The Son Of Ursula

Chapter 26: Sweet Little Orphans

Lana's POV:

"I see that Ben and Rosalie are gone. Were they adopted?" I ask Mrs. Leslie as I look out the window. Noticing the absence of the two teenagers that use to live in the orphanage.

Mrs. Leslie sighs and shake her head. "No. They both turned eighteen six months ago. And I had to let them leave because they're adults now."

I close my eyes and look down. "Curses. Were they able to find jobs?"

She nods, "Rosalie works at the seamstress shop, and Ben works as a farmhand at Mr. Wheelers farm.

"Atleast they get paid and are able to live indoors. I wouldn't know what I do if I past them in the gutters begging for food and money."

I nod, "And Olivia?"

Mrs. Leslie smiles, "Found a family in three months ago. She lives in Mayven now."

I smile, "Thats wonderful. What about the others? Have you heard anything?"

"No. I ask around ladies in town if they know anyone wanting a child. But nothing. Tomorrow I will head to Mayven and ask around. I hope to get Naomi a family before she turns eighteen. But you know how people are. They want little kids. Not teenagers."

I look out the window to see Naomi who was abandon at nine years old play hop scotch with Sarah and Isabelle.

"Im sure they'll change their minds once they meet Naomi. She's a good kid. She's smart, kind, and responsible." I said.

"I know. Now I'm curious; who's your friend?" Mrs. Leslie asks me as she stirs the gumbo. She curses under neath her breath when gumbo splashes on her apron.

"Thats Zale, he's been staying with us for a few days after the storm." I answer as I clean a plate.

"Oh yes I heard about the storm. I was so relieved you made it back home safetly." She says before she takes a sip on the gumbo with a different spoon.

"Believe me I was too. I would've died if Zale hadn't rescued me. I owe him my life."

"Have you two grown closer? Do I smell love in the air?" She smiles at me.

I laugh and shake my head, "No, thats the garlic. We are just friends."

Do friends share kisses though? We haven't even talked about the kiss.

"Mhm hm," she says and I blush. "You like him. My he must be something. I can't wait to properly meet him."

"I never met a guy like him before; I'll tell you that." I said with a sigh. "But he'll be leaving soon. And I might not ever see him again." I said sadly.

Realizing that the day after my birthday Captain Gibson would return and Zale will be on his way to travel the world.

Mrs. Leslie puts her hand on my shoulder. "Aw Im sorry honey... But chin up, there are other boys out there."

I gaze out the window and smile. Watching Zale running around giving Gwen a piggy back ride. While the others chase and laugh. "But none of them are like Zale." I answer.

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"Zale, this is Mrs. Leslie. The owner of White Lilypad Orphanage. Mrs. Leslie this is my friend, Zale." I introduce.

Zale shakes Mrs. Leslie hand. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Leslie." He says with a small smile.

She smiles at him and glances at me before she says, "Nice to meet you too Zale. I heard alot of things about you."

"Good things I hope," He says glancing at me.

"Oh yes, very good things." She smiles.

"Uh okay then! So is the gumbo ready Mrs. Leslie?" I ask, trying to change the subject quick.

"Oh yes, would you be a dear and call the children for supper?" She asks as she takes a stack of bowels from the cabinet.

"I'll get them," Zale says before turning around and exit the kitchen.

"So?" I ask as I take the bowels fill with gumbo to the table and set them in front of chairs.

"Well honey I don't know. We haven't talk much yet. Before you leave I'll let you know if he past the test. Can't have any young man dating the princess."

I smile, "You'll like him Im sure."

"Hey guys! Come on supper's ready!" I hear Zale shout. Soon pounding footsteps are heard as the kids rush inside and head to their spots.

That evening I was able to catch up with the kids. I learned that Victor had gotten into a fight with a bully at school because the kid was saying that no one wanted him.

I was quite happy when he told me he punch him in the nose. Even though I knew I shouldn't be, but I think its great to defend yourself.

Hayden is now quick and swift. He wins every race at recess in school. Gwen stopped talking to her imaginary friends. Sarah has a crush on a boy in her class. Isabelle is showing off her spelling skills in class. And Tommy made new friends, finally getting out of his shell.

They're all growing up so fast. Not caring about where they came from and are just focusing on their future.

Soon we all crowded into the living room for our tradition. Gwen gives me a book to read before she joins the younger kids on the floor. Naomi and the teenagers sit in the back, but have their ears open.

"Ready?" I ask as I take a seat on the couch next to Zale and Mrs. Leslie on either side of me.

"Yes!" Shout Gwen with eager eyes.

"Okay," I smile as I look down at the book. My fingers trace the title of "The Little Mermaid."

""Once upon a time..." "

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