Lux

Kids. What comes to mind when you think about kids? Immature? Incapable? Honestly, me too. Kids are actually super dumb. Imagine being surrounded 24/7. Just kids everywhere. Like you’re bathing in their sweaty socks and dirty tissues. Well, I’m surrounded.

I live in a large international orphanage in Northern Italy, that takes in kids from all over the world. This may only be my first year as a senior, but there are some shockingly immature teenagers here. Except for my friends. Italy’s Orphanage Lux, is the name of my home. I can assure you it looks a lot more inviting on the website than in real life. Cracked walls and ceilings, with peeling paint that’s stained yellow. The long dark hallways that always give you that haunting feeling that there might be someone behind you. And there’s the kitchen, that smells like mould and provides us with sloppy porridge and burnt yet cold toast with bitter jam every morning. That provides us with seedy bread on either side of gritty ham, soggy lettuce and eggy mayonnaise every midday. That provides us with chewy meat and soggy flavourless veggies, or perhaps some dry penne pasta with a brown watery sauce every evening. The funny thing is, the foods the best part. The bedrooms with creaky floorboards that make it impossible to leave your bed at night without being caught. I share a dorm room with my girls, and next door to us is the boys room. We make a cute little group of seven.

My name is Slina Deliach (but I never go by that name, everyone just calls me Silke) I’m 15 years old. I’m originally from Australia but was sent here by my father after my mother died during childbirth. I’ve seen a few pictures of my parents, I can see myself in them. Maybe it’s the wavy dirty blonde hair that I seem to get from my mum. Or my dads grey eyes. I think the main reason I’ve never been adopted is my shitty attitude. They tell you to smile and be kind and loveable when people are looking to adopt but I never did. I guess a part of me wanted to stay with my friends. I’ve never liked change, I mean, why would I when I’ve slept in the same gross bed every night with the same boring routine every day. I’m understand it sounds like crap, but not when you have friends like mine.

Maggie Holland, shes also 15. We all call her Mimi, because she’s just so damn cute. She came here from Germany. Although the thing about Lux is that the primary language taught is English, maybe because it’s universal? However we all take Italian lessons as well, seeing as we, you know, live in Italy. I’m not sure why Mimi was sent here, and I’m not sure she knows either. Mimi’s gorgeous, she has long, fluffy, strawberry blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She’s tall and has a strong build, and a small structured face. Ask anyone, they will tell you how gorgeous she is.

Evelyn Bonnet, we call her Eve. She was taken from her mothers arms at birth because apparently her parents were super intense drug dealers. She’s from Canada, which gives her a thick accent. Eve has collarbone length brunette hair and big brown eyes that crinkle when she smiles. She’s taller than most, nearly six foot. And her height adds to her intimidating personality. Me and Eve are both equally stubborn which can cause some problems here and there but when we agree on something, we’re unstoppable.

Maritza Felix, the one person who no matter what will always make me laugh just by being herself. Her nickname is May. I can assure you, that May is the kindest most beautiful person you’ll ever meet. She cares about everyone and loves her friends more than life itself. She’s got beautiful shiny dark hair and stunning olive skin. She came here from Malaysia because her parents just didn’t want her. Which I don’t understand, because May would literally have us arguing over who loves her the most.

Senon Newman, we call him Zen. He’s great. He’s too kind for his own good, a little bit of a pushover, bless him. He’s here from England because his parents unfortunately died in a car accident when he was barely 1. He’s got red hair, and some freckles, but he’s attractive enough. He’s got plump lips and gets easily embarrassed. Zen and I are really close, and we tell each other everything. See, the thing about Zen is that he’s been in love with May for years. We all sort of know, but he confirmed it with me. May of course has no clue and I know he most likely will never tell her. Maybe out of fear of losing her?

And there’s Raphael Fierro. We call him Rush. He’s a tough guy I guess, who can be a little bit much at times, but he’s secretly a sweet heart. He’s Australian like me! His parents gave him away, like most people here. I think deep down he’s always had this feeling, like he thinks he’s worthless, or has to prove himself. Like no one wants him. But I know I couldn’t live without him. He’s got brown short hair, and he’s about Mimi’s height, although he claims to be taller. Javier Morgan. Javi. He’s quiet, so quiet, but I’d you get him laughing, he opens up fast. He’s Italian, so he’s the closest so his real home, I suppose. He has dark hair and tanned skin. He’s got nice features to match his nice personality. He’s in the same situation as Mim when it comes to his parents. Not a clue who they are.

Over the years I’ve kept count of how many times each of us have almost been adopted, or been considered by a searching couple. Javi, 4 times. Mimi, 7 times. May, 4 times. Eve, twice. Zen, 6 times. Rush, 3 times. Myself, once. The others have a sort of quality. Something I don’t seem to have. Families just don’t want me.

Zen seems to think it’s because I show too much stomach or something, but Mimi says I look pretty. Rush told me it’s because I’m not approachable, Javi agreed. I think that’s a fair enough reason. But May and Eve guessed correctly. They think it’s because deep down I never wanted to be adopted. They’re right. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want anyone to leave. And I definitely don’t want anything to change.