Mrs. Readings. She would take you back home. Be good to her”, Mrs. Jenny instructed.
Meekly I nodded. As I shyly took her hand, I felt happy. I was on cloud nine. I was really on a journey back to a real home for the first time. A real home. The coach driver helped me with my suitcase. As it rumbled out, I cast a last glance to the place I finally left for good.
The journey was long and tiring. I slept half the way. When dawn break on me, I was stunned with the scenery. No more streets crowded with people. Lush orchards were on display. The countryside was truly enchanting.
The carriage drew nearing to a big, old gate. It swung open effortlessly, revealing a mansion, with numerous rooms on both the east and west wings. Fountains, ponds and gardens adorn the front lawn and gave it a cool atmosphere. I was gaping in surprise and awe. It was like a palace.
As we drove into the lawn, I saw a group of people waving from in front the big, oak doors. What a big family I would have! I was over delighted to see a girl around my age there. It was a thrilling and exciting feeling. The driver pulled to a stop. I was afraid to step down. My clothes were shabby. Theirs were prim and proper. Gently, Mrs. Readings coaxed me to come down.
“Elizabeth, come. The others are waiting for you. Please do”.
Slowly, I tiptoed down. Remembering my manners, I curtsied and shook hands with all of them. It turned out to be that Mrs. Readings was just their nanny. How well dressed and demure they all looked! There was a teenage boy, a girl about my age and a pair of twins. I was introduced to my foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hastings.
Life began splendidly then. As soon as my arrival, I was given a room all by myself. Luckily, my new family had thoughtfully beforehand installed a connecting door to their daughter’s room so that I can see her freely. The family was nice people. I was introduced to the siblings, the eldest son William, then Andrianna, and the twins, John and James. I was truly welcomed in this family. Tailors were called to make new frocks and dresses. I was sent to school.
In school, I quickly gained friends. I was a hardworking and bright pupil. My marks improved greatly. I was announced the best in class for the term. I was bright. Andrianna was always just behind me. It was a tough competition. Sometimes, we were tied for the top place. I didn’t mind a bit.
My friendship, or sisterhood with Andrianna blossomed. Days were spent happily together. Mom and dad were delighted. Even so, I noticed, Andrianna seems so frail. One day, I caught her in the kitchen taking medication. When I asked, she just shook her head and didn’t stress on it further. “ It’s just a common cold, Elizabeth.”
As time passes by, I felt not only welcomed but well loved in my family. But I sure noticed, Andrianna’s health was deteriorating. On one sunny day, as we were running across the golden, ripe fields of corn, she fainted. I was terrified. Luckily William was nearby. Arriving home, we rushed her to the hospital.
Upon arrival, she was rushed into the emergency room. “ God, help save her.” Minutes ticked by, for what seemed like hours. Later, after examination by the doctor, she was diagnosed with cancer. At that time, tears flow freely. I felt as if my whole world had turned pitch black, tumbling into an endless void. My family and I took turns to stay with her. She had lapsed into a coma.
Two weeks later, she opened her eyes. All of us were there. Tears of happiness welled in our eyes. Although unable to walk, she tried to be strong. She opted for a positive attitude. Although in pain, she braced herself to be brave and happy. She endured the frequent doses of medication that sometimes made her weak, unable to do anything. I knew she suffered a great deal. At nights, she often cried. I was always her to hold her close.
Gradually, she became better. Even with numerous treatments of chemotherapy that made her bald, she was cheerful. She was strong willed to live. One day, she seeked permission to walk with me at the beach. I brought her, hand in hand. Dusk was approaching fast. Water lapped at the shore.
“Elizabeth, do you still have all the notes I’ve given you every single day?”, she asked.
“Yes Andrianna. Every single one. How could I waste priceless things that I share with you,” I smiled in return.
As we walked silently, we reminisced on our memories. How we lead our lives. What I had before was a stark contrast from her sweet childhood memories. In the evening lights, I learned to appreciate what life meant to me. A whole,new meaning.
“Andrianna, promise, come rain or shine, I will always be with you. I hope the future years will be spent together. I love you and our family, and I’m thankful to God for the opportunity to have a place in your home and hearts”.
She smiled and hugged me tight.
“Going home, sis?” she said.
We turned away and laughed.

PS: it was the last essay I’ve written in STF.

Amalina Mohsin,
VALOURian 0408.












copy from somewhere :)
rajen nk bace?
WAJEB BACE :P