Chapter 2 The Orphanage

Stephanie's POV

Friday afternoon, early we left Daddy's office. We made our way to Tagaytay to visit Alonzo Charity which has become our routine to bond with the staff there. When Daddy and I arrived at the Alonzo Charity Office we kissed Mommy. I let him know that Brandon and I were going to the Orphanage.

Brandon is the one Daddy trusts about the security and order of the charity even in our house here in Tagaytay, because we are only here every weekend and every Sunday night we go home to Manila.

Brandon is my age, elegant, well-shaped and most of all he is handsome and he looks like Coco Martin(an actor in the Philippines). Cheerful and high sense of humor. He was a trustee, but my parents considered him their son and a brother for me. Kind and considerate especially to Alonzo Charity.

"Good Afternoon, Miss Alonzo," he opened up to me with his sweet smile.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, let's go," I told him.

We were on our way to the orphanage, carrying rations such as rice, biscuits, noodles, and much more. We also carry clothes for the children. Surely the kids there will be happy when they see them. This is the good part of our family, to help others.

Brandon's story is straightforward while driving. I listened quietly but when he had a high sense of humor, I didn't hold my laugh anymore because his jokes were also funny. I was still holding my stomach because I couldn't stop laughing. Brandon enjoys it while others enjoy his jokes.

We arrived safely, the kids almost running away when they saw Daddy's car being driven by Brandon while heading to the parking lot to park. If only they hadn't been restrained they would have probably run into the vehicle. Others, still jumping for joy. I just smiled while still inside the car.

"Sister Stephanie!" The children shouted when they saw me get out of the car.

I waved at them and gave them a flying kiss and then I helped Brandon get our things. He came back two more times and there I accompanied him to enter. Their function hall echoed with the noise of the children. There they gather when a visitor arrives.

We were greeted by the children's hugs and Brandon was also hugged by them. He picked up Dahlia who was the youngest of all because she was only three years old and might get stung. Dahlia is a hybrid, with long eyelashes, curly long hair, and tender child.

Someone hugged my two thighs while I still had a hug. They also kissed my cheek.

Almost all of them kissed me when they were over thirty. They can see that they have been well cared for. Looks like new baths even. I could smell their shampoo and soap used.

The guards let us spend some time with them.

When it was time for a snack, Brandon and I still took care of them. I raised Dahlia while we took care of the other children. When it was all over, we went out to the playground while Brandon was still inside who was still arranging our belongings.

I played with the kids, they ran around with great fun and I felt the same way. After the race, we talked. After we finished outside we went inside. Brandon and I helped feed their dinner until we reached seven in the evening.

Brandon and I said goodbye to go home. We ate at a restaurant before finally going home. Because I was tired I fell asleep on the trip even though it was close. We were in the backyard when Brandon woke me up. After he delivered me he went home.

After I greeted my parents I first hung out in the living room while watching TV. My parents were talking not far from where I was sitting but I couldn't hear what they were talking about. I was bored with the inheritance so I went to the swimming pool. I will take a bath here first.

First, I went to the comfort room next to the pool where a special room housed swimming equipment including towels. I wore my favorite two-piece. I rinsed and went down to the pool. I took a swim.

I had been swimming back and forth in the pool for less than fifteen minutes when I saw my parents come out of the kitchen carrying our dinner. They went to the gazebo in the middle of the garden. I made a few more climbs and mortars before I followed the gazebo to eat again because I felt hungry. After I ate I rested a bit and continued my bath but I was with my parents the during bath now.

The next day, I woke up to find my room airy, the curtain raised, and the cold air blowing into the open balcony. The aircon was turned off so the air was fresh. The heat and cold mixed outside. I suddenly thought that today is Saturday, we will take a walk in the sights here.

I went down to eat breakfast. I just finished eating. I was just surprised that my parents were already dressed.

I hurried to take a bath and get dressed.

I brought my digicam because I will capture a lot of beautiful views. Sure, I can post a lot of Tagaytay views on my social media account. We have already started touring with my Daddy and Mommy. We also ordered rides for us kids and I'm happy because my parents don't kill joy. After all, we both want the same.

My digicam is full of photos of our family, especially me. When we were hungry we ate at a restaurant. Then we circled again. Tiresome but fun because we are in a family bonding.

Before seven o'clock in the evening, we returned home immediately. We have another walk and it is said to be dinner with Daddy's companion. To a mall, we went. When we arrived we approached a couple sitting at the table who I think was just the same age as my parents.

They even kissed, and after my parents, I waved to them. I can't remember them because it's been a long time and only now can I be with my parents' friends for dinner again.

