Chasing After My Wife

"Is it done?" Travis asked him, meaning the computers that Brown supervised to be set up on that day.     

"Yup. Just got it done." Brown pulled another chair and sat at the table beside Jade's chair.     

Jade saw his forehead dotted in sweat and he was breathing hard. "Were you running in the hallway?" she asked with her small voice while trying to reach the small handkerchief inside her pocket.     

"Little girl, you are so smart. I was running to come here because I don't want to miss this activity." Brown chatted with Jade, grinning at her like a fool while he was still sweating.     

"Are you friends with the big sister here and big brother?" she asked while looking at Jillyanna and Travis.     

"Yes. Why?"     

"Since you are friends with them, you can use my handkerchief to wipe your sweat."     

"Oh.." Brown chuckled as he reached for the small cloth on Jade's hand. "Thank you so much. What's your name?"     

"My name is Jade. You?"     

"My name is Evan."     

Jade found another person to talk to and enjoy herself. Brown didn't mind chatting with her since he also came from an orphanage. Even though he was well-off now, he didn't forget his origin. In fact, most of his income from the military service was given to different orphanages and foundations.     

As the program continued, Hawk would come out every after a performance to give prizes during games. They played different kinds of games and the children's laughter were so nice to hear. It can make your heart feel warm and feel accomplished.     

"It's almost lunch time, so everyone let's take a break and have our lunch." Jiya announced and the kids exclaimed happily. "Let's go to our dining hall."     

One after another, the children lined out and walked out of the activity hall to get into their dining hall. There were different kinds of food from different restaurants.     

Jillyanna remembered that some of the kids wished to eat delicious food during Christmas but she changed those to tangible items like clothes or toys.     

"You coordinated with several restaurants?" Jillyanna asked her husband who was silently pushing her wheelchair for her.     

"I informed Riley and Shein about this. They were the ones who gathered all these restaurant services. They paid for this, too."     

"Really?! I..I didn't know about that." Jillyanna never thought that her small act of kindness years ago would give her so much blessings and support. She never knew that Riley and Shein were doing this for the kids. "I am so proud of myself." she burst out with a wide smile. "I raised four children who turned out really kind and helpful."     

"It's because you were kind and helpful to them." Brown told her while carrying Jade in his arms.     

"Eh?! Brown, where did you get this child?" Savannah asked while watching Jade in his arms.     

"Big brother, you told me your name is Evan. Why is she calling you Brown?" Jade's inquisitive look deemed him speechless. "Did you lie?"     

"No, he wasn't." Savannah saved Brown instantly from the little girl's accusing look. "In our family, we called him Brown but his real name is Evan."     

"I understand." Jade zipped her mouth and didn't say another word when she got the response.     

Jillyanna giggled while watching them explain themselves to Jade. She knew it! Having her around would add up to the cheerfulness in their house.     

Valkyrie came inside and was introduced to Jade as well. They didn't want to shock the girl that they will adopt her, so Jillyanna allowed her to get used to the presence of her friends.     

They had their lunch with all the children and the social workers. The doctor was there too, asking Jillyanna how she was doing and letting them know few things about Jade.     

After lunch, they had a short opening ceremony to their mini computer laboratory. Travis also announced that they will be accepting part-time workers in Xavier's Shoe Company and Factory and that the orphanage is the priority when it comes to this work offer.     

Children who were of age to work were happy that they can earn their own money. They were happy that they can go to school like normal kids. They were happy that they finally have their own computer rooms for research.     

After the ceremony, they continued their program in the activity hall. There was a short drama and interpretative dance. After that, they had another game before they all took a rest.     

"Did you have fun everyone?!" Jiya shouted happily and turned her mic on them.     

"Yes!" Everyone answered gleefully to her question.     

"I am glad to hear that you are having fun. And now!" the children turned quiet and paid attention to her. "Now, your most awaited part has come. It is gift giving!"     

Their smiling faces, cheerful laughters, high and low fives, fist bumps and, other expressions and actions were recorded in Jillyanna's mind. 'Dad, you protected these smiles and I am glad I could do the same.' she noted mentally while watching them.     

Hawk was sitting on stage with several huge bags with different presents inside. Valkyrie and Brown were going back and forth to carry bags while Hawk read the name of the kids to hand out their gifts.     

On the other side of the stage, Savannah had a list of names, too. It was the list of staff in the orphanage. Instead of wrapped gifts or presents, she was handing them a red envelopes as their year-end bonus. They just added a little extra on top of their calculated 13th month pay.     

Saying it was a little extra was an understatement. When the staff opened their red envelope, their eyes were wide open from surprise. The little extra was a big amount to them.     

"We just got the slip for our 13th month pay and now we got this extra red packet. The young madam is really generous." one of the employees stated.     

"As long as we do our work properly, they won't treat us badly." Jiya told them. "We have to take care of the children and teach them properly. That is how we can repay our benefactor's kindness."     

Atty. Lewis got his red packet, too but he shared it to the other staff instead. "You don't really have to give me anything." he told Jillyanna when he got back to his seat.     

"You deserve it."     

"I don't have family anymore. I don't money or any kinds of riches. I can't bring it to my grave. Instead of giving it to me, just give it to the orphanage. My soul will be more happy to see that."     

"Okay. I will do that next time." Jillyanna promised to the old man.     

Outside the gate of the orphanage, a car stopped but no one came out. It stayed for a few minutes before it left the place.     

"That's weird." the guard murmured before running towards the activity hall and informed Valkyrie about it.