Jim! Sweetheart

★★

On her way, Bella bought dresses and gifts for the children of the orphanage. The last time she visited here with her friends was on her mother's death anniversary, with gifts and chocolate. The sadness she felt on that day was quite swiped away by the children's smiles and their love.

When the car arrived, Isabella got off, and so did the butler. He went to the trunk of the car to get the gift. Isabella also helped him to carry some stuff. She was overwhelmed to see the name of the orphanage because when she came; it was always her mother's death anniversary, but today was a different day.

As she entered, many children encircled her who knew and loved Isabella. They adored this elder sister so much. Not because she brought many gifts for them, but because it was her smile and nature that cheered their heart a lot.

Isabella hugged them and gave them gifts. One of the orphanage teachers was so friendly and was a good friend to Bella, who came to welcome her into their staff room but Isabella refused. She wanted to spend time with children. On the other hand, The Butler said he would stay out with the chauffeur, and Bella could call him if she needed.

Bella called Bethany in between their gathering to show the sight. Bethany loved this orphanage as well. There was a boy who loved Bella even though she did not come to the orphanage often, but the boy asked about her almost every day. Isabella adored him too.

"Hey! sweety. Were you in the class?" Isabella outstretched her arms to hug the boy, who walked toward her with a sheepish smile.

The boy shook his head. It was Jim. He was actually in the class, but when his teacher said that his beautiful sister had come, he could not stop himself from coming out.

Happiness was bubbling as his beautiful sister didn't come often, but today was an extraordinary day. Perhaps she wanted to meet him and the thought brought him joy.

"How are you so cute, Jim?" Isabella said and hugged him. One thing she could not understand was how a parent could leave their beloved child in an orphanage when they were alive. The first time she heard this, she felt so bad that there were still people like this in the world.

"Will you stay longer? I have something for you in my room," Jim said, looking down because he was ashamed to look into his sister's eyes.

"Anything for you, sweetheart!" Isabella replied, ruffling his longer hair.

"Miss Bella, would you like to have a meal with the children?" Asked a teacher, but did not notice that Jim's eyes lit up with joy.

"Yes, I am hungry! Let's go, Jim," Isabella encircled the boy with her both arms around his waist and said.

The boy looked up with tears, and Bella felt baffled. She did not understand what happened. Did she say anything wrong?

"Hey! What happened, sweetheart?" Bella asked and cupped his soft cheeks.

Jim bounced his head in no but didn't answer. Instead, the teacher said, "He is happy, miss Isabella." She patted the boy's shoulder and continued "Your sister is yours today. Tell her everything you told us. And you can take her to your room, Jim. We'll send food there." The teacher looked at Bella, hinting her Jim's situation. Bella understood.

Jim held her finger and led her to his room. The boy was blushing still because he couldn't contain his joy. It was the first time as well that he could show her his small room.

"Jim, you are so handsome," Bella teased, more to make the boy flustered because he looked endearing.

"Thank you, sister," Jim replied with a shy voice. He was seven years old and had red hair that made him different from others. But he was bullied for this too.

"Wow! Your room is so neat and my room is a mess. If you went to my house, you'll see," Bella said, looking around. Jim didn't reply to her, but a certain gleam passed through his eyes; a wish that he couldn't express.

Jim let go of her hand and ran toward his small cupboard. Bella waited with a smile, looking at the child's back. Then she saw him bring out a box which he took from the bed, so Bella walk ahead. Although the box was old, it was close to Jim, Bella could tell.

"What is this Jim?" Bella asked. She only could see the cloth and the thing was wrapped in it.

"I made this for you," Jim replied and opened the cloth. It was a pretty necklace made up of shells.

"Wow! I love it. Did you go to the beach?" Bella asked unconsciously because, for visiting the beach, they had to go to the nearby town. So she thought maybe the orphanage would have arranged for a picnic on the beach, but Jim's answer broke her heart.

"No, a visitor came and gave us different gifts and I choose this one. I wish I could go to the beach one day. I will gather many of them for you," Jim said with a pleasant smile. It was his wish, but not his demand.

Isabella's heart was proud of this boy and felt sorry for the parents who left him.

"Sweetheart, I will take you there. It will be you and me," Bella whispered, sitting on his small bed. Isabella didn't know how precious her words sounded to Jim which brought tears to his eyes. He didn't want this pretty sister to do things for him. He was happy if she met him often. Sadly, his thoughts didn't come out in the end.

Isabella hugged him, pulled him close, and pacified his heart.

"I will come soon again," Bella said, and Jim nodded.

When Bella left the orphanage, it was almost evening. A day had been spent well. Besides everything, she couldn't forget Jim's Eyes. As the days passed by, Jim became more emotional toward her. You'll never know when you become someone's favorite.

Bella sighed and entered the car.

Her unconscious mind didn't notice whether the Butler and the same chauffeur were in the car.