Visiting The Orphans

***********

CHAPTER 44 – Visiting the Orphans

Like she had initially said, Era made her way to the house in guise of going horse riding, while Arya and aquaria sneaked out of the palace to meet up with her.

The moment she arrived there, the kids were all joyed and happy to meet her, especially Anna. The second the door to the house pulled open and she slain eyes on Era, her lips curved upwards into a brilliant smile and tears began to stream down her cheeks.

"Isn't someone happy to see me?" Era asked when none of them moved.

Just like spellbound servants, all of them became jovial instantly and ran up to meet her with Anna taking the lead.

"Miss, we miss you."

"I got a new dress."

"Look at my hair."

"I like this place."

"We are being treated nicely."

"I was given enough food."

There were several talks all around that Era felt as though her ears would soon burst. Regardless of how it was, she was glad nonetheless that they were happy and okay.

Smiling at each one of them, Era leaned down a bit to kiss each in turn on their foreheads and caress their cheeks.

When she got to Anna's turn, a gentler smile was shown. She did not just kiss her on her forehead but also on her cheeks and whispered something into the young child's ear.

"Here is my secret, Anna, I missed you so much."

Just hearing those words from Era, Anna smiled and wiped her face clean of her tears.

"That's better. Now how have you all been?"

Era did not even get to finish asking her questions when every one of them started yelling their answers to her. She cringed at their noise before turning around to look at Arya and Aquata for help.

Noticing Era's challenge, Aquata walked up to them with her face full of smiles and tried her technique in calming them down. "Hello, children."

"Hello, Aunty!" They hollered their response.

"Nice. Now, do you mind giving Aunty some breathing space? She would listen to you all and guess what she brought sweets for you all," Aquata chipped in.

"Really?"

"Yes. So if you want to have a taste of the ice treat she brought and go outside to play later, I suggest you give her listening ears. So, do we all promise to be good boys and girls?"

"Yes, Aunty."

"Great. Now I leave you to her." Turning to face Era, Aquata spoke, "Your ma…" she paused as soon as she saw Era's warning gaze before smiling apologetically at her and mouthing 'sorry' to her.

"Umm, Miss, please do you mind speaking with them now? They are much quieter now."

"Thank you so much, Aquata. I would take it from here." Aquata nodded at her first before withdrawing back and giving her room to be with the kids.

"Everyone, I am sure your stay here has been great, right?" They nodded at her. "Good. Now before we proceed with the happenings of today, I would love to take this opportunity to introduce to everyone another one of your up-keepers and trainers."

Instantly, everywhere fell into apt silence as they looked up at her expectantly.

"Good. Arya, please step forward," Era voiced out loudly so Arya could hear her and the others as well.

Obeying jerk she took several steps forward and only came to a stop when she was about two feet's behind Era.

"Ma?"

"Come stand with me, please." She did as she was commanded and walked up to her then fixed her gaze on Era expectantly. "Everyone, meet Aunty Arya. She would come here every once or twice a week to care for you all. I hope you children would treat her with respect as you would treat myself and Aquata as well as the others?"

"Yes, Miss. We will," they chorused again.

"Good, I trust and believe that."

Suddenly Era felt a small tap on her leg and she looked downwards only for her eyes to lock with that small girl from the forest.

"Hey lovely, how are you?"

"Fine."

"What is it? Why are you not looking happy?" Era inquired.

She hesitated first, sulking and saying inaudible words. However, when Era leaned further down to her level, she finally found the courage to speak. "Because of you."

"Me?" Er was stunned. What wrong did she do to this young child?

"Yes, you. What about you? I want you to come and stay with us every day and not leave me alone."

"Oh, baby." It felt as though Era would burst into tears any moment from then. Ignoring her own emotions, she leaned further down to carry her off her feet in her arms and stood back up. "There, how is that?"

The young girl did not answer. Rather she still looked dull.

"Not good enough?"

"Yes, not gooooo…" Era smiled at her inability to pronounce very well.

"Okay, how about this, Aunty promise to spend more time with you today and one of these days, I would sleep here."

"Really?"

Just hearing Era say that was more than enough to return smiles to her face and it did. Era nodded at her and then turned to face the others. "Do you all love the idea?"

"Yes!"

"Great then. Unfortunately, I am always busy that is why I can't be here all the time. Nevertheless, I would try to make it up to you and soon, I would get you, people, to teach and educate you all. Just bear with me."

"We can do that. Back then at home, mum and dad were always busy. Mum said grownups were like that. It is part of being an adult, she said," one of the young boys voiced out his opinion proudly.

"Exactly, mother was right. But we would still love and cherish you. Now, who is ready to get their sweets?"

"I… Me…"

"Don't shout and make noise, remember what Aunty Aquata said." Quickly everyone behaved and waited patiently. "Good. First, I would love to know your names, then we can share the sweets. Shall we begin?"