Chapter 10: To The Orphanage

"What is this place? Sir Herald?"

Ana asked as she looks at the orphanage where many children are playing happily. The dog silently wags his tail for he was in the little girl's arms.

"This is an orphanage, Ana"

"Orphanage... so this is the place that Tia talks about..."

It was Oliver who answered Ana's question for Herald seems to not hear the little girl's question.

Ana curiously looks at the establishment. By that, she knew what will happen to her. Oliver still has some hesitation about what he will do. His mind is telling him that it would be the best for Ana but then, he can't help but feel bad about doing this. Another life will be placed inside an orphanage. A place that gives unwanted or misfortune children another hopes to have a comfortable life with their new family but it is also a place where the kids happiness can be ruined as no one wants them to be part of their family. 

Heading inside the establishment, Ana slowly follows Oliver. 

"Good day... what can we do for you?" A lady greeted them with a welcoming smile. 

"I am... Olive.  Would you mind introducing me to the one who owns or handles this orphanage?"

As soon as the lady heard his name, she slightly nod her head. Even if his face isn't something that she is familiar with, even if his name isn't something that is popularly known, his outfit says it all. He is rich. Even Herald, the driver, and bodyguard is finely wearing a tuxedo. She knew for sure that the man in front of her is no ordinary person. Putting down the broom in her hand she stops what she is doing.  Open the door behind her, the gestures she is giving tell completely how much respect she had towards them. 

"This way please"

The very moment they enter the place, children can be seen everywhere.  Some are toddlers and some are old enough to take care of the younger ones. 

'So many children... I wonder how they survive each day. This place doesn't seem to be finely maintained too. You can see some spots that are poorly fixed'

"Mr..."

"Sister Evangeline, he is Mr. Olive"

"Mr. Olive, I am Sister Evangeline and it is a pleasure to meet an honorable person like you"

'That is something I didn't see coming. I didn't even tell who I am yet she welcomed me as if I am someone worth addressing...'

"The pleasure is mine"

A gentle smile can be seen on her lips. Even so, Oliver knew that it wasn't something genuine.  After living and growing up in an orphanage, he knew that something like that is not as genuine as it looks. Even the sisters in the orphanage he grew up with, everyone who helps them or has the power to help the orphanage is greeted and treated with utmost respect and importance. 

Oliver sat in the chair offered by Sister Evangeline. Herald stands beside Oliver. 

"Ana, you go and play with them as you please"

She smiled and nod her head. With that, the lady who welcomed them accompanied her to join the other children. 

"About the reason why I was here..."

"You would like the little girl to be in our custody, Ana? Is that her name?"

"You are sharp in reading people's mind"

"That is thanks to my experiences. I have come across so many people maybe that is why" slightly chuckling, her gaze landed on the area where you can see the children playing happily. 

"This place... cannot handle taking another child.  I bet Mr. Olive can see that"

Oliver didn't respond in the Sister's word. He let her continue telling what she wanted to say. 

"Day by day, it is a struggle for us how we can feed those children. The small food we harvest from our humble backyard is not enough to fill the stomach of each and every little kids we are taking care of. Even if we got some donations... it is not as if that mere amount can buy food for the infants' milk and the expenses of this orphanage. As much as I want to help every child in need,---"

"I bet that is something every orphanage faces each day"

"It was sad to accept such fortune but I can't deny that was the truth"

"If I help you to ensure that this orphanage will survive, what can I get in return?"

It was something that the sister didn't imagine hearing.  She was used to people sharing their fortune out of kindness. He is the very first to say such a thing.

"Goodman will be sent to heaven"

Blankly staring at the old lady, Oliver look at sister Evangelina. 'I wonder if that even exists...' he thought to himself. 

"Heaven... you say"

"Yes, as long as we do good things... we will be sent to heaven"

"Heaven..."

Letting out a faint smile Oliver put his hands together. "Sorry sister Evangeline but as you can see I do not believe in such a thing. For me, it is nothing but a flowery word to describe a place that is existing only in a world that is called fantasy."

"Mr. Olive, as I can see you are not a person who believes in gods "

Oliver didn't say anything and kept silent as he was under the state of thinking whether he would say the things that are running in his mind. At last, he comes out to the conclusion of not wording out his thought.

While they are in the middle of speaking to each other, different voices started to shout to call the attention of the one who have the authority in that orphanage. It was coming outside the building where the children are playing. With that being said, herald finds that something is odd. He was about to ask for Oliver's permission to let him check what was the reason for that noises outside. But then as soon as he look in the place on we're Oliver was sitting a while ago, it was nothing but an empty misplaced chair and the door that is connected to the outside of the establishment is wide open.