Three Thousand Miles(98)

“Okay, okay but her beauty can only be described as divine.” My face bursts into flames at her complements and I nervously push my hair from my face.

“The children have been asking for you,” Janet says as she leads us along the wide hallway and stops in front of a large, dark wooden door.

“What did you tell them?” Adrian asks in a quick, firm tone.

“I told them that Mr Black had to go away on business but he would come and visit as soon as he returned to London. I wasn’t wrong then?”

“No, Alanna and I have only been back in town a few days. I came as soon as I could.” Adrian informs Janet. She smiles at Adrian and she gently touches his arm.

“Don’t worry the children understand,” she says in a soothing voice.

“But can you understand?”

“Yes, all is well Adrian, now come on the children are waiting.” Janet pushes open the door and the giggles from the children are captivating. She leads us into the massive living room and I gaze at the surroundings. The room is friendly and there are many drawings hanging from the walls. There is a large TV and several computers. There are toys of every kind and children are playing happily.

“Children,” Janet gently shouts. The kids immediately stop what they are doing and they turn their attention towards us. I watch as their faces light up at the sight of Adrian.

“We have some visitors, please say hello to Mr Black and the lovely Alanna.” In one rhyme, the kids embrace us.

“Hello Mr Black and Alanna,” I gently laugh at their voices and I cannot contain my smile. Adrian’s grip on me loosens as a few children run up and grab onto him. He gently pats their heads as they embrace him and I smile at the sight.

“Mr Black, I have missed you,” a little, dark haired boy says. Adrian leans down to him.

“I missed you too mate,” I literally cannot stop smiling at the sight of Adrian with these children. His eyes are happy and he cannot contain his smile as he tells them about his business trips. My heart tingles, as it is clear to see that Adrian adores children and they absolutely adore him back.

“Miss Alanna,” I hear a little voice say. I turn to see a little fair-haired girl standing before me. I instantly smile at her as I kneel down to her level.

“Yes sweetie,” I say as I gaze at the little brown-eyed girl.

“You are very pretty,” my heart melts at her kind words and I gaze at her little beautiful face.

“Oh well thank you, but I must say that you are a very beautiful little girl. What is your name, sweetie?”

“My name is Olivia,” she says brightly.

“Well Olivia, it is very nice to meet you.” The little girl leans in and gives me a gentle hug. My heart melts at her affection and my earth shatters as I realise that this little girl has no parents. I wonder what happened to her family and I hate to think that this little girl possibly has no one.

“Miss Alanna, it is my birthday today.” The little girl says in a very quiet voice. I smile at her.

“Well happy birthday Olivia, tell me how old are you today?”

“I am seven,” my heart again sinks as I take in her words. She is the same age as my little sister Penelope and that really hits hard with me. I think of how lucky my life is as I stare at this little girl. I never had to want for anything and I feel so guilty. This poor innocent child is an orphan, I slightly gaze up at Adrian and I realise that he is the same as this little child. He had to live in an orphanage because of what Alice and David did to him. I stare back at the little girl and my heart races as I think that perhaps she went through something similar.

“Here,” I say as I slip of my charm bracelet. “Happy birthday,” Olivia beams as she takes the bracelet from my hand. She quickly slips it onto her small wrist and she turns to me.

“Thank you Miss Alanna,” she again pulls me in for hug and I gently hold onto the little girl. Her long hair lightly caresses my face and I try to hold back a tear. She pulls back.

“Miss Alanna, can you stay for my party?”

“Of course,” I beam.

Janet escorts Adrian and me into the large dining room. The room is decorated in pink with, pink balloons, pink drapes and pink banners. The table is set and filled with pink flowers. There is a large pink cake at the centre of the table and Olivia rushes me over to it.

“Miss Alanna come look at my cake,” she shouts.

“Wow that is the most beautiful cake that I have ever seen.” I gush and the little girls face lights up. Adrian walks over to us.

“Now I heard that it is your birthday today, am I right?” He says as gently picks the little girl up into his arms.