A New Start

It was an idiotic thing to do.
I knew everyone would say that when I got home.
I was too young, too flighty. I mean, I was just getting back from a spur of the moment trip overseas.
No one would ever peg me as someone who'd settle down, who'd stay in one place and get a desk job and be responsible.
I didn't even peg myself as that sort of person.
I probably never would be that sort of person.

Yet, I'd just gone and put my foot in my mouth so to speak.
Or well, my hand on the paperwork, and a new responsibility in my life.

Honestly, I didn't even know how I passed the test.

But when I saw her bright blue eyes.
I couldn't leave little seven-year-old Maggie at that orphanage.
Not when she latched onto my leg and refused to let go.
Not when the caretakers told me that I was the first person she'd smiled at.
Not when she'd said quietly "Don't go." after my month of being there had come to an end.

I couldn't leave her.
This gentle child who's heart held the entire world.
There was something special about her.

And it helped....a lot, that she was well behaved....screaming kids weren't quite my thing.
But Maggie.
She was so mature for her age.

I couldn't leave her behind.

I didn't leave her behind.
I rested my chin on her head, stroking her hair once more before I gently shook her. "Mags." I said quietly, as she jerked, eyes opening wide in panic before relaxing when she saw me. I smiled. "Plane's landed you need to get up."
She ducked against my chest, with a murmur, closing her eyes again and I chuckled. "I can't carry you and our luggage at the same time you know." But that didn't stop me from wrapping my arms around her and holding her closer.

-Inspiration from a David Archuleta Concert where he spoke about visiting an orphanage in China