Guarded

Chapter 7

So yeah, maybe I was starting to understand why someone might find Barbosa attractive. Maybe. But you can find someone hot and not have to jump their bones right?

I got off the bus at the terminal stop and tried not to trip on the pavement. I wasn't planning on being sneaky about this escape, I knew my parents would find out when the bank statement came back. They really should've known this was coming since I do it once a month though of course I had to keep getting creative with my methods of getting away.

I had to use all my strength to get the door open. The orphanage doors had always been a bit sticky but with a good try I managed to force it open and was met with the sound of screaming and giggles. I passed through the room where the children ate, throwing a bag of sweets on one of the tables and followed the noise to the main room.

I watched the children for a moment as the played and ran around the colourful room before making my presence known. "Hey guys" I shouted to be heard over the laughter and soon had a flock of kids surrounding me.

"Theresa! Where were you?"

"Theresa, look! Look! There's a new boy"

"Tor-wee! Tor-wee! What did you bring us?"

"I painted this for you. Look at it Tori. You're not looking"

"Woah, woah, kids slow down. I've just walked in"

"Did you get us something tor-wee?" I heard in the crowd.

"Maybe. Why don't you check the eating room" I teased then watched as most of the children ran off. "Jonathan, I'd love for you to show me that painting you did?"

The remaining kids dragged me around showing me paintings and photos before joining the others for candy.

"Therese! Therese! Up, up" I looked down at Annabelle, the smallest child. She hand her arms stretched towards me, flexing her fingers demanding I pick her up.

She's was heavier then last time I visited and I couldn't believe she was just skin and bones when her asshole father left her on the doorstep. "You've grown" I said throwing her up. It made me glad Vivian fed the kids well instead of just using the donations for herself.

"Therese" I found it so cute how some of the kids said my name.

"Yes?"

"Vivian says were getting a trampoline outside"

"A trampoline? Wow!" I tried to sound super excited about it. Trampolines; slides; TVs; warm meals every day. Most of the children wouldn't have gotten this stuff if it wasn't for the orphanage. "Where's Vivian?"

"In the kitchen"

"Ok. Go join the other kids" I put her back on her feet and made my way to kitchen. I found Vivian stirring a big pot, the steam coming out of it making her hair frizzy.

She dropped the wooden spoon when she noticed me in the room "Theresa!" her wrapped me up in a hug "the kids must have freaked out when you came in"

"Yeah sorry. I also brought them sweets. Sorry again"

"You spoil them too much"

"Me? Didn't I hear you were getting them a trampoline?"

"Oh. That. Well the kids were badgering me to get one and now I can afford it so I thought, why not?"

"That reminds me" I pulled a check from my pocket.

"Theresa, no. You don't have to do that. Just visiting is enough. The kids love you and I know how hard it is for you to come see them"

"It's the least I could do for you. I know you don't get many donations, and the kids deserve it" I still saw hesitation in her eyes. The orphanage didn't get many funds but the kids always needed something. I put the check in her palm "take the check Viv"

"What would we do without you?"