The second visit to the orphanage was much more organized. Each group went straight to their room assignment to engage the children with activities they prepared.
In the room, Kylo felt the change in the atmosphere. It seems like everyone was getting along. They were smiling at each other, working in harmony. Though he was not complaining, for what he expected to become a drama turned into a comedy with Geoffrey as the main star.
The class that they were handling have 20 children between the age of 11-13. There were 6 boys and 14 girls. They were very active, asking a lot of questions, and even suggesting what they want to do for the day.
Initially, Geoffrey planned for them to have activities like reading a book or asking them to solve mathematical questions. However, the children hated those. But the children rebuked him without mercy.
"No, no, brother Geoffrey, we don't want to do study those subjects. We only have Saturday and Sundays as our off, and we only get to spend time with you all twice a month. We have waited to 2 weeks for you all to return."
"Yes, Eli is right. We don't want to study things we always learn on normal days. We want to spend time with you and have fun." Another girl name Sarah said.
Geoffrey was at a loss for words. He does not know if he should be happy for they were very candid in voicing their opinion, or should he be angry, because never had he experience people contradict and reject his words outright.
Serena and Emily feeling bad for him spoke at the same time. Serena feeling that she was being meddlesome smiled at Emily to let her speak first. Regardless of what she feels about her, she will be the next queen, she thought.
"Children, please don't say that to brother Geoffrey, he was just suggesting those activities for your own good." She tried to admonish them nicely.
"But Sister Emily, we really don't want to do those things. Can't we do something else?"
Emily looked at Geoffrey as if asking for his permission. When he gave her a nod, she asked the children.
"Alright, then what do you suggest we do?"
"I know, I know! How about we play the hot seat?"
"That sounds great! I want to know more about our brothers and sisters!"
"Yes! Maybe brother Kylo should go first, he never talks to us!"
"Please, please, can we play the hot seat? We want to get to know everyone better! How about brother Geoffrey go first?" another girl asked.
All the young girls stared at Kylo and Geoffrey. they were curious about the handsome men, while the boys eyed them like they were pest that stole all the girls' attention.
Kylo this time felt that he was in a horror film. The young prepubescent girls were so loud and demanding, 'I'm never doing volunteer work again. I don't want to be here.' He thought. As he stood up and sat on the teacher's table in front.
"Okay, shoot. Do we need a timer?" He asked.
"No need brother Kylo, the rule is, everyone gets to ask one question. You can only say pass three times!"
Kylo nodded his head thinking, 'might as well get this over with. What's the worst that they can ask?'
"I'll go first! Brother Kylo, do you have a girlfriend?" a young girl, he estimated was about 12 asked him.
"No." he replied, then the young girls started cheering.
"My turn, my turn! Brother Kylo, are you an albino?"
Kylo furrowed his brow, "No, and my hair is silver."
The questions went on, some nonsense, and there was even a boy who asked if he were still a virgin, to which he proudly answered no.
Then it was Geoffrey's turn.
"Brother Geoffrey, have you very kissed a girl?"
Geoffrey's face immediately turned red as he said pass.
"NOOOOO!!!! My prince charming already kissed a toad!" one child screamed.
Emily felt her brow twitch but kept silent.
Then a boy who finds him irritating because of stealing all the girl's attention asked, "Do you think you're so cool and handsome?"
Geoffrey said pass again, the boy harrumphed while Serena and Kylo chuckled secretly.
"Will you marry me?" another girl asked as she batted her eyelashes.
"No." he replied without mercy making the young girl cry.
"Are you a virgin?" another boy asked.
Well, he is but he's not answering that. "Pass."
"Are you really the crown prince?"
"Yes."
"Do you think Sister Serena is very beautiful?"
"Pass."
"No, you can't say pass! Remember, you already said pass three times!" a girl bellowed.
A moment of silence filled the room.
Geoffrey sighed but answered, "Yes."
Then all the girls cheered and high fived. They felt like their ship was sailing.
Serena blushed, although she only saw him as a friend, it was still flattering to know that he found her beautiful.
After that, the questions were filled with nonsense and finally, Geoffrey was able to stand up from the seat.
When it was Emily's and Serena's turn, the questions were tamer. They only asked, what's your favorite color, what is your favorite flower and the likes. Perhaps the only notable question asked to Serena was if she found Geoffrey handsome, to which she answered a pass. Not that she didn't, find him handsome that is, but she rather not answer for she does not want him and Emily to get the wrong message.
Then it was the children's turn. After a while, everyone was done, and it was time for lunch.
Food for lunch this time was much better than the last. The student council provided the meal as not to put too much burden on the orphanage's expenses.
When Serena placed her tray on the table and sat on the bench, she was given a view of Charlton entering with his own groupmates. She noticed that he was walking with Isabel who kept on talking to him. She saw that he was being polite while keeping a certain distance. Good for him. Then, her view was suddenly obstructed.
Geoffrey sat in front of Serena as he placed his tray on the table. "Is this seat taken?"
Serena was surprised but shook her head.
He smiled at her then began by saying, "I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I hope that it won't make things awkward between us."
She had no intention of giving him the wrong impression, so she did not act all shy. Since she considered him just as a friend, she just shook her head and grinned. "No problem, it's not like you said anything which I don't already know."
Geoffrey chuckled with what she said. If it were like before, he would have reprimanded her. But now, he just found it funny. He did not find her arrogant but confident.
Then they were joined by Kylo and Emily. Emily for her part did not act all jealous. She just acted cordial and ate her meal in silence.
—
Charlton saw Geoffrey sit in front of Serena. Although he did not like it one bit, he could not do anything about it. They were in the same group, so interaction between the two was inevitable. All he can do was trust Serena. Besides, Geoffrey did admit to him once that he was seeing Emily.
Based on Emily's facial expression, it doesn't seem like she minded what was happening. It was unlikely that she would not react negatively if her boyfriend were blatantly pursuing Serena while she, his girlfriend, was sitting with them.
Isabel followed where Charlton was looking at as he did not answer her question. She saw him looking at Emily, so she could not help saying, "Ah… that's my friend Emily." As if trying to remind him of something.
"Oh, is she the same person you told me about in our first meeting?"
"Yes…"
"Ah… so, is she still seeing that guy with the fiancée?"
Isabel doesn't really know but thinking that Charlton was more interested in her friend than herself, she could only say, "Yes. It seems like the man will be breaking his engagement with the other girl for her. I feel bad for the girl. I know I am Emily's friend, but I don't really agree with what she's doing."
Charlton felt as if a weight was lifted off his chest. So, he smiled at Isabel as he nodded his head. "Yes, too bad for the girl."
—
After lunch, the children were more behaved. Serena and her groupmates proceeded with Geoffrey's initial plan. They had some activities which purpose was to help them assess the current academic level/ standing of the children.
The results made them figure that although the children were 11-13 years old, they can barely read. Simple math was difficult for them too.
Geoffrey furrowed his brows. He did not expect that it was this bad. It would be quite difficult for them to direct the children towards an academic path. Not only because of their current level, but also based on what happened earlier. Most of them were just not interested.
When they were about to leave, Serena saw Geoffrey writing on his notebook disheartened. Kylo went ahead saying he needed some air, and Emily, who they were waiting for, was still in the comfort room. Taking pity on him as she understood his predicament, she gave him a comforting smile and said, "Don't let it get to you. People have different talents and interests. Also, this group of children have not been exposed to the idea that education can bring them a lot of benefit in the future."
He smiled back, her words making him feel better. "thank you." He replied.
"Anytime."
—
TBC
