2.4

Thursday morning saw Michael back in his SUV. Leaving the house had been a tough decision but he had refused to spend another hour glancing longingly at the Gods Online Capsule. The car parked on the opposite side of the road to his destination. Michael nodded confirmation to the drivers questioning glance. Gathering up his bribes he grasped the plastic bag handles and exited the vehicle. Once the door closed and Michael had stepped away from the car the driver pulled out and went to get himself lunch.

Michael checked both ways before crossing. The bribes he carried were light but he hoped they would be sufficient to soothe his conscious. Before entering he checked his surroundings noting the clouds indicating potential rain. Sighing and bracing himself Michael opened the door and entered.

Before he adjusted his eyes to the indoor light a human cannonball struck him. With both arms and both legs wrapped around Michael the girl called out, “Mikey!” For a worrying moment, Michael teetered off balance but luckily regained his balance. Stroking her head tentatively he reprimanded the girl, “Isabel you know how I dislike being called Mikey.” Not perturbed in the slightest Isabel gazed up at him revealing a Cheshire grin. After a moment of matching his stare she released wild hold on him. On her own 2 feet Isabel bounced excitedly. Her gaze was firmly held by his bribes, hidden by the thin plastic they were tantalizingly out of reach. Pausing, Michael took the moment to truly look at the child front of him. She was truly adorable. Asian around 5-6 years old. Her face was cheeky with mischievous eyes. Long straight dark hair that reached down her back. This wasn’t what drew Michael’s attention. He saw the healthy look to her skin and hair. Her jeans and sweater were clean and looked well kept. Overall she looked happy and healthy. Which was good. Michael truly worried about her between visits. Smiling he took her grasping hand in his free one. Together they walked deeper into the orphanage. Isabel sustaining a constant stream of chatter.

They were met at the reception by Mother Junette. Before you ask she wasn’t religious, for some reason she requested that as her title. At the time Michaels, now deceased, grandmother (the founder of Mary-Anne Orphanage) had commented on its oddness but the title had stuck. Mother Junette was beautiful in an intimidating sort of way. While she must have been in her late 40’s by now she had aged rather well. Most importantly her age had never stopped Michael from admiring her figure. When she wasn’t looking of course. Although, he was certain she had noticed once or twice.

She smiled as she approached. “Good Morning Michael, I’m glad you came. Isabel has been bouncing off the walls since you informed us you were visiting today.” Michael felt a twinge in his consciousness. He should visit more. Shrugging it off he replied, “It’s good to be here, how have things been.” As a group, they began walking further into the building proper. “It’s been good just now but I worry about the older children in the next few weeks. It’s the same every Summer, there is only so much to keep them occupied. The younger children go off to camp but the older ones are stuck underfoot. It’s impossible for us to find them all jobs.” She sighed. Michael nodded conciliatory. Thankfully, he was saved from answering by the massive squeal which erupted from the dozen or so young children inside the downstairs games room. There were three games rooms delegated for the different age groups. The younger children were banned from the older kid’s rooms unless otherwise invited. Which happened surprisingly often. Anyway, Michael beamed out at them and as they stopped what they were doing and began to come towards him he surrendered his presents *cough bribes*. Other than the dress he gave to Isabel (she was his favorite) Michael mostly gave toys away to the children. It didn’t matter if they all got them they treated them as a collective. At some point everyone would get to play with them. He also handed off a smaller bag to Mother Junette. Inside were the latest console games. (For the older kids) He could hand them to them himself of course but he knew that wouldn’t go down well. Although his family owned the orphanage and they were all fed, clothed and sheltered on his parents charity. There was a difference between knowing they gave you stuff and having someone practically your own age giving you charity. Everyone has their pride. Best if Mother Junette subtly adds the new games to the pile.

Michael spent a little time with each child. Isabel clung to him the entire and thankfully she accepted that she couldn’t have all his attention. He asked each child how they were, mostly if tried to subtly find out if there were any problems. Mother Junette and her staff were extraordinary at keeping order and looking after the children but sometimes little things slipped under the radar. Though not truly critical he found out that 8-year-old Tom had lost a shoe in P.E and had been too embarrassed to tell the staff. Michael made a mental note to mention it to Mother Junette before he left.

Once he had completed his circuit with the kids he sat with Isabel and watched ‘Shrek’ on DVD. Michael enjoyed it thoroughly. As Shrek concluded Michael gave Isabel a hug then headed up to say hello to the older kids.

He joined Marc, David and Alica on the sofas in the top floor games room. They were chatting with ‘Suits’ on in the background. Of course, the topic of conversation was Gods Online. They talked with envy about the people that had pre-ordered the game. They knew without a doubt that they wouldn’t be able to afford it. Eventually Michael mentioned that he had a capsule. While stricken with jealousy they demanded information on what the character creation had been like. They seemed disappointed that he didn’t know anything more about the game than he did. After 45 minutes or so Michael begged off and headed back down the stairs. The questions had gotten ridiculous. They wanted to know everything down to the finest detail.

On the way downstairs, he thought about buying some capsules for the orphanage. Only those 18+ would be able to play it but there were 4 of them that were 18 already including David, Alicia and Marc. Alonso was turning 18 later on in the Summer making 5. Lost in thought Michael didn’t even notice when Isabel took her customary place on his arm. As they reached the reception he reached the decision that he would purchase them if there was a way for people to pay real money for items. It might be a good way for them to make some extra cash. Decided he began to head for the exit.

He was met at the reception once more by Mother Junette. “Tom needs new gym shoes,” he remembered. Mother Junette raised an eyebrow. Making Michael jealous. He wished he could do that. “That’s good to know,” she smiled. Drawing closer to the door he gave Isabel a last hug. Tentatively stroking her hair. Mother Junette surprised him. “I hear you have that new game.” At his nod she continued, “have you thought about which god you will worship.” Confused Michael simply shrugged, “I’m not sure what you mean.” As far as he knew you didn’t need to worship any gods. Why would he? This time it was Mother Junette who appeared confused, only momentarily then realization flashed across her face. Then annoyance. Then she smiled matronly once more, “Well enjoy your game dear, have a nice evening.”

Michael was a little dazed over the previous conversation as he got into the car. Then he shrugged it off. He had a party to get to. Michael sighed.

Walking Isabel back inside the word ‘whoops’ flashed across the mind of the Queen of the Gods.