2

The orphanage’s courtyard buzzed with excitement. It was the annual charity event, a day when donors, volunteers, and visitors came together to support the children and celebrate their shared community. Chastin, who had lived there since she was Three, always looked forward to this day—not for the gifts or the donations, but because it reminded her of how much love the orphanage had cultivated over the years. To her, this place wasn’t just a home; it was her family.

She stood near the snack table, helping serve refreshments to the guests while laughing with some of the younger kids. Her curly hair bounced lightly as she turned her head to make sure everything was in order. That’s when she noticed him.

Nick.

He wasn’t dressed like the other donors, who often came in formal suits and polished shoes. He wore a simple black leather jacket over a plain shirt, paired with dark jeans and boots. His relaxed demeanor made him stand out, but what caught Chastin’s attention the most was the warm, almost shy smile he offered as he greeted the children.

Nick had been visiting the orphanage for years, but today, he was struck by the sight of a young woman who seemed to carry a quiet confidence. She wasn’t like the other volunteers bustling around; she had an ease about her, a natural warmth that drew people to her.

For a moment, Nick just watched as she crouched down to fix a little boy’s bowtie, laughing softly when he squirmed in protest. Something about her seemed so genuine, so pure. It wasn’t until the boy ran off that he decided to approach her.

Nick clearing his throat, smiling “Hi there. I hope I’m not interrupting your hard work.”

Chastin looked up, slightly startled but quick to return the smile.

Chastin politely answer”Oh, not at all. Just making sure the kids don’t wreak too much havoc.”

Nick chuckled, extending his hand introducing himself

“I’m Nick Sinclair, just call me Nick. I come by here every so often, but I don’t think we’ve met before.”

Chastin wiped her hand on her apron before shaking his and introduce herself

“I know you.Chastin,you can call me Chas. I’ve been here since I was little. Well, not as a staff member—this is my home. I’m… sort of a permanent resident, I guess.”

Nick’s smile faltered for a moment as he processed her words.

Nick gently ask “I see. But you’re more than that, aren’t you? A volunteer, a big sister to these kids?”

Chas’s cheeks flushed slightly. She wasn’t used to such kind observations. She answered it sofftly

“I just try to help where I can. This place has done so much for me… it’s the least I can do.”

Nick nodded, impressed by her humility.

“And outside of here? What keeps you busy?” He asked her

Chastin hesitated briefly, unsure if he was genuinely interested or just making polite conversation.

“I’m in college. Fifth semester, psychology major.” She answered

Nick’s eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise.

“Psychology, huh? That’s impressive. Trying to understand the human mind sounds like a big challenge.”

Chastin shrugged modestly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“It’s fascinating, really. And… it’s personal for me. I guess growing up here made me want to understand people better, you know?”

Nick leaned against the nearby table, folding his arms as he listened.

“That’s admirable. Most people don’t think that deeply about their reasons for choosing a path.”

Chastin looked up at him, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his presence. There was something about Nick—his voice, his demeanor—that made her feel like he genuinely cared about what she had to say, even though they had just met.

Before the conversation could go any deeper, a group of kids rushed past, one of them nearly colliding with Nick.

Chas laughed “Looks like the chaos is starting.”

Nick grinning “Seems like it. I should probably get out of your way before I get trampled.”

Chas laughed again, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“You’re always welcome to join the chaos. We could use the help.”

Nick glanced back at the children and then returned his gaze to Chas.

Nick tease “I might just take you up on that. But only if you promise to supervise me.”

Chas shook her head, laughing softly.

“Deal.”

As Nick walked away to mingle with the other guests, he couldn’t help but glance back at her. There was something about Chas—something he couldn’t quite put into words yet—that made him feel lighter.

And for Chas, even though she knew very well that Nick was a musician and a public figure but Chas considered him ordinary and she barely knew Nick, she felt an unusual warmth in her chest now seeing Nick blend into her world. Unbeknownst to her, this brief encounter would mark the beginning of a story that neither of them could have anticipated.

—----------------------------------------------------

Few days earlier before the event on the orphan house. It was the reunion of sisters for Chastin and Marcia It had been a while since Chastin had seen Marcia.

Life had changed so much for both of them–Chastin was now 21, halfway through her fifth semester at college, and since the second semester she moved into her campus dorm. Marcia, on the other hand, had already graduated, her hard work paying off as she launched her career as a fashion designer for a boutique startup. Her life had transitioned into a whirlwind of fabric, sketches, and deadlines, but that didn’t stop her from staying close to Chastin.

When they finally reunited, it was like no time had passed at all. The moment Chas stepped into Marcia’s apartment, she was greeted by the familiar warmth of her sister’s smile, as if they were both still those young girls sharing late-night talks and snacks in the orphanage kitchen.

