HAVANA FAMILY BANQUET (5): ADOPTING MIRA

Arianna woke up early. She had developed a habit of waking up early after she became a mom. As she stretched her stomach ached her, she had eaten so much the previous night.

She wanted to make breakfast today so she freshened up and gave Arian a bath as well.

She hurried down the stairs and arrived at the kitchen.

' Am I late? Good morning everyone.' She says as she enters the kitchen.

' Good morning 4th Miss. Do you need something?' The head kitchen maid says.

At this moment, Rosalind is coming down to the kitchen to see through the preparation for breakfast when she sees Arianna rushing to the kitchen. She goes back to her room and tells the butler, ' I want the surveillance for the kitchen.'

The butler leaves and returns with a laptop.

In the kitchen,

' I want to make breakfast.' Arianna says.

' What would you like to make?' The head kitchen maid asks.

' Leave that to me. Just get me tomatoes, flour,....' Arianna lists some more ingredients.

All the ingredients are placed on the table.

' That's a lot 4th Miss. Is there a special occasion?' The head kitchen maid asks.

' No.' Arianna replies.

' What can I help you with?' The head kitchen maid asks.

' Nothing. Sit down first, when I need your help I will tell you.' Arianna replies as she puts on her headphones.

She washed all the ingredients that needed washing and sliced all the ingredients that needed slicing.

About 90 minutes later,

' Aunt Lula, Come.' Arianna says to the head kitchen maid.

' What do you need 4th Miss?' The head kitchen maid asks.

Arianna hands her a tray containing small bowls of each dish.

There were bacons, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, toasted bread, pancakes and Cheerios with tomatoe toppings.

Arianna hands her a spoon and starts eating from the same bowl.

' 4th Miss I can't eat from the same bowl as you.' The head kitchen maid says.

' Did I ask your permission? It's not your breakfast, we are simply tasting the dishes to see if there's a problem with any.' Arianna replies.

After finishing the dishes, Arianna divides the food aisays to Lula,

' Get someone to take these dishes to the breakfast table, You get orange juice for everyone and make ginger tea for Grandmother. Then pack up these other ones for me. I will go freshen up. One more thing, If asked you prepared the dishes. You can only mention my name when there is trouble.' Arianna says and leaves.

Meanwhile in Rosalind's room,

Rosalind looks at the screen wondering what the excess food is for.

*******

I had just finished freshening up when my phone started ringing. It was Raymond, The moment I answered it he screamed my name.

I took the phone away from my ear as I waited to regain my temporarily lost hearing.

' What's your deal dude?' I ask.

' My deal is that Riona hasn't answered any of my calls and she even blocked me. Please plead with her.' Raymond says.

' What did you do?' I ask.

' Nothing. I swear!' he replies.

' Fine, I will talk to her.' I say.

' Thank you. You've saved my life.' He replied overdramatically.

I hung up and went to Riona's room. I wonder what happened this time. I pushed the door open, Riona was doing her hair.

' Good morning Ari.' Riona greeted cheerfully.

' Good morning Rio.' I replied.

' What's up?' She ask.

' Why'd you block Raymond?' I say.

' Oh that, he was way too annoying and creepy. He kept sending me love emojis and "I miss you" GIFs. I had 1539 messages, so I did the best possible thing blocked his contact.' Riona replies,

' Woah! It's either he's jobless, creepy or hopelessly in love.' I say.

' The first two options describes the situation perfectly.' Riona replies.

The door opens and Ashley enters

' It's time for breakfast.' Ashley says.

I went to get Arian and placed him in his stroller. Then I joined Everyone at the table.

' Good morning everyone.' I say.

I could here replies from everyone and I could feel the death glares from Uncle Stephen and Ava. I ignored it, afterall I have already received my 15 million pounds compensation.

Grandmother entered and we all lowered our head and greeted her. Arian did his gibberish routine while waving at grandmother as if they were long lost friends.

The maids serve the dishes and everyone eats silently.

I felt eyes on me and I looked up to see Ashley and Riona staring at me. Of course they figured out I made the food. I turned my gaze away guiltily.

' I must say, the chef gave it their all this time. It's almost as good as Oliver's cooking.' Aunt Lily says.

' I was going to say the same thing.' Mom says.

I drowned in pride silently.

The rest of breakfast went silently and soon all the dishes were finished. I retreated to my room and put some gifts I brought in a bag. Then I went to the kitchen and the maids helped me take the packed food to a car. I got Arian's stroller and placed him in the car. I need to get my phone.

***********

' Have someone place a tracker on the car she prepared. And arrange for some people to follow her.' Rosalind says to the butler.

Arianna enters the car and drives off. She stops at a supermarket and buys a pack of orange juice and about 10 jars of jam. She resumes her journey and soon stop at a building.

Bright Future Orphanage.

' Look! Sister Olivia is here.' A small boy says and the children gather around Arianna.

The older kids wait for the little ones to hug to their fill.

' Guys please help me with some things.' Arianna says holding Arian.

The older kids help her unpack all the things she brought and brings it to the Warden's office.

' Hello Aunt Hilda.' Arianna greets.

' Oh my! What a lovely surprise Olivia. How are you? Oh my your son is so handsome. What's his name?' Hilda replies.

' I am good Aunty. His name is Arian.' Arianna replies.

Arianna shares all she brought among the kids and they all sit in the cafeteria while Arianna and Hilda goes to the office.

' You wanted to discuss something with me?' Arianna says.

' Well, the rate of adoption is now increasing. The adoptive parents are pleased that the children get to learn to play the instruments and also learn languages as well as etiquette. And we have you to thank for that. However we have one girl, she's 13 and is autistic. Noone is willing to adopt her and she doesn't like the Orphanage as she really likes her own personal space.' Hilda says.

' Very well. I will adopt Mira, I will talk to her and see if she likes the idea.' Arianna replies.

' Very well. I will get someone to call Mira.' Hilda says.

' No need. I will go to her.' Arianna replies.

' Her room is room 7.' Hilda says.

Arianna located room 7 in no time. She opened the door and sees a blonde girl looking at a book.

' Hello Mira.' Arianna says.

Mira looks up.

' My name is Olivia, some people call me Arianna. You can call me anyone you like.' Arianna replies.

Mira looks at Arianna. Wasn't this the Orphanage's sponsor?

' Mira, I would like to adopt you.' Arianna says.

' Why?' Mira asks barely audible.

' Well, I live alone with my son and I am surrounded with oldies. My sister and my friend live in another city and I feel it will be nice to have a friend with me. There's no rush, I will drop by everyday so we can get to know each other then you can make your decision.' Arianna says.

' You can adopt me.' Mira replies.

' Are you sure?' Arianna asks.

' Mm.' Mira replies.

' I live in America. Will you be alright with the change in environment?' Arianna asks.

' Mm.' Mira replies.

' Okay then. Come with me.' Arianna says.

The adoption process is done and completed.

' Mira you will stay here for a few days till I settle something here. Then we go to Chicago, alright?' Arianna says.

' Mm.' Mira replies.