59. Rebound

                                    

                                          
Rebound

Author's POV

(at the Angels' orphanage, Sun, December 24, 2023)

Everyone woke up early to prepare for their trip. Ava was still sleepy, and Axel and Lawrence tended to her. They wore their team shirts with their teams' names and last names on the back. As usual, Ava wore her black cycling shorts for comfort.
They walked out of their room and headed to the living room. The others were there already, wearing their team shirts. They took photos and went to the dining room for their breakfast. 
They were on their way to the orphanage at around seven in the morning. Ava fell asleep in the car. Axel and Lawrence were busy answering emails and finalizing instructions to Alvin, their secretary. 
After an hour or so, they arrived. Ma Rosa and Ma Linda welcomed them, and soon they were inside the orphanage. The children and the teenagers were excited to see their shirts and the gifts for them. 
The games started at nine. They started with the kids' games, and when they all got exhausted after two hours of nonstop fun. They gathered in the yard where Alexander had his men set up food.
Ma Rosa stood at the center, in front of the table full of food. She took the microphone from the host of the event. 
"Hello, everyone. I just want to say something before we enjoy our lunch. Five years ago, Mr. Christopher Anderson supported our orphanage. Again, Christopher, as always, we are eternally grateful for your kindness.
Our orphanage improved because of your initiative to renovate and enhance it, and we discovered that the company that made it possible was Axel's and Lawrence's construction company. Mr. Moore and Mr. Taylor, thank you so much for making our orphanage more suitable for our children.
And to the new additions to our family, Mr. Alexander King, Mr. Xavier Thompson, Miss Olivia Wilson, Miss Areila Finn, and Miss Emery Carson. Thank you so much for being part of our family and friends with our dear Ava. 
And, of course, Ava Davis. Our dear Ava. No one will argue with me to say that this all happened because of you. Emery, Axel, and Lawrence don't be jealous, but I just want to say this.
I know Christopher's kindness was genuine. When he saw our orphanage's state, he decided to help us. Also, he rescued a baby boy, and we took him in. He wanted to improve our situation so we could help more angels.
But, unbeknownst to him, we already noticed his affection toward Ava. Aside from his honest kindness, he provided us with everything because of Ava."
She paused to hear the laughter and teasing around Ava and Christopher.
"But anyway, I am so happy to look at you now. You found your true love, your true happiness. Christopher, Ava. Thank you so much for everything.
Axel, Lawrence, Christopher, Alexander, and Xavier. Please take care of your women. I hope you will do your best to build your family and care for them. Take care of your future children. 
We will always welcome all the angels coming to us, but we also hope to see less of them in the future. We hope that no more children will become orphans. 
Okay, I know you're hungry, especially our almost-sleeping beauty sitting there quietly. Let's eat and enjoy the feast!"
Ma Rosa ended her speech, pointing to Ava, half asleep. She was trying her best to open her eyes. The Mafia men and the girls were gigging at her.