Chapter 72 - 72: Orphanage IV
If Geoffrey still thought of Serena as just the attention-seeking lady he initially thought she was, then he could just go bang his head. He could no longer deny that he was wrong about Serena. She did not seek attention, but rather, she commanded it.
The first time, in the music class, he can still say that she did it on purpose. There was no need for her to volunteer to sing the song she composed herself, but she still did. At the wedding, he cannot say that she tried to win her way to the hearts of those elderly people because truthfully speaking, there was no benefit in doing that. The reason why she was the center of attention should be because she had the political backing and position to be catered to.
But now, with the children, being capable of holding their attention and keep them hanging on each and every word she says, it was safe say that she truly was born for this. She outshone anyone who dared stand beside her. Even he, the crown prince can not compete with her brightness.
For the first time, he saw her in a new light. She was not as bad as he thought she was. Despite his relationship with Emily, he could not deny that Serena intrigued him. A part of him felt proud that she was his, and another wanted to know her better. Perhaps one day, they may even have an amicable relationship. At the very least, they can treat each other like guests under the same roof. He can see her potential, the great queen and ruler she could become. They will be a force to be reckoned with. She will be a great political tool and ally, and it doesn't hurt that she was every bit beautiful.
--
Emily felt a bit out of place. She did not expect Serena to outshine her again. She also felt betrayed, she has treated these children like her younger siblings for a long time but look at them. They have only met Serena a few hours back, but they seem to like her more, forgetting about her already, acting like ingrates.
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Charlton can't really say that he's not enjoying his time at the table assigned to them. The children, or should he say teenagers, as they were between the ages 13-15, were welcoming. Of the 14, 9 were girls and 5 were boys. As they were teens, the topic that they liked talking about were about romance. Isabel, contrary to her blushing and staring at him earlier, did not flirt with him. So, he did not find it difficult to interact with her.
"Brother Charlton, do you have a girlfriend?" one of the girls asked.
"Yes, I do." he replied smiling.
"Oh… really? What is she like? What made you like her?"
"How did you know that you love her already?"
"ooohhh, is she more beautiful than the sister at the other table? Everyone here thought that she must be a real princess! Look at the children having the time of their lives. Everyone was eager to have her sit with them." Another girl said while pointing at Serena.
"Yes, I thought she would be unapproachable, but she actually seems nice. She's even laughing at what Eli is saying. Oh, Eli is just the most talkative child around here."
"So, brother, tell us about your girlfriend."
Charlton who was staring at Serena wistfully after the girls pointed at her turned to face them again.
"Hmm… yes, I can definitely say that she is just as beautiful as that sister." Charlton said chuckling.
"Don't lie Brother, that can't be true. That sister is the most beautiful lady I have ever seen." A boy who seems to have a crush on Serena defended.
"anyway, how about you Sister Isabel? Do you have a boyfriend?"
Isabel felt a little disappointed because Charlton seems to really love his girlfriend. He even thought of her to be as beautiful as Serena. A part of her envied Serena, but she finds comfort in knowing despite her great beauty, her own fiance loves another woman. Funny that they were even placed in the same group. So, what if she is the most perfect lady? She can't even hold on to her own man.
"No, I don't." she replied.
"Ah! But do you like someone? What is he like?"
Isabel gave a sad smile, shaking her head. She doesn't want Charlton to dislike her. So, it won't be good to make him feel like she's chasing him while he is still in a relationship. However, it seems like Charlton is in a long-distance relationship because when she asked her cousin, she told her that no one knew who his girlfriend was, or if he really did have one. So, she may still have a chance, given that they are now given more chance to interact, he may grow to like her.
"I do like someone. He is handsome, kind, smart, and loyal. However, he already has a girlfriend, so I'll just keep admiring him from afar."
"aww that's so sad, but that's alright sister, someday, he might see how beautiful and nice you are!" a girl supported.
