Chapter 168 - 166: Outcome Of The Fundraising I
"Sister Serena! We just listened to the song 'we are the world' yesterday, and it's so very very beautiful!" Eli said as she excitedly greeted Serena.
Serena was surprised. First, she wondered since when did the orphanage have a phonograph? Then, she felt bad for not even thinking of providing them with one. She was about to ask, but eli beat her up to it.
"thank you so very much, brother Geoffrey! Brother Ives told us that it came from you!"
Geoffrey smiled and shook his head, "It's still your Sister Serena that you must thank, she was the one who came up with the song."
Emily stood at the side, wanting to roll her eyes, but couldn't. She still has to play nice.
Kylo turned to look elsewhere, ah, he still felt bad for Geoffrey.
Serena did not want to let Geoffrey think that she was touched by his compliment, nor give him more false hopes that she reciprocates his feelings. She already told him that she does not see him that way and would just want to focus on her studies and career. So, she did not acknowledge his words and just smiled at the children.
Geoffrey did not expect Serena to say anything about it, he did it not to impress her, but because he just wanted to, and selfishly, he also wanted everyone to know the merits of his intended. So, despite her not giving him any acknowledgement, he just smiled at her direction.
Kylo, who couldn't take the sight in front of him anymore chose to change the topic. Thankfully, after today, this volunteer work would end in just 3 meetings. "Okay guys, I guess we should start with our activities for the day."
--
At lunch, Serena and Charlton did not sit together, but they did give each other knowing smiles. Anyway, they can be friendly, but not too friendly as that would be a dead give-away specially when Leonard and Geoffrey were around.
Thus, like usual, they sat with their group to eat.
--
"Mr. Charlton, you are so amazing. You did not only head the fundraising event, but you even did the harmony for Miss Serena's song." Isabel praised, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Charlton shook his head, "It's all Miss Serena's work. I just did a little to help." He replied. He knew that Isabel liked him, but really, he's been trying his best to avoid her. Thankfully, this volunteer work would be ending soon, and he won't have to interact with her again.
"If you had enough time to do that, you should have just composed a new song for the event itself." Douglas commented. He was still peeved to find out that Charlton who they were working with still helped the other group. Now see the embarrassment it caused Emily.
Charlton raised his brow not liking Douglas' words. Did he think that just because he was a crown prince of some neighboring kingdom means that he will let him get away with those words? He still recalled the time when he censured Serena too. "What do you mean to say with those words?" he asked, daring him to explain.
Mary who was sitting beside Charlton felt that the atmosphere did not feel right. Also, Douglas' words were below the belt. Not wanting a fight to break-out, she interjected, "I think you should have more tact with your words Mr. Douglas."
Isabel, also could not believe Douglas would say those words to Charlton, despite her usual shyness, she quickly spoke in his defense, "Mr. Douglas, you have no right to say those words. Mr. Charlton did his part for the event. If you don't remember he was also the one who secured the venue, and if not for his name, I don't think that there would be that many people to come."
Douglas, who always felt like Charlton was a nice dude, realized that his words indeed did not sound right and must have pressed the wrong button. He sighed, he just felt suffocated and wanted to vent for Emily.
"I apologize Mr. Charlton. I did not mean it that way. I'm sorry if I offended you."
Charlton wanted to teach him a lesson, but knowing that they were in the orphanage, he decided to let it go. It wouldn't do good to set such an example to the children.
--
After lunch, the volunteers were again in the make-shift room to conduct a meeting regarding the outcome of the fundraising.
"Good afternoon everyone, so today, I'm calling this meeting to discuss the outcome of the events. First, I would like to congratulate all of you for a job well done. Second, I wish to especially thank our two groups who headed the projects. Everyone, please let us give a round of applause to Charlton, Emily, Serena, Geoffrey, and Leonard." Timothy said.
Everyone all cheered for them.
"Now, let's hear from Mr. Charlton as he reports on the outcome of the event." Timothy said as he asked Charlton to speak.
Charlton took out the paper with the accounts and for transparency, he also provided copies of it so that everyone can have a look.
While everyone was looking at the paper, Serena who was sitting on the 2nd seat opposite him looked up and their eyes met. Carefully, so no one would notice, she used her right hand to put her hair behind her ear while giving Charlton the heart sign using her index and thumb like what the Koreans usually do.
Charlton wanted to laugh remembering her do that during the signing event, but being mindful of where they were, he just pressed his lips together trying not to smile.
After a while, everyone was done looking at the account.
"Very very good." Timothy commented as his eyes widened seeing the net profit. "With this, we already covered everything and more. I have no more words."
Everyone else nodded their head in agreement and clapped their hands.
Emily wanted to be proud, but in the end, it was Serena who made their event a success. Thus, she chose to remain silent.
--
TBC