In The Shadows ✔

[69] Little pirate

Scorpia and Logan walk out and find Violetta sitting on the ground as the tears stream down her face. Scorpia runs up to her and hugs her tight.

Violetta sobs and says: "How am I ever going to thank you Scorpia? I can't believe all of this."

Scorpia is still hugging her and says: "You already thanked me. Looking around and seeing how happy all the kids are is more than enough thanks for me. You've put them first from the moment you fled with two little ones. And you deserve all the support I can give you. And the kids deserve all of the love we can spare."

Logan opens the first boxes and looks inside. "Scorpia? This one has balls and outdoor toys. And this one has cars in it and... dolls in this one."

Scorpia gets up to see for herself. "Yes, Manon told me. The toy store donated the toys themselves when they heard the books were going to a children's home."

Violetta comes over and stares at all the filled boxes.

Logan asks: "Where do you want it Violetta?"

She looks at hem with a dazed look in her eyes and says: "Outdoor toys in the shed and other toys and books in the playroom." Logan grabs the box with outdoor toys and crosses the field to make his way to the shed.

Scorpia grabs the box with toy cars and Violette the one with all the dolls. They put them down in the play room and Violetta looks at Scorpia with eyes bursting with emotion. "We have a system set up, to make sure every child gets to play with something, but now... We have toys for everyone."

Scorpia says: "Yes, the toy store wanted to donate something too. They did good."

They walk out together and see Logan playing soccer with a couple of kids. Their laughter fills the sky and Scorpia and Violetta start carrying the books inside.

They see the chef and Marisol drive up in a van when they come out for the second time. Marisol gets out of the van with a bright smile on her face and introduces herself to Violetta. The chef does the same and says that they've prepared a special meal today. Violetta shows them to the dining room and Scorpia walks over to Logan and soccer playing kids.

One of the boys scores a goal and Logan lifts the laughing boy up to celebrate. Scorpia watches them with a hand on her heart, until Logan's eyes connect with hers. He winks and she yells at the kids: "Sweet kids, it's almost time for dinner. Please form a line in pairs. Hold the hand of the person next to you. We will go inside calmly to wash our hands and have dinner after that."

The kids immediately do as she says and Logan joins the end of the line, grabbing a hold of Scorpia's hand. He winks at her and says: "Wow, Miss Scorpia. This looks good."

They follow the kids inside and watch them form a line in front of the two sinks to wash their hands. Logan keeps on eye on one side and helps where needed, while Scorpia does the same at the other sink.

Violetta steps out into the hall to gather kids and stares at the line of kids with her mouth open. They walk into the dining room in pairs, as soon as all hands are washed.

Violetta shakes her head as she laughs. "Miss Scorpia is a magician. She has to be."

Scorpia laughs and says: "It's a simple trick really. You give them a task and give them the feeling that it's really important. They end up doing exactly as you say because they don't want to look bad in front of the other kids."

"Yeah right, explain it like it's nothing. Are you joining us for pancakes?"

Scorpia looks at Logan, who's nodding excitedly. "Yes please. Show us where we're needed."