Weeks passed by and Ava was still isolated from the others. Her sister, Avaelyn visited more often and they spent time talking about a lot of things. Avaelyn missed her sister so much; she believed she had changed.
"I will plead with Mrs Loly on your behalf today" Avaelyn said one day.
Ava couldn't hide her joy. What she wanted was finally going to happen; all she wanted was freedom.
No Avaelyn, you shouldn't. Mrs Loly might get upset and angry with you, Ava said, feigning concern.
No, she won't! Avaelyn assured Ava. I will let her know that you have turned a new leaf.
I don't think it is necessary though, Ava said again. I am fine being here and I would not want anyone, especially Mrs Loly to get upset with you just because of me, Ava added.
It is okay Ava, let us just give it a trial, Avaelyn said as they continued on their earlier topic.
Later that day, Avaelyn strode to Mrs Loly's office, she was prepared to plead for her sister's release; she wanted to see Ava.
Mrs Loly was writing down somethings and making stamps on them. It was a call for support to the orphanage. Avaelyn did not know if it was the right time to talk about the issue or not.
Do you need help with anything Mrs Loly? Avaelyn asked humbly.
No dear, I will done with this very soon, Mrs Loly said with a broad smile on her face. Her eyes were tired and her face suffered from wrinkles. Avaelyn was just noticing this for the first time. She always knew Mrs Loly as a vibrant, strong woman; but now, she pitied her.
I will come back when you are done then..., Ava said as she turned to leave but before getting to the door, Mrs Loly called her back; I am done, she said flashing a smile at Avaelyn. What's wrong? She asked.
It is nothing to worry about Mrs Loly, Avaelyn replied, concerned about the present state of Mrs Loly; she didn't want to add to her worries.
You can talk to me, Mrs Loly said reassuringly.
Okay ma'am, I am concerned about Ava, Mrs Loly, Avaelyn stated.
I am certain that she has turned a new leaf; I have been with her for days and we have spoken to her most of the time. She is definitely a changed person, Avaelyn said.
Avaelyn, Mrs Loly said; you are still a very innocent child. What you think Ava is, she may not be. Ava is a pretender and manipulator and you and I know that. You have seen what she have done and you equally know what she can do. Learn to live at peace with everyone, but don't just trust blindly. You might mean well for your sister, but all she wants is to bring harm to you and make life more difficult for you, so my dear, allow Ava to serve her penalty. I am sure she is the one that sent you to plead on her behalf, Mrs Loly said with a voice of certainty.
No, Mrs Loly, she didn't, Avaelyn replied in a soft gentle voice. Mrs Loly was making sense to her but she was more interested in making sure Mrs Loly forgives Ava and release her from isolation.
So what do you want now? Mrs Loly asked after a deep breath.
I want to plead that she be released from isolation and allowed to walk around freely like every other kid here.
You know I can't do that, Mrs Loly said.
Yes, you can, Avaelyn said. You are the head here and you can do what you want, and whenever.
She has hurt the other kids as well, Mrs Loly said but Avaelyn kept pleading with her amidst tears.
Okay, I will see to it, Mrs Loly promised.
She was not sure if she was making the mistake of letting Ava free but she wanted Avaelyn to be happy. If releasing Ava would make Avaelyn happy,then she, Mrs Loly was going to release Ava.
That evening, Mrs Loly walked down to the room along side Avaelyn; the multiple keys in her hand jingled as she walked. She got to the door and opened it.
Ava was surprised, her sister had managed to pull it off; she ran to Avaelyn as she hugged her. It was like a new dawn. The air outside the dark room was different,it smelt like freedom; she glanced around as the rats of light pierced through her eyes. She felt different, she stretched her body, twisting it from the left to the right.
Thank you Mrs Loly, Ava finally said, I promise to live a different life now, she promised. Avaelyn smiled, she felt excited. She hugged her sister again. I am glad you are out now, Avaelyn said beaming with smiles; she could not contain it. Alas! Her sister had been found back, Ava was now soft spoken, kind, gentle and considerate. She was different.
Thank you Avaelyn, Ava returned. I am sorry again, for how I have treated you for the past few years; I just realized I have done the worst things a human can do to her own blood, Ava said pretending to be sober; and I am really sorry, she begged as she made to kneel down. No,no,no, Ava! You don't have to do that. You were probably ignorant,it is fine,I forgave you a long time ago. I caused the accident, I gave you a permanent and ugly bruise so you have every right to be upset and angry, Avaelyn said holding Ava's hands in hers. The two girls held each other as Mrs Loly watched in silence. Later, they went to join the other kids. They played games and engaged in competitions.
Deep within Ava, she knew she was pretending. She had never felt remorseful; all she wanted was to be released from that room. She wanted freedom and she had gotten it. I will always get what I want, she muttered beneath her breath.
Mrs Emily had often visited the orphanage; she was the only neighbour that had kept in touch with the twin sisters. Whenever she visited, she came along with some clothes, fresh foods and fruits. Avaelyn loved fresh fruits so she was always grateful for the fruits but Ava would always grumble and mummur whenever Mrs Emily arrived. It had been awhile Mrs Emily visited and Avaelyn didn't know what had become of her. She had asked Mrs Loly but she didn't know either. It was later they got to know that Mrs Emily had died of a skin cancer she had been battling with all her life. It was this skin cancer that made her husband leave her at the early stage of their marriage.
When the girls heard the news, Avaelyn was bitter and sad Mrs Emily had taken good care of them even though she was not a relative of theirs. She was down casted for few days as she mourned Mrs Emily's passing. Now she understood why Mrs Emily could not take them in as her own, she knew that she didn't have much time left anymore. Mrs Emily was a good woman but she was alone with nobody in this world. Life is really harsh, Avaelyn had said, and everyone must get a taste of it's harshness. Ava on the other hand, pretended to be sad, she too would miss Mrs Emily's care and foods but that was all. She never really shared any emotional connection with the woman. Mrs Emily was dead but life goes on. The girls now had the orphanage as their permanent home, no one checked in on them, not even their parents family. They were not even sure if their relatives knew they ever existed. Their parents had lived a life isolated from every other person and it was a happy one blessed with their kids. The girls learnt to live with whatever life throws at them and yes! they were growing fast, they were learning fast as well. They were more smarter than their mates at the orphanage and this was what had helped them win the favour of Mrs Loly. She loved and cherished them.
Ava seemed like a new person after she was released from the dark room; she associated with everyone and smiled often now. Though some still avoided her because of the burn, she did not care. She just made sure everyone believed in her again. She assisted with almost every thing at the orphanage and volunteered to do some works. She soon got closer to the gate keeper again. In truth, the elderly man had missed her presence but whenever the last incident replayed in his memory,he found Ava despicable again. He never believed that someone could harbour such thought in mind for so long and decide to carry it out when she had won everyone's favour. This time around,he was careful around her. She visited his post often and helped him with some of the gardening works as well. She was slowly and gradually winning his favour again.