"God bless you, hija," the smiling couple said when I did the action of blessing.

"Thank you," I replied to Daddy's friends.

"Your daughter is grown-up and turned into a beautiful lady," the Lady said to Mommy who glanced at me.

"Yes, Amiga," my Mommy said.

Since the food was ready, we all ate. After I ate I said goodbye to go to the washroom. After I used it, I just called Mommy to let me go shopping first.

After retouching I went straight to the Lady's Section to choose the ones I would buy. Apart from the dresses, I already bought other things. I've spent an hour on the weirdness here at the mall. I was about to leave when Mommy called and said that they were waiting in the parking lot.

We quickly got home from dinner. I went straight to the room immediately after I said goodbye to my parents. I carried my purchases that I immediately put away when I got to the bedroom, I put them in my closet. It's been a busy day for my family.

I woke up early when I felt the noise in the living room. I came down from my room, I saw Mommy doing the Zumba dance. She mimics the steps on television. At Mommy's age, her body is still sexy, she takes care of her body so well and l an only child.

I watched her after I came out of the kitchen to brew my coffee. Waking up my sleeping spirit. I wondered if I had just been taken aback. But not because I'm awake

When Mommy felt my presence, she turned and smiled at me.

"Want to join, hija?" Mommy asked as her body moved. Her body is soft so it looks good especially when she dances.

"No, I am sexier, thank you!" Answered her

When Mommy heard what I said she burst out laughing.

"Whatever!" I uttered.

I went up again to my room not to sleep but I went to the balcony so I could consume my coffee.

I reached inside my cellphone to go online, I scrolled up and down but my friends weren't online yet. I miss them because chat and video calls have been our communication since I came home from Germany. They are as busy with their jobs as I am. No one to talk to yet so I'll post my pictures on my social media account first.

When I saw the time, it was seven o'clock. I went down again to eat breakfast. I was just on the stairs when I smelled my parents' cooking. They cook at home and they bond with that on weekends.

On weekends we don't have jobs and those who work with us don't work either, except for Daddy's Office because they have a half-day job on Saturdays.

I also know how to do household chores because I learned in Grandpa's penthouse in Germany. My parents intended to make me independent and were happy with my result. I won't have a hard time even without a maid. Especially since there is a condo unit that Daddy bought for me.

Because of my thoughts, I realized outside that I had gone there. I went through the kitchen but I just came back. Thankfully my parents didn't notice me, they are busy with their cooking. When Daddy saw me he invited me to eat.

After we had breakfast I took a shower and got dressed because we were going to church. We thank God for everything we have received. After the church service, we would watch a movie. My parents used to go to Germany every month to fulfill their duty as a parent when I was a student, now we do it weekly.

We enjoyed eating at a restaurant, this is the part I like the most, whether it's rich or simple, eating is just fine with them. They still enjoy simple meals, at least the food here is delicious, and above all the fresh air that comes from Taal Volcano. We were upstairs with a beautiful view. Lots of people are around because Sunday is "Family Day."

After we ate we were going to the cinema when we saw Brandon's family and they were also taking a walk. After a short story and a bet, we said goodbye to buying tickets to enter the cinema.

Before I went in I bought a snack and popcorn because the movie was over two hours long. It's good because my favorite thing to watch is "Jumanji."

There were only a few people when we got inside. A few more minutes had already begun. We were already watching a movie but I noticed that my parents were talking. I can't hear the conversation but I can see the expressions on their faces.

No matter when they are business-minded, even in a movie theater or with a lot of people, their topic is still there. Their voices weren't loud, I could hear enough. I couldn't help but be amazed because Daddy was great with suggestions. Mommy is Daddy's advisor.

I heard the clue that my parents were talking about me having a bodyguard. I raised an eyebrow because when I have a bodyguard, Daddy knows. For now, I will enjoy bonding with my parents.

After we got to the cinema we had dinner early. We went home, dressed up, and started traveling home to Manila with Mommy because the Office will take care of something regarding Charity.

During our trip, we talked and laughed with Mommy and Daddy. I am grateful to my family. A lot of fun we finished today. Then I remember Dahlia, in the orphanage.

If she has a family, maybe she will be happy like me. I am praying that a good couple will adopt her and love her as their child. If it happens, I will be happy for her.

"What are you thinking, hija?" Daddy asked.

I pouted first before answering him. I sit properly and open my mouth.

"I am thinking of Dahlia, Daddy. I would be happy for her if a good couple would adopt her."

"Don't worry, hija, it will happen at the right time," Daddy said.

I just nodded my head at him.