Chapter 3: Welcome to Riverview

Jenny stood in the library of Constance Shelley's two story house. The books surrounded her and she felt like she was in a sea of papers. She sighed deeply while staring out the glass windows. She had been here for nearly five weeks in a guest room in the house. Constance at first was going to send her straight to the orphanage but it wasn't until Jenny ran away in Sunset City when she saw how traumatized she was and opted to keep her with her until she felt ready. Today was the day. Jenny felt determined yet a bit nervous. She barely had explored the neighborhood and despite having days where she thought she was going stir crazy, she barely went three blocks before returning

She had bought new clothes with Ms. Shelley a few weeks ago and sme things. Constance didn't but too much stuff as the orphanage would provide for her. Now besides Hope (who had been reason and patched up) she had a new wardrobe, bed sheets, and a toy or two. She had finished her packing having two medium sized suitcases and a backpack ready to go.

She hanged around the library for some time but was interrupted by two people talking. She walked to the balcony to check it out. Ms. Shelley was talking to her neighbor hmmmm...what was her name? Meadow something...anyways she was talking to Ms. Shelley about her yard. She remarked it could use a touch up and she would t mind dominos. Constance simply smiled and said she considered it. But when she back inside, Jenny couldn't help but notice her slightly annoyed. Meadow always nagged about her yard, declaring time and time again it should have a spruce up. To Jenny however, the yard look fine, as simple as it was, it seemed to make the small yellow house stand out.

After an hour or two, Jenny was called downstairs. Ms. Shelley had order a nice, hot pizza. Jenny's mouth watered at the sight. She wolfed down three slices before feeling stuffed, but she had no regrets, food was life! As she drank some soda, Constance cleared her throat. The petite girl looked up, her blue eyes locked on her hazel ones.

"Are you nervous?" Constance asked. Jenny nodded softly. "You shouldn't be. I'm sure you'll fit in fine."

" But what if they don't like me? What if I don't fit in...what if I don't get adopted..."

"Sweetie...Listen I know things look bad, but you gotta stay strong. Ill be here every step of the way. I got a really good feeling you'll like some of the kids." she said smiling. Jenny nodded, but her throat felt heavy. Soon they finished their pizza and got into Constance's car. They drove for about thirty minutes, going over bridges, passing by houses, until they reached a building on the edge of town. Jenny felt her hands and legs shake uncontrollably.

It was an old fashioned house. It was the Beaux Chateou. It was three stories tall. It was a polished brown with many windows and black shutters. Beige trimmings engulfed the exterior of the house and two chimminies could be seen. There was a large garage, many shrubs, trees, bright colorful flowers decorated the front, and a huge sign saying Lance's Orphanage sat on the lawn.

Constance carefully took the suitcases out and the two walked to the door. Constance knocked on the door. A young woman walked out the door. She was around Constance's height, but since Constance wore heels, it meant she was shorter than the woman. She wore her thick brown black hair in a bun decorated with a silver ornament. She wore blanks pants, a white polo shirt, and flats. She wore one piece of jewelry around her neck a chain with letters inscribed...she couldn't make it out though.

She smiled warmly and kneeled down to talk to Jenny who stood still as a statue and was seriously considering hiding behind Ms. Shelley's skirt still being rather small.

"My name is Ms. Lance, but you can call me Heather if you like, most of the kids do." she said with a smile.

"My name is Jenny Keith..." Jenny said softly. Ms. Lance...or Heather smiled in return and began to talk to Constance. Both Ms. Lance and Ms. Shelley were good friends, but Constance didn't see her too much nowadays, but she had to admit it Heather did her job well. But how did she get all the funding for such a place as grand as this...well while the question dashed in her mind, she ignored as she talked to her regarding paperwork. Heather assured her everything was set. Two of the many workers came out, offering to take Jenny's luggage to her room.

Jenny nodded sharply and turned to Constance, who gave her phone number. She told her to call her anytime and sped off. Jenny who had been with her for the past few weeks felt like crying, even though they were still in the same town.

Heather saw Jenny and offered to give a tour of the orphanage. Jenny looked up, nodding meekly. The two began to go inside. The main room was a waiting room, the sat a receptionist. They went through the door which was locked by a security key and entered the main hall. There was a bathroom. To the left was the dining hall. It was large and grand with a long table and a cozy fireplace. There were two entrances for the kitchen which seemed like it could never run out of food. It had a popcorn machine, a soda machine, large fridges, three stoves, and a ton of cabinets and sinks.

"Meal times are at 7:00, 1:00,and at 6:00 sharp on weekends we serve breakfast at 10:00." it was mid-afternoon and the cooks were busy making new dishes for the children.

To the right was a large living room with a huge T.V, a video game system, many plants, a thick rug, a chemistry table, and several big couches and sofas. There was a back door that was locked at night. It led outside to a pool where there was grills and lounge chairs. To its left were a playground with sandpits, swings, see saws, a jungle gym, and a few other playground equipments. There was even a tree house which the kids built. Last summer.

Right next to it was an elaborate garden. There were many plants from fruit trees to flower bunches. Heather said they planted most of it themselves with each child growing a certain crop and harvesting it for the chefs.

When they went back inside, they went upstairs where there was a tiny library and a lounge chair and two main hall. Each had two big bedrooms which held two or more people and two bathrooms. The third floor had the similar formation. Heather guided her to a room down the hall. Jenny noticed the halls had bulletin boards with art and other things done by the children. She mentally thanked for ending up in an orphanage that seemed okay so far, not many orphans could say the same. Heather really seemed to care about the orphanage and the children she had responsibility for.

The bedroom she was going to stay in was occupied by three girls, having an empty bunk for her. It was the top one. People say you can find out a lot about a person by going into their rooms. This room was a mix. It had many sports stuff from basketballs to tennis equipment. Trophies filled up shelf after shelf. There was even a poster signed by a famous Sims soccer player. There was a bit of girlyness in the room. Many pictures, glitter, a paper mâché rainbow all painted neatly, many fashion magazines, and bottles of nail polish and perfumes filled up a desk. There was a hint of an artsy/ bookworm feel too. Art filled walls of the room and there was a large bookshelf carved to look like a castle. The bed covers also showed the taste of the owners one was pink...to say the least, one was dark blue, with stars all over it, the third was a bit old fashioned with roses decorating it.

"Your roommates are Ally, Lisette, and Yvette." Heather said behind her. " Three boys are staying down the hall if you need help finding your way around, they are David, Matthew, and Austin. She turned to a clock. It said 4:34 "Since today is Friday, I allow them to go out until five. But you will see them, don't worry. Jenny nodded. As she sat on the bunk she couldn't help but stare at the room. She laid down on the bed with her butterfly covers and fell asleep.

Well that's all for now! Until next time! ~ Summersunset821