Monday afternoon, Serena, her friends, and their parents attended George's graduation. After, to avoid the craze in town, as it was also the same day the press has published and released the news about Serena and Charlton signing with Columbia and releasing 4 songs, Celine and Simoun hosted the celebratory dinner for George in the confines of their home.
The next morning was the 19th, Serena and Via had to go to the orphanage for their last visit in line with their outreach. On the way to the orphanage, the effects of the news about the songs can be felt. Long ques can be seen in front of all the stores owned by Columbia.
When the two reached the orphanage, most of the other volunteers were already present.
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The volunteers were standing on the lawn of the orphanage together with the facilitators and the orphans. For the day, they decided to have an outdoor farewell party. When they noticed the arrival of another carriage, they all turned to see who arrived.
Via alighted and Serena followed.
Serena's eyes immediately landed on Charlton and seeing him standing there as their eyes met turned her heart into a puddle of goo. All she wanted to do was run to his arms and let herself be enveloped by his embrace. It was crazy, but she missed him already. It was just the other day when they last met but it felt like a lifetime. Whenever she, her friends and everyone in the house were spending time together, talking, having fun, she can't help that wish that he was also there.
Charlton's eyes brightened when he saw her. He knew that the two of them were feeling the same things, but they were in public and all he can do was give her a smile and hope that she can see his own longing.
The eye contact was broken when Serena felt someone hug her. She looked down and saw that it was Eli. She did not notice but when she and Via went down, some of the younger children immediately ran to welcome them.
"Wahhhhh!!!!! Sister Serena, Sister Via!!!!!!! Brother Charlton and Brother Kylo let us listen to the song you sang together! I wannabe able to sing just like you!" Eli enthusiastically said as she hugged Serena.
Serena patted her head as she smiled. "Then you have to practice. When you're of age and think that you still want to sing, then come find me."
The others all listened and were saying, "Me too!"
Via also smiled, the younger ones she handled also enthusiastically cling to her as they pulled her and Serena to join the others.
--
Geoffrey was talking to Timothy and Ives finalizing some matters. When they went out to rejoin the others, he saw that Serena has already arrived and was being flocked by the children. He smiled looking at her from afar. Yesterday, he was very disappointed with the turn of events.
There has always been a part of him that longed for some normalcy in his family. Yet, based on what happened, he now understood that inside the court and in the battle for the throne, there was no family. His father was the king, his brother was another prince. Each of them was eyeing the other and as the crown prince, he has no choice but also wrestle for power. Even just the thought chilled his heart. However, he has to abandon his sense of familial love for if he does not, he was good as dead.
Now looking at Serena, his heart felt full again. She was his salvation. The one who he will be sharing everything with. In this dark and ugly world, she was his light. She deserves all the happiness and glory he can give, and it strengthened his determination to never let anyone usurp his birthright.
"Geoffrey?" Timothy tried to call his attention when he noticed that he was not listening as if distracted.
Geoffrey shook his head. "Soon, the ministry will be taking action to give support to the orphanages. There will be no more need for us to intervene."
Ives, the head facilitator of the orphanage was very glad to hear those words. "Thank you so much for everything, your highness."
Geoffrey nodded his head and said, "It's a joint effort, but, you're welcome. Now, I will need to join the others. So, if you'll excuse me."
"Yes of course your highness." Ives said.
When Geoffrey left it was just Ives and timothy standing.
"I'm thankful that our kingdom's future ruler would be his highness. No one would ever care the way he did for us. He would be the best king our kingdom has ever had I believe." Ives finally said.
Timothy looked forward. Indeed, as far as he can see, the crown prince was a good man. Seeing him approaching Serena, he could not help but smile. "Indeed, and so will our future queen."
Well, if only they knew that the future would warp into something unrecognizable.
--
The facilitators of the orphanage arranged a program to show their appreciation to the volunteers. They shared a meal, played some games, and then finally, Ives delivered a speech to thank them for everything. Then, a plaque of appreciation which the facilitators prepared was handed to all the volunteers one by one.
To commemorate the event, there was also a cameraman hired. The man took photos, and Ives said that they will send them to Timothy later.
After, Artemis and Diether who prepared the parting gifts asked the other volunteers to help handing them out. When all was distributed, it was time to part.
The children cheered and some cried. It was the last time the brothers and the sisters were visiting, and they do not know if they shall meet them again someday.
The volunteers knew that they would miss the children too. They learned a lot during this episode, but life must go on and everyone must move forward.
One by one the volunteers rode their carriage to leave. They had their carriage windows open and saw the children and the facilitators waving them goodbye. They all waved back until they went out of view.
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TBC