Chapter 199 Rainbow Orphanage
Diana let out a sigh, caught up with Evelyn, and said loudly, "Alright, let's grab more stuff. The kids are gonna love it."
Evelyn discreetly wiped her tears with her sleeve and managed a smile, "Okay."
The two bodyguards trailing behind them were initially debating if they could carry everything, but as the shopping cart kept filling up, one of them finally spoke up, "Ms. Spencer, if you want to buy more for the orphanage, you can talk to the store manager. They can deliver it later. We can't carry too much while walking."
Diana and Evelyn glanced at the cart, which was overflowing with snacks, stationery, and even some clothes.
Evelyn felt a bit embarrassed, "Then Ms. Spencer, let's just get this much."
Diana nodded, realizing she had gotten carried away with shopping. She pushed the cart to the checkout.
When it was their turn, the bystanders' eyes widened in surprise.
After checking out, the two bodyguards each carried a large bag, while Diana and Evelyn each took a small one.
Luckily, the orphanage wasn't far from the supermarket, and they walked for less than ten minutes before spotting a row of somewhat run-down buildings.
Evelyn's tone turned excited as she pointed to a small two-story building, "Ms. Spencer, that's the one!"
They looked where she was pointing and saw a small building with its own yard. The pink paint on the walls was peeling, and the once cream-colored iron gate was rusted from exposure.
Above the gate was a round iron sign, also rusty, with "Rainbow Orphanage" engraved on it.
As they got closer, Evelyn started to get nervous.
Noticing her anxiety, Diana held her hand and reassured her, "It's okay, we're just here to visit."
Evelyn bit her lip and nodded but still didn't dare to press the doorbell. "Ms. Spencer, you do it."
She wanted to refuse, but Diana grabbed her finger and pressed it down.
The doorbell, which seemed unused for a long time, played a choppy tune.
But as the bell rang, a female voice quickly came from the yard, "Who is it?"
A small hatch opened on the iron gate, and a gray-haired woman peeked out, looking at Diana and the others with a puzzled expression, "Who are you?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Evelyn's eyes welled up, and she said with a trembling voice, "Ms. Hope, it's me, Evelyn!"
Kennedy Hope's expression froze, then her eyes fell on Evelyn. She looked her up and down before speaking hesitantly, "Are you Evelyn?"
Evelyn nodded excitedly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Kennedy realized and quickly opened the iron gate. She grabbed Evelyn's arms with both hands, checking her up and down, and said with surprise, "Why are you back? You've grown up! And become so beautiful!"
Diana recognized the familiar gestures, realizing Evelyn had learned them here.
"Just passing by, thought I'd come back and take a look." Evelyn said, crying and laughing, then turned to introduce Diana to Kennedy, "This is my..."
Before she could finish, Diana interrupted, "I'm her friend. Nice to meet you, Ms. Hope. You can call me Diana."
Under Evelyn's surprised gaze, Diana pushed the two bodyguards forward, "These are our helpers. We bought some things for the orphanage, Ms. Hope, I hope you don't mind."
Hearing this, Kennedy immediately focused on the items in their hands.
Seeing the items, Kennedy's face lit up, and she grabbed Diana's hand, "Thank you so much, that's really generous of you."
Then she turned to Evelyn and couldn't help but scold her, "Evelyn, it's great you're back, but you didn't have to buy so much. Earning money isn't easy, you should save some."
Despite her words, Kennedy's actions were honest as she immediately took the bags into the yard.
The two bodyguards exchanged a glance and followed suit, bringing the remaining items inside.
Evelyn was still mulling over what Diana had just said. Diana called them friends, but how could they be? It was already kind of her to accompany Evelyn home, and she even referred to them as friends for Evelyn's dignity.
Evelyn blushed, but when she looked at Diana, she saw her putting a finger to her lips, making a shushing gesture.
Some things didn't need to be explained so clearly, as long as both parties understood.
Seeing this, Evelyn felt warm inside, and her anxiety was calmed by Diana.
Kennedy, while taking the items, invited everyone inside.
Once inside Rainbow Orphanage, Diana realized it was a different world.
The front yard was divided into two parts, with a sandbox on the left, scattered with children's toys. On the right were some basic fitness equipment, though a bit old, making creaky sounds when used.
The yard was very tidy, with no trash or weeds, showing that the owner took great care of it.
Kennedy placed the items at the door without even catching her breath. She patted her slightly wrinkled clothes and smiled broadly, "Thank you all so much."
She had been here for over thirty years, with the basic expenses of Rainbow Orphanage covered by the state.
When she was younger, Kennedy could go out and seek sponsorships. But now she was older, and there were fewer children in the orphanage.
The state's financial support was enough to keep them from starving, but life was still tight.
After placing the items, she invited Diana and the others, "Feel free to make yourselves at home."
They entered. Although the outside looked old, the inside was decorated very warmly and child-friendly.
But after waiting for a while, they didn't see any children, so Evelyn couldn't help but ask, "Ms. Hope, where are the kids?"
Kennedy was pouring water and preparing snacks for them when she heard this and slapped her forehead. "I almost forgot, the kids are napping in the back. They should be waking up around this time. Evelyn, help me pour water for our guests, I'll go get them dressed."
Just as she was about to leave the kitchen, a childish voice mixed with soft sobs came from the hallway, "Ms. Hope, where are you?"
Kennedy quickly washed her hands and wiped them on her apron.
Diana looked up and noticed two children, about seven or eight years old, standing at the end of the hallway. Behind them were a few younger ones, but their faces were not clear.
Kennedy hurriedly went to them, leading the string of children like pulling up carrots.
The younger children had their clothes on crookedly, and Kennedy complained while fixing their buttons. The older children at the front had their clothes on correctly.
The boy had smooth skin with tear stains on his face. The girl had a healthy tan, short hair, and bright eyes.
Seeing strangers in the living room, her expression became guarded, protecting the younger children behind her.
She asked fiercely, "Who are you?"
The next second, Kennedy knocked her on the head, "Willow, that's rude! This is Evelyn, who used to live here, and her friends. She came back to see me and brought lots of gifts for you."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