"thank you." Isabel replied.
--
After a while, it was already time for lunch. Everyone was asked to line up to get their serving. Perhaps there were guests, so the food seems not to be so bad.
The children were all happy to have their lunch, though simple, it looked like they were having a feast.
By 1:00 in the afternoon, everyone was done eating. The children were asked to line up, go back to their respective classrooms, and wait for the sisters and brothers to join them.
Thankfully, Timothy this time, assigned them in different groups. As there were 4 classrooms, they were equally divided into four groups. Also, he informed them that he thought through what their goal will be based on Serena's idea.
For this outreach program, they will have two main goals.
First is to create a research paper, outlining the current situation of the orphanage. Although the data may not be very significant because the sample collected is not that huge, it is still a step forward. Future research projects may use their work as foundation. Then, based on this, they will do a cost benefit analysis and throw in policy recommendations.
Second is to decide on what and how to cultivate and nurture skills that would help prepare those that will be leaving the orphanage soon for the outside world.
In addition to those two, they should also think of how to do the fund-raising event, as they would obviously be short of funds given that they only allocated a budget fit for 34 children.
As this idea was Serena's Timothy asked her if she wanted to take lead in writing the research paper. It was a testament on how much Timothy trusts her ability, and it would be good because her name will be imprinted on that research which he believes will be a push towards a political movement.
Serena thinking that she already has her hand full, and well, she was too lazy to work on that declined. However, she said that she will be available for consultation.
Then Geoffrey volunteered himself to take lead in writing the research paper. He wanted to make up for his blunder.
Timothy nodded in agreement. Then he asked her which role she wished to partake in. Serena said that she doesn't want to partake in any lead role as she was just a first-year student. She will be happy to share her ideas though.
Thus, in the end, they were divided in this way.
The lead for the research was Geoffrey, the people to assist him in this work were all the sophomore council members. However, since that was mainly Serena's idea, she would be available for consultation and could pitch in her ideas from time to time.
The lead role for the skill cultivation for the older children was given to Artemis, and to help him were all the senior students.
For the fund raising, everyone, even the volunteers were asked to cooperate and contribute.
--
After setting a clear objective, the senior council members were assigned to the class with the oldest orphans. They were informed that that room had 20 children in between the age 14-17.
The sophomore representatives were assigned separately. The reason was because they will be focusing on the research paper, and they need more data collection. Also, most likely, those children will be the ones to benefit if ever there will be immediate action brought about.
Again, Timothy decided to group the rest of the students through drawing lots. Like fate was playing on them, they were grouped this way.
Geoffrey with Emily, Serena, and Kylo were assigned to room 2 with children from ages 11-13.
Leonard and Gina with Via and Joseph were assigned to room 3 with children from ages 8-10.
Mary with Isabel, Douglas and Charlton were assigned to room 4 with children from ages 4-7
The grouping was said to be permanent for the rest of the year. Thus, the volunteers went to their respective rooms.
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Kylo did not like interacting with younger children, so he just sat at the side observing his groupmates who he finds more entertaining.
He was not dense as not to see the obvious. From the looks of it, Geoffrey was starting to notice Serena, if his stunned look was any indication. Then, he also noticed Emily looking at Geoffrey with confused and somewhat pitiful eyes, and him shaking his head at her. On the other hand, Serena seemed to be oblivious of what was happening and was focused on entertaining the children.
'Where's the popcorn?' Kylo thought. Emily must be the girl that Geoffrey was having an affair with. He had to admit that she was quite a fetching brunette. While at the same time, he also worried over Charlton, thinking how Geoffrey's change of heart will affect their relationship in the future. He hoped that it will all work out fine, anyway, they were blood related cousins. A girl, no matter how beautiful should not break the bond of their brotherhood that took over a decade to forge.
Time was spent that way for the rest of the day. Come 4 in the afternoon, they all prepared to leave and return to their dormitories.
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TBC