Silence filled the room until Leonard spoke.
"Whatever the case may be, I believe that we must continue with this program. We're already here and the children must have their expectations already."
"Leonard is right Sir. Although we can not meet their expectations, we can still be of some help." Artemis seconded.
"I understand that you both want to help, but we need a concrete plan with a concrete outcome. We can not just stay here and play with the children with no real purpose." Timothy stated.
Then Emily spoke with conviction, "There can be. We can provide them with teachers and other educational materials so that when they are of age, they can find employment after they leave this orphanage. "
Serena looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Seriously?
"That will be a little too costly given that we are working on a budget." Timothy, not wanting to embarrass her replied.
"I believe that Ms. Evans has a point. Although discouraged, we can still do a fundraising event."
Timothy looked at Geoffrey awkwardly, he is the crown prince so…
That was when Serena couldn't stop herself anymore. Although they did have some point, this proved that they were still children who haven't seen much of the world. In her time, there were a lot of college graduates, who can't even get a job.
It is not that she thinks that education is not important, but come on, they are talking about children who does not have strong enough foundation in the academe. It's not like one can learn everything in a year. If they knew how to read, write, and do basic mathematics, then that is already passable. Besides, in this era, how many of them will get lucky? Sometimes, one must learn how to put food on his/ her own plate first.
"I have to disagree. Sir Timothy is right, their issue is a national concern…"
Before she could continue, Emily violently reacted. "What do you mean? That we should just leave the children alone? Do you not have even a bit of empathy?"
Serena faced her, wanting to slap her silly. What was wrong with her? She was not even done talking.
"I believe we should respect people when they are giving their opinion." Charlton who couldn't stop his mouth said.
Everyone was surprised by what Charlton said, Timothy anxious that things might escalate, motioned Serena to continue.
"As I was saying, until I was rudely interrupted, although this is a national concern, it doesn't mean that we can not do much to help. However, the method Ms. Evans and his highness suggested are too costly and ineffective. I am not saying that they are incorrect, as that definitely should be the action to be taken in the long run. Currently, as we are only student volunteers, what we can do is create a research paper, outlining the needs of the orphans and creating a cost-benefit analysis so that the government or those in power can see the benefit of providing them proper education. That is just one side of the coin. Now, on the other side, we need a short-term plan as time would not wait for anyone. The children that need immediate help are those who will be reaching the age of 17 soon. If you think that the 14 children mentioned are just a small number, then think of those in the other orphanages. Now, not that I am looking down on them, but it is close to impossible to instill to them proper education, like doing arithmetic, writing letters and the like, that can make them compete with those who have taken the subjects since a young age in getting hired for a job. However, we can equip them with skills that can, at the very least, earn them some money for a living…" Serena blushed when she started mumbling. Everyone was staring at her like she had two heads.
"and ah… that's it? I'm sorry, am I not making any sense?"
No one answered for a long time, it was very awkward until Charlton spoke in support.
"I completely agree with Representative Serena. That plan is brilliant." Then he smiled at her.
"Me too. Although she is my sister, this is not biasness, but my real opinion."
Then, other students started voicing their agreement. Even Geoffrey can only nod.
Timothy laughed as he nodded and said, "Sorry, I never thought that a student can think that far ahead. But I do see your point. Fine, let's do it that way then. Does everyone agree?"
The rest of the students nodded their heads as a knock was heard, signaling that the children were ready.
--
Serena wanted to facepalm as she covered her face with her palm still sitting down. What did she just do? She should have just kept her mouth shut. That was too embarrassing.
Everyone except for her, Via, Leonard, Charlton and Kylo has already left to go to the dining hall.
"Hey, don't feel embarrassed, what you said really was genius. It's just that everyone's brain has short circuited, because, well, no one even thought of that idea." Via, who sat beside Serena, tried to comfort her.
"Yes, I agree with Via, don't be embarrassed. I even feel proud of you." Leonard said.
Kylo started laughing, "Well, I just think no one can believe that you just slammed Geoffrey, who supported that idea, to his face and provided a better one in less than a minute! I salute you!"
Charlton chuckled; he saw another side of Serena today. She was so cute, talking very fast like that, spouting her idea like, well, like a nerd. Now, she was embarrassed, he finds it cute too. He wanted to comfort her, but he's afraid that she will get angry, because he really wanted to laugh.
"guys? Come on, let's go. By the way, brilliant idea Representative Serena." Gina who was asked to call them said.
"Alright." Leonard replied as he looked at the others.
Serena who felt that she has recovered already stood up to follow.
Charlton looked at her, winked and gave her the thumbs up.
--
When Serena entered the dining hall, the place was already packed with children. They were all sitting properly on the dining tables, staring excitedly at the newly arrived volunteers like they were some mascots. On one end stood the orphanage facilitators and the volunteers.
Serena felt the children eyeing her. So, she smiled at them. She was used to it as she was once an elementary and high school teacher.
"Good morning children. We know that you have all been very excited to meet your brothers and sisters who just arrived today. Don't worry, they are very excited to meet you too. So, let us hear their names one by one." Ives said as he asked everyone to introduce themselves.
Then, all the volunteers introduced themselves with a bit of enthusiasm. The younger children made oohs and aahs. While the older ones just looked with curious eyes.
"Now, these brothers and sisters will be with us every Sunday. I know that Sunday is our rest day, but they know more than us, so please let us try to learn from them while they are here." Ives coaxed.
"Brother Ives, how long will they be with us?" a young girl asked.
"Until June next year if everyone will be kind to them and not cause any trouble."
"Oh… thank you."
"Alright, so right now, I know all of you are eager to talk to them. So please wait a moment as I will divide them in groups and make them join your table. Is that alright with everyone?"
"Yes…" the children said together.
As there were 16 of them excluding Timothy, and there were 6 tables, they were divided in 4 groups of 3 and 2 groups of 2. To make things fair, they decided to draw lots.
Apparently, the groupings turned out to be this way.
Group 1: Artemis, Via, Douglas
Group 2: Kylo, Gina, Joseph
Group 3: Mary, Diether, Joan
Group 4: Serena, Geoffrey, Emily
Group 5: Charlton, Isabel
Group 6: Diana, Leonard
Charlton was first to protest. The reason, obviously because he doesn't like the outcome of the draw. He reasoned that he and Isabel were just volunteers and a council member should at least supervise.
However, Timothy said that this was just temporary, later on, they will change it depending on the circumstance.
Charlton looked at Serena, who just shook her head. He really hated the outcome. First, he doesn't want Serena near Geoffrey. Second, he doesn't want to be paired with Isabel who kept staring at him. He was getting tired of pretending not to see her, the girl looked pitiful, but he has a girlfriend.
This has got to be the worst day ever.
Serena can only sigh. She doesn't really mind being grouped with Emily and Geoffrey, they can act all lovey-dovey for all she cares, but looking at Charlton's side… well, she's not jealous, but it was still irritating.
--
TBC