Author's notes: Here's the third chapter and just in time for Mother's Day :) So far? The Jones family are finally going to the children's home for the first meeting...EXCITED! How will it turn out? Thank you for sticking to my story to those who have reviewed, favorited and followed so far. I'm so happy to see it being well received.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia by Hidekaz Himaruya. I only own the overall plot and the main following OCs: Mother Serenity, Sister Francine, Sister Diane, Janet and Auntie Rosie.

Other notes: contains brotherly grouping with Canada, America and England but also contains USUK as main brotherly pairing. Human AU setting and takes place before Good Birthday Company and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. May contain OOC depending on interpretation.

Somebody Is Waiting For You

Chapter 3: The Children's Home

"Alfred...stop being so antsy, I can feel your fidgeting through the pew," Matthew hissed through his teeth and nudged his younger twin to keep still.

"I can't help it, Mattie. This wooden thing is too narrow and this suit is stuffy..." Alfred whined in a whispery tone.

The elder twin rolled his bespectacled eyes and sighed, "Just try to endure it for at least five more minutes for our parents' sake. The service is nearly over."

"Fine...I'll try. Father Augustus seems to get more boring each time we come to service, bro..." Alfred tried to fight back an impending yawn, "Maybe he's an alien from outer space..."

"Well...that, I agree to some extent..." Matthew smiled sympathetically, "But just think, Alfred. We'll soon find out who our new brother will be like..."

Alfred nodded in agreement. Ever since their parents announced the big news, he and Matthew wasted no time to rummage in the attic to find what they could use to brighten the new room and procure some playthings. Matthew found some old illustrated storybooks they used to read when they were little and pulled them out, thinking to make a small library for their new sibling. Meanwhile, Alfred found their old swing set they used to play in the backyard and a bunch of other knick knacks he thought their new brother would like. Among them was a vintage but still functional Care Bear nightlight. It had been their most favorite cartoon of their childhood so perhaps he would've been familiar with it. Their father had fixed the swing and looked as good as new in the backyard. The teenagers also reorganized their DVD collection to include some old favourite animated films, cartoon series and Disney movies they thought their new brother would like.

As time went on, Alfred began to imagine what their new sibling would be like. There were so any possibilities. Did he like sports? Cartoons? Disney movies? Sweets? Or maybe heroes, aliens and action figures like he did? Or even better: fast food! What sort of personality did he have? How old was he? What would he look like? But what piqued his curiosity the most was how he ended up in the children's home. The questions flooded his mind and before long, Father Augustus finally finished his sermon.

Alfred couldn't wait to exit the church and was rocking on his leather loafers as he waited for his twin and parents to emerge from the doors. They stood away from the departing crowd while Mrs. Jones checked the map on her iPhone.

"Well, I think we just have enough time to spare and make it to our appointment on time," Mr. Jones remarked when he checked his watch. He turned to his wife, "Where is the children's home, honey?"

"According to the address, it looks like it's located behind the church, darling," Mrs. Jones looked around before her eyes lit up, pointing to the cobblestone path from the car park, "Ah, that must be the path. Come on, let's not dilly-dally."

The family followed the path until they saw a sandstone and brick building that resembled an old fashioned schoolhouse back in the old days. Yet in its age old structure, there was a warm beauty to the place due to the deep green vines covering the walls and circling the columns as well as the mighty tall oak trees giving natural shade around the vicinity. Adding quaint charm to the place was a noticeable plot where fresh herbs and vegetables were grown. As they approached, they could hear the chattering and laughter coming from within and behind the building that sounded like a nest of songbirds.

"This must be the place...my goodness, the children must live well here under the guidance of the nuns that run the home..." Mrs. Jones deduced from the laughter. She went to the door and rang the doorbell.

After a while, they heard footsteps coming to their direction before the door was carefully opened. A young nun was before them, her hazel eyes filled with warmth.

"Yes, may I help you? I'm Sister Diane."

"Good morning, Sister Diane. We're here to see Mother Serenity and Miss Janet. My husband and I are here to finalize our adoption application. These are our sons. I do hope that you don't us bringing them along."

"Ah, you must be the Jones family. Mother Serenity and Miss Janet are expecting you. And your sons are welcome to join us with the children during your meeting. Please come right in."

As Sister Diane led them down the corridor, she engaged in some light conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Jones while Matthew and Alfred took the chance to look around in their surroundings. Alfred, in particular, could see there were doors lining the cream coloured walls that were decorated with religious paintings and printed quotes from the Bible. Some of the doors had a wooden plaque with a name, making him presume that they were currently occupied. He quickly peeked through one of the partially opened marked doors and saw that it must have belonged to a young child, judging by the very few toys and the small bed contained within.

"Alfred...did you see the size of the beds?" Alfred turned to Matthew and saw that he too had peeked in the rooms, "They're small...and there are some cots too."

Alfred blanched slightly upon the word 'cots', a knot forming in his stomach, "These kids...they are that young? There're babies here too?"

"I'm afraid that's true, my child..." Sister Diane had a melancholic look on her face as she traced one of the plaques in a gentle reverent stroke, "Our children have been through a lot before they came to live here under our roof...some were left abandoned on our doorstep...others came here because of unspeakable tragedy...or even because their parents couldn't take care of them due to circumstances beyond their control. Some of the younger children may not even remember who their real parents are by the time they are adopted."

