Eden's POV:
Gray sighed and handed me the receipt, which I skimmed through quickly before pulling out the money from my wallet, handing it to them.
"Thank you," I said politely.
"Thank you," I told her, accepting the money and slipping it into my wallet.
(I guess we should wait for Autumn?)
yeah)
group
(Lol. Hey. I’m here.)
Sterling’s POV:
“Hey guys. I’m glad you’re joining us,” I greeted the pair as they got into the car. “You ready to see some kids?”
Gray's POV:
"Don't blame me if I steal all the kids from you," I smirked before I laughed. "The master with kids right here~"
group
Sterling’s POV:
I chuckled and glanced back at him. “Oh, I’m sure you are. I bet the girls will charm more kids, though.”
Gray's POV:
I paused, opening my mouth before closing it abruptly.
"Yeah, you're right," I nodded. "No objections to that."
group
Sterling’s POV:
“What do you think, Eden? Violeta? Think you’ll get more kids charmed than Gray and I?” I asked, looking between the two.
Eden’s POV:
I crossed my arms, thinking to myself before shrugging.
“Kids think I’m scary,” I answered after a moment, remembering my failed attempts at befriending cousins.
group
Sterling’s POV:
“I’m sure you’ll do great,” I assured her, reaching over and patting her knee gently. “Just smile and make jokes.”
Eden’s POV:
I snorted.
“Do I look like I can make jokes, Ry?” I raised an eyebrow. “But I’ll try.”
group
Sterling’s POV:
“Hey, it’ll be great, I’m sure,” I assured her, leaning over to kiss her nose.
Eden’s POV:
“Eyes on the road, Ainsley!” I exclaimed, though there was a blush on my cheeks.
I chuckled quietly, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear.
"You'll do fine, Eden. I'm placing my bets on Gray, though."
Eden’s POV:
I shook my head, chuckling lightly.
“I guess we’re both placing bets on our boyfriends, huh?” I ran a hand through my hair, messing them up. “I think Sterling would be amazing with kids. He’s just got that really soothing presence with him.”
When I realized I was rambling, I shut myself up, embarrassed.
"I can see what you mean, but I'm still betting on Gray, I've seen him around little kids before."
Well. One little kid.
group
Sterling’s POV:
“Hey, I still think you ladies will do great,” I chuckled, my attention back on the road. I left my hand on Eden’s knee, through, as I drove.
Eden's POV:
I rested my hand on his hand, swallowing slowly.
"I agree with Sterling," Gray's voice pops up. "You girls have a charm the kids won't be able to refuse."
I rolled my eyes.
"Look at you guys," I drawled. "Trying to make us feel better. V has a better chance with those kids than I do, if we're talking about us."
"Me?" I blinked, surprised. "Not a chance, I'm not the best with kids. I just end up weirding them out."
Gray's POV:
I snorted.
"Do you?" he chuckled, shaking his head. "If I remember correctly, Ari became attached to you instantly. Doesn't sound like someone who isn't best with kids."
(you switched perspectives halfway through that, lol)
"That was one kid!" I protested, crossing my arms with a slight smile. "And besides, she probably only likes me because of you."
(Ugh, I hate it when that happens!)
Gray's POV:
"Ari's picky," I answered. "And she's shy, so no, sweetheart. She doesn't like you because of me."
(oof yeah)
I sighed and relented. "Fine. But that's still only one kid."
(Skip to when they reach?)
group
(Sounds good!
Not it.)
Eden’s POV:
We got out of the car and slowly began taking the bags out. The orphanage manager met us outside, greeted us and ushered us inside, where we set down everything we brought with us.
Although the outside of the building didn’t look very nice, the interior was well built. The walls were pale in color and there were paintings on the walls, a bookshelf and scattered toys everywhere.
Kids were either running around, or were on the ground playing with puzzles or toys.
“Kids!” The manager clapped his hands to gain attention. “We’ve got guests today. They’ve offered to spend time with you all, so behave nicely!”
I made sure to keep my posture relaxed and my expression open and friendly, not wanting to frighten any of them off. My eyes drifted around the interior of the building, picking up everything… It seemed that they were well taken care of, so far.
Gray’s POV:
I chuckled at Violeta before looking at the curious eyes of the kids. Most of them were around 3-10 years of age, but some of them were older. I smiled at them and waved.
“Hi, there~” I grinned, making sure my expression was open and friendly. “I’m Gray. It’s a pleasure hanging out with all of you today!”
group
Sterling’s POV:
I glanced around the room, smiling at the kids that looked at me as I wrapped my arm around Eden’s waist. Leaning over to her, I murmured reassurance in her ear, “I’m sure you’ll do great.”
