That Little Girl Will Be Unstoppable

Sterling held my hand as we ascended the steps for the orphanage. He had been good for my mother while Damon and I were gone for the store opening in Atlanta. So as a reward I made the time for him to visit the orphanage twice this week. He was absolutely thrilled with the idea.

We opened the doors to the orphanage and Sterling let go of my hand once we were inside. He ran up to Emily who spoke before he could get the chance to.

"She's outside with the others." Emily smiled as she knew Sterling's first question was going to be about Isabelle.

"Thank you!" He grinned and he looked back at me for permission to go.

I gave him a nod. "Go ahead."

He ran right for the doors that led outside. The excitement this boy had every time he saw her was interesting to watch. He liked coming and seeing all the other children as well, but all the excitement when he went to go be with them was all for Isabelle. If he kept that up along with his dedication to her they would have a bright future together if that's what they decided.

"Mrs. Strahm's in her office if you would like to say hello." Emily spoke to catch my attention.

"I think I will. Thank you." I gave her a small smile as I headed down the hall to the office.

I knocked on the door and waited a moment for Mrs. Strahm to open it. "Kaydence, hello." She smiled. "Come on in."

"Hello Rebecca." I greeted her in return as I stepped inside of the office and went to take a seat.

"I assume Sterling found his way to the playground already?" She asked as she came back to her desk and took a seat in her chair.

I let out a small chuckle. "Of course."

"How are you?" She asks as she moves some papers around on her desk.

"Great." I responded in a pleasant tone. "How about you?"

"I'm doing well." She answered.

A curious thought had crossed my mind. "Hey, how's Robert doing?" They were cousins after all.

"He's doing really well actually. He's found someone to settle down with, she's a little on the younger side but he's happy." She smiled but then it quickly disappeared. "How's Ava doing?"

I let out a sigh. "She's behaving, but it's not like she gets much chance to act up when she's constantly being watched. Her mind is still just as broken as the day she went in there though. Martin visits her and lets Damon know the details, there's definitely no way she'll ever be leaving the walls of that institution."

"Such a shame how that all played out." Mrs. Strahm shook her head. "Anyway, I need to go check on the children, care to join me?"

"Of course." I responded.

We both stood up and left the office. We headed down the hall for the doors that led to the playground. There were some staff out here watching them already but from what I've learned from my visits, Mrs. Strahm liked keeping tabs on things herself.

Mrs. Stahm looked around and made sure things were in order before turning her attention back to me. "Do you think I can borrow Sterling? I was able to purchase some new toys for out here and need a little help grabbing them."

"Of course." My eyes searched for Sterling, I quickly found him playing with Isabelle. "Sterling, come here!"

He came running right away with Isabelle by his side. His icy blue eyes looked up at me. "What is it Mommy?"

"Mrs. Strahm needs your help." I informed him. "It'll only take a moment, I can keep Isabelle company as she waits for you to return."

"Okay." He nodded and then followed Mrs. Strahm back inside.

I turned my attention to the small brunette girl in front of me who stood by quietly. "How are you Isabelle?" I asked to make conversation.

"I'm good." She responded in her quiet voice. "How are you?"

"I'm good as well. Have you guys been doing anything exciting?" I questioned further to keep her talking.

"Just making stuff." She answered. "Miss Emily helped me decorate a picture frame for my daddy's picture Mrs. Strahm gave me."

"That sounds awesome." I gave her a smile.

I remember the story Mrs. Strahm had told me about Isabelle. Her father was a soldier for the army and unfortunately passed away during his deployment. Her mother had a hard time with it and struggled mentally. She ended up completely losing it and ended up locked up into a mental institution, like Ava. There were no other family members fit to raise her so she ended up coming here.

"Sterling says my daddy watches over me like his mommy in heaven does. Do you think that's true?" I could see the curiosity in her grey eyes.

"Absolutely." I answered her. "I bet he watches over you as much as he can."

"I hope so." She responded. "I don't remember much about him but I know that I miss him."

"I'm sure he misses you too. But remember, he's always with you in your heart." I reassured her.

She gave a nod in response.

"Tell me Isabelle, what do you want to do when you grow?" She was a year and a few months apart from Sterling so she was seven, that's the age when children seem to usually start trying to figure out what sounded fun to do when they were older.

"I like playing restaurant, maybe I could own one someday." She smiled. "I like baking more though. Maybe I can have my own cake shop."

"Well, I think you'll be able to do anything you set your mind to." I gave her a smile in return.

As our conversation finished up Mrs. Strahm and Sterling came back out. They were carrying some new balls and jump ropes. I watched as all the children came over to them with excitement. Isabelle went and joined with the others as Mrs. Strahm passed out the new toys.

When she finished I watched as Sterling returned to playing with Isabelle. That little girl had some good goals in life already. With the way she could handle Sterling I could see she was strong. One day, that little girl will be unstoppable and quite a force to be reckoned with.