Alfred felt his heart ache upon hearing the statement. He couldn't imagine being young, alone and not having any solid memory of their parents and siblings. If he didn't have his mum, dad and twin brother...he didn't know what he'd do. The thought of these young children with nothing made him clench his fists.

"These kind of things shouldn't happen to them..." Alfred said softly with a slight edge to his tone, "They don't deserve any of this..."

"No, they don't, my child. I know you feel for them and I can tell you have such an altruistic soul. But even from their sad pasts, their futures can still be bright and wonderful for them under loving care and guidance from those who would accept them. And you and your family are one of them to give these children that special chance," Sister Diane said gently before stopping at a closed door with a gold handle. She knocked on the door before a sweet voice gave them permission to enter.

Mother Serenity smiled upon seeing the little family enter with Sister Diane. She took off her spectacles as she walked around her desk to shake their hands. Janet looked pristine as she smiled at them, "Ah, you must be the Jones family. I'm Mother Serenity and this is Janet, a social worker who works closely with us. I'm looking forward to talking with you."

"As do we indeed, Mother. I'm Thomas. This is my wife, Emily and these are our boys, Alfred and Matthew," Mr. Jones introduced his family as they each shook their hands in return.

"What fine young men you have raised," the head nun smiled at the boys, earning a blinding grin from Alfred and a soft sincere smile from Matthew.

"Reverend Mother, I hope it is not too forward of me to suggest that Alfred and Matthew would like to spend some time with the children during the meeting," Sister Diane inquired, "We'll make sure that they're well supervised, of course."

Mother Serenity looked thoughtful for a moment before an approving smile graced her face, "Yes, it's a refreshing idea. It has been a long while since the children have met older visitors. Which is, of course, if you'd like to join them?"

"We'd love to, ma'am," Alfred immediately stood up, bringing his twin in agreement too.

"Well now, it's settled. Sister Diane, please be sure to bring some refreshments for our guests upon your return."

"Yes, Reverend Mother."

"It appears that the paperwork is all in order, Mother Serenity," Janet remarked as she browsed through the application folder before handing a blue folder to the head nun, "I believe we can formally start the meeting before the child gets here. I have his folder right here."

"Ah yes, thank you, Janet. Thomas and Emily, first off, I wish to thank you both and your sons for taking the time to come to the children's home. The prospect child you're going to meet is Arthur Kirkland. He will be arriving here shortly," Mother Serenity opened the folder where the young boy's photo was visible and showed it to the couple.

"What a precious little boy..." Mrs. Jones crooned as she took in his features. Even though he wasn't smiling in the photo, she had never seen such vibrant green eyes under those thick eyebrows, "What do you think, darling?"

"He certainly have some striking features. He must be quite a serious young man," Mr. Jones remarked in agreement, "His name...it's sounds almost British, isn't it?"

"You're right there, Thomas. He was originally from England. His family immigrated here when he was very young," Janet said.

"How exactly did Arthur end up in the children's home? What happened to his real family?" Mrs. Jones asked.

It was then they saw surprise flooding the women's faces before being replaced by fleeting sad looks.

"Mother Serenity? Miss Janet? Did we say something wrong?"

"No no, Emily. It's just that...Arthur's past isn't a very happy one. Thomas and Emily...what we are going to tell you is a lot to take in but it's to better understand why Arthur is the way he is. I hope the both of you are ready for a long story."

"Tell us everything. We want to know everything about Arthur Kirkland."

"The children are outside for their afternoon play. You are welcome to join in anytime you wish. It's just through here."

Sister Diane opened the door and they were greeted by the loud chatters and ringing laughter. It was a lovely sight to behold. The wide outdoor premises were graced by more towering oak trees, garden plots filled with flowers and benches for relaxing. But what added the colour to the area was the small but well used playground, consisting of two swing sets, a slide, a wheel roundabout and a climbing frame. It was no wonder that the children must enjoy being outside and were up and about in their business. They were either playing games and chatting away in their small groups, having fun with the equipment in the playground or helping the gardener to water the flowers in the small plots. The other nuns present were either supervising with watchful eyes, interacting with the children during their activities or cradling the babies and some of the tired younger children as they napped in their arms.

"Children! We have some visitors joining us this afternoon!" Sister Dianne called out to the children who immediately stopped what they were doing, "Please be sure to make them feel welcome. It's their first time visiting here."

After Sister Diane left, some of the children cheerfully approached them, tugging on their hands and asking for their names. Matthew was immediately dragged away by two little girls and a slightly older boy who wanted to show him the flowers they helped the gardener plant. Alfred chuckled at the adorable sight of Matthew graciously allowing the children to thread some of the stray flowers into his wavy hair. As Alfred allowed himself to be led to by two excited boys to play soccer with them, he felt a strange sensation that he was being watched intently...

To be continued...

Author's notes: Ah ha...So the Jones family have finally come to visit...and Alfred is being watched...but by who? Let's see how the next chapter will develop in the following week. Thank you for reading and look forward to the next post! Kudos, my dears :)