When Naomi awoke the next day things seemed brighter as they always do in the light of day. The idea was still very scary, but quite unreal as well, as if yesterday had been a dream, but the sinking feeling in her tummy told her it wasn’t. She went about her chores for the day doing her best to keep her mind off things;
Brother Michael had told her Sister Madeline would call for her the next morning and take her to the church for a day and then she would be leaving for good at the end of the week. Naomi felt it was all happening so fast, just twenty four hours ago she had been blissfully unaware that her life was about to undergo such a huge change. The day passed quickly enough and with all the worry the night before and all the chores Brother Michael had given her to stop her having too much time to think, she feel asleep quickly and awoke refreshed and was able to view the day ahead with some excitement. Sister Madeline arrived mid morning to pick her up and with one last encouraging look from Brother Michael she was lead from the Monastery along the path through Ellnora wood to the church which was a few miles away. Although it was still relatively early in the morning, the summer sun was up and the day was sticky and hot. Naomi was glad they were walking through the forest under its coolness away from the heat of the day.
Sister Madeline filled in the time telling Naomi lots about her new home and her role there. As she got closer Naomi felt her discomfort increase, she wanted so badly to fit in, in her new home and get on with her new family. Lyndsay came out to meet her as they left the forest and came into sight of the church. She greeted Naomi with a big smile and said “Hello Naomi, it’s good to see you again. I hope you had a pleasant walk?” Naomi managed a nod and Lyndsay continued “Well we are looking forward to having you come and join our little family, but where are my manners no doubt you are hot from your journey if we go to the kitchen I can find some refreshments” Sister Madeline smiled at Lyndsay’s kindness and suggested “Perhaps I can leave Naomi in your capable care until dinner time? I have some visits I need to make.” “Of course” Lyndsay replied. Sister Madeline continued “I hope you two have fun and I will see you a bit later, Naomi.” And with that she strode off towards the village.
Lyndsay took Naomi through to the kitchen and motioning Naomi to sit she provided her with refreshments. Once Naomi had eaten all that she felt able, she began to feel a little less scared and Lyndsay’s easy manner got her talking about herself.
Lyndsay found Naomi wasn’t a shy child once you got her talking and she was more than happy to discuss her life at the monastery. They discussed their different upbringings, with Lyndsay being an orphan and Naomi who had been abandoned by her mother to be brought up by the monks. Lyndsay began to feel a kinship for the girl who like her had been brought up and educated by the kindness of strangers. She remembered how scary it had been for her moving to her new home at the church when she was five and she had wanted to go, how much harder it must be for Naomi to be forced out of a place she was happy in. Lyndsay decided to do the best she could to make Naomi comfortable with them, it would be like repaying some of the kindness she had been shown by Sister Madeline.
Once they had become acquainted, Lyndsay took Naomi to meet Sarah and Abagail. They were sitting in the shady part of the garden, Sarah weeding whilst Abagail played nearby. Sarah smiled at the nervous little girl and introduced her daughter. Naomi took to Abagail very quickly and they played happily for some time before Lyndsay felt that it was time to continue their tour. When the time came for dinner the tour ended and after ensuring she had washed her hands and face they went into the kitchen where dinner was taken. Lyndsay volunteered to be the one to walk her back home and the two girls chatted happily in the warmth of the summer evening.
Once Lyndsay had left, Naomi reflected that the day had turned out a lot better than she had first expected. She would miss Brother Michael especially very much, but everyone seemed very kind at the church and had done their best to make her feel welcomed. Maybe she would in time be just as happy there as she had been here.
Awww what a soppy story!I’m glad everything is going so well! Poor little Naomi, it must be hard for her when she leaves the Monastery! I’m so glad Lyndsay made Naomi feel so welcome. It’s always going to be hard for her moving away from the only home she has ever known! I bet she will miss Brother Michael as much as he misses her! Love the pics especially the third where Lyndsay looks like she is death staring Naomi’s soup! The last pic is great, they look like a great little family! Very funny that it’s the adult (Sarah)whose doing all the work while the kids sit around and laughing!
xxxxxx
Lyndsey really helped the situation. She seems to be an easy going person, able to make people feel comfortable, especially kids. Naomi will be fine there, she will have friends and she will adjust quickly. Yes, it is sad that Brother Michael will miss her, but this is in her best interest.
Yeah lyndsey was great, im sure naomi will be fine 🙂