Marcia’s apartment was a reflection of her journey—a mix of chic elegance and creative chaos, with fabric swatches scattered on one side of the room and carefully curated fashion books on another. A stylish armchair in the corner was surrounded by sketches of Marcia’s latest designs, and the soft hum of a sewing machine echoed from the other room.

“You made it!” Marcia exclaimed as she pulled Chas into a tight hug. Chas laughed, feeling the weight of the embrace—a reminder that despite the years and their different paths, they were still as close as ever.

“I did,” Chas said, her voice filled with affection. “It’s been way too long.”

Marcia stepped back and eyed Chas up and down. “Look at you, all grown up! College life’s treating you well, huh?” she teased with a raised eyebrow, noticing how Chas had blossomed in her time away.

Chas rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the smile.

“It’s… different. But I’m managing.” She looked around the apartment, impressed by Marcia’s space. “Wow, you’ve done well for yourself. I mean, look at this place! You’re living the dream.”

Marcia grinned, a bit of pride shining in her eyes. “It’s not much yet, but it’s mine. And I’m doing what I love. Fashion design is hard work, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Chas nodded in admiration. “I can’t believe how far you’ve come. You’re living your dream, just like you always said you would.”

Marcia shrugged modestly, but her smile never faltered. “You’ve done amazing things too, Chas. College at UCL? Getting straight A’s and acing everything in psychology? You’ve always been the smart one.”

Chas’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I don’t know about that… but thanks.” She paused, glancing at her sister with a playful grin. “I guess we’ve both come a long way from those late-night snack raids and dance battles, huh?”

Marcia laughed, a soft, familiar sound that filled the room with nostalgia. “Yeah, those were the good old days. But honestly, I’m so proud of you, Chas. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown—how much we’ve both grown.”

Chas smiled, her eyes softening as she met Marcia’s gaze. “It’s because of you. You were always there for me, you know? Even when things felt tough, you never made me feel alone.”

The two sisters shared a moment of quiet understanding, the bond between them stronger than any words could express. Despite their differences, their paths, and the challenges they’d faced growing up, they had always had each other.

“Enough of the sappy stuff,” Marcia said after a beat, breaking the silence with a wink. “Let’s catch up! I’m dying to hear about your college adventures. What’s it like living on your own in the dorms?”

Chas grinned, happy to shift the conversation. “Well, it’s not as glamorous as I thought it would be,” she started, rolling her eyes. “But it’s definitely been an experience.”

Marcia laughed. “I bet. I can only imagine the craziness. But I’m glad you’re thriving. And hey, I’ve been meaning to show you the new collection I’m working on. Want to see?”

Chas’s face lit up with excitement. “Of course! I’d love to see what you’re working on. You know I’m always in awe of your designs.”

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, stories, and sisterly bonding. Marcia showed Chas the latest sketches for her boutique, explaining her creative process and the inspirations behind her designs. Chas, ever the thoughtful listener, offered suggestions and support, just as she always had.

When the evening finally drew to a close, Chas realized just how much she’d missed these moments—the sense of familiarity and warmth that only Marcia could offer. Even as they’d both carved out their own lives, they were still the same two sisters who had found comfort in each other’s company late at night, sneaking snacks and sharing dreams.

As Chas prepared to head back to her dorm, she looked at her sister one last time. “I’m really proud of you, Marcia. And I can’t wait to see where life takes you.”

Marcia smiled, a glint of determination in her eyes. “Thanks, Chas. You too. You’ve got this. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

With one final hug, Chas left Marcia’s apartment, her heart full of love and pride for the sister she had always admired. It was clear that no matter where life took them, they would always have each other.

Most of her closest siblings from the orphanage had grown up and moved on, chasing their dreams just like Marcia, who had already graduated and launched a career as a fashion designer for a boutique startup. Their busy lives rarely allowed for visits back to the orphanage, and Chastin couldn’t help but feel the weight of their absence. Late at night, when she found herself back at the orphanage, she would sit quietly in the kitchen, gazing out the window and reminiscing about how things used to be.

The laughter of her siblings echoed in her memory—late-night snack raids, silly games, and heartfelt talks in the dim light of the common room. Life felt simpler then, as if the walls of the orphanage had frozen time. Now, everything was changing. Chastin often caught herself wondering if she was the only one still tethered to the past, still finding solace in the familiar halls of the place she’d once called home.

Sometimes, when she visited the orphanage, she would sit with the younger children, the ones she had grown close to over the years. Watching their bright eyes and boundless energy, she couldn’t help but wish she could turn back time—to a time when she and her siblings were all together, unburdened by the demands of adulthood. It felt as though everyone else had moved on, while she remained at the same restaurant, waiting for something she couldn’t quite name.

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