Ariana Grande adopts - - 🦋Beyond the Stage🦋

｡°Finally at the orphanage°｡

Six months had passed since Ariana and Ethan began the adoption process. It had been intense months of interviews, home visits, and a detailed analysis of their lives, but they had finally successfully completed the home study. Now, they were ready to take the next step: visiting an orphanage and meeting the children.

On that morning, the sun was shining in the blue sky, and Ariana's mansion was filled with a palpable energy of anticipation. She was in the closet, carefully choosing an outfit that was comfortable and welcoming. Ethan entered, bringing a cup of tea.

Ethan: "Here you go, my star. Tea to calm the nerves."

Ariana: smiling "Thank you, love. I'm so nervous and excited at the same time."

Ethan: hugging her from behind "It will all go well. The kids will love you."

Ariana: sighing "I hope so. I want this day to be perfect."

Ethan fell silent.

Ethan: with a serious expression "Ariana, I need to talk to you. I'm sorry, but something came up at work, and I won't be able to accompany you to the orphanage today."

Ariana looked at him, disappointed, but understanding the situation.

Ariana: sighing "It's okay, Ethan. I understand. Work is work. But I can't wait to tell you all about the visit when I get back."

Ethan: holding her hands "I can't wait to hear either. And I promise I'll make sure to be available for the next steps."

Ariana nodded, feeling grateful for Ethan's support, even if he couldn't be present at that crucial moment. After saying their goodbyes, Ariana set off towards the orphanage with a mix of feelings.

Upon arrival, she was greeted by Mary, the social worker, who guided her through the facilities and explained the children's routine. Ariana tried to appear excited, but inside, she was feeling a little disheartened by Ethan's absence.

When they reached the recreation room, Ariana watched the children playing and laughing. She tried to engage but couldn't find the same connection she hoped for. A feeling of disappointment began to grow inside her, and she started to wonder if she was really ready for this.

Ariana walked around the recreation room, carefully observing each child and trying to approach them one by one. She sat with a group of girls who were playing house and smiled at their creativity in inventing stories and characters.

Ariana: excitedly "What are you guys doing? Can I join?"

The girls looked at Ariana with surprise and excitement, inviting her to join them. Ariana joined in, playing the role of a magical fairy who helped the characters solve their imaginary problems.

As they played, Ariana felt a lightness in her heart, immersing herself in the children's imagination and putting aside her own problems for a moment.

Later, Ariana approached a group of boys who were building a fortress with building blocks. She admired their ingenuity and praised their building skills.

Ariana: impressed "Wow, this is amazing! Can I help?"

The boys were surprised and excited to see Ariana interested in joining their game. They quickly gave her a task, and together they worked to build the fortress of their dreams.

As they built, Ariana felt connected to the boys, sharing laughs and stories as they worked together on their project.

After spending time with the children, Ariana sat on a nearby bench, watching them play and interact with each other. She felt grateful to have had the opportunity to share that special moment with them, even if she hadn't yet found an individual connection that touched her deeply.

That's when her eyes landed on a solitary figure, a little girl sitting alone with a stuffed llama in her hands.

Ariana immediately noticed this solitary figure and decided to approach Mary, the orphanage's social worker, for more information.

Ariana: gently "Sorry to interrupt, Mary. Who's that little girl over there, in the corner?"

Mary looked in the direction indicated by Ariana, her gaze softening, but there was a shadow of concern in her eyes.

Mary: with a sigh "That's Zoe. She's... a complicated story."

Ariana sensed the caution in Mary's words and leaned in to listen more attentively.

Ariana: with interest "How so?"

Mary: choosing her words carefully "Zoe has been through a lot in life. She's a sweet girl, but she carries emotional scars that make her a bit withdrawn."

Ariana felt a tightness in her chest, wondering what this little girl could have possibly faced.

Ariana: concerned "What happened to her?"

Mary sighed, sorrowful, as she explained Zoe's difficult journey in more detail.

Mary: with sadness "Zoe is only 4 years old, but she's already faced more tragedies than many adults. She comes from an extremely dysfunctional and toxic family, where abuse was a common occurrence. Zoe witnessed terrible things from a young age, including episodes of domestic violence and emotional neglect. Her parents, unfortunately, passed away in a terrible accident, in which Zoe was present and witnessed everything."

Ariana remained silent, just listening without knowing what to say.

Mary: with a weak smile "If you'd like, I can take you to Zoe. Maybe the presence of a new face can bring some light to her day."

Ariana agreed with a smile and followed Mary to Zoe.

Zoe was sitting alone in a corner, quietly playing with a llama stuffed animal.

Mary: gently "Zoe, this is Ariana. She came here today to meet you and the other children."

Zoe looked at Ariana with big, sad eyes, her expression showing a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Ariana smiled warmly at Zoe, trying to convey calmness and understanding through her gaze.

Ariana: softly "Hello, Zoe. My name is Ariana. I'm very happy to meet you. Your llama stuffed animal is very cute. Is it your friend?"

Zoe looked at the stuffed animal in her lap, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Zoe timidly, wordlessly, just nodded in response and curled up in the corner.

Ariana felt a tug at her heart seeing Zoe's shyness, but she also felt a renewed determination to help the girl in the best way possible.

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Hey, everyone!

Just popping in to let you know that the story is really kicking into gear now! I'm super excited to hear what you all think of the latest chapters. So, don't be shy, leave your comments and spill the tea! 😊

XOXO!