Chapter 31: Photo Op
Moana

The very next morning, I called Sophia as soon as I awoke.

“Sophia, it’s Moana,” I said into the phone. “Do you have a minute to talk?”

Sophia was quiet for a moment. I could tell that she was hesitant; I had just informed her only a couple of weeks prior that I was working for the very man who frightened the orphans, and she no doubt had a suspicion that I was going to ask for something after how he acted.

“Yes,” she finally replied. “It’s good to hear your voice.”

I smiled, relieved that she was at least willing to talk to me. “You, too,” I said. “I know this might seem a bit contrived, but I wanted to ask if Mr. Morgan and I could come to the orphanage today. He wants to speak to you and the children after what happened yesterday.”

“Really?” Sophia responded, sounding a little surprised. “He doesn’t seem like the type to talk much.”

“Really. He wants to apologize.” Sophia was silent again. I grew desperate. “Please,” I said. “I’d really appreciate it if you gave him another chance.”

“Alright,” Sophia finally agreed. “When will you be coming?”

I glanced at the clock. “We’ll be there by noon.”

At noon, almost on the dot, Edrick and I pulled up to the orphanage. He was wearing a gray suit and tie that was almost as stiff as his demeanor, which was a sharp contrast from my light blue sundress. It was a scorching hot day; I was surprised that he was even breathing dressed like that.

coming off of the black car. He took a deep breath and straightened his tie before brusquely turning on his heel and storming up to the entrance of the orphanage as if he was on a mission, where Sophia stood with the children as they waited for him. The children had made a banner that they were all holding, which read: “Thank you, Mr. Morgan!” I couldn’t help but smile as I saw all of the little

smiling, came down the steps

squinting in the sunlight. “We’re

nodded and replied in a curt tone of voice, “Thank you.

even harder. “Photographer?”

op,” Edrick said, looking around. “Didn’t you hire

before he could say anything else that was offensive. “I have

cell phone pictures to make it on the

over at me with a disappointed look on her face before looking back up at Edrick. “Perhaps you’re not here for the right reasons, Mr. Morgan,” she said. “While we appreciate your donation, all of the funds have been allocated toward taking care of the

He stepped away, waving me over to him, and I threw an apologetic glance

hire a photographer?”

low. “It’s about the message behind them.

the summer heat. One little girl’s bangs were glued to her forehead with sweat. “Fine,” he said, his tone of

back over to Sophia. He said something to her that I couldn’t make out from where I stood. She nodded and they walked over to the stairs; Edrick waved for me to follow

stood off

Morgan,” the little girl with the sweat-soaked

look at her; he only stood off to the side with his arms folded, impatiently waiting for the picture to be

what’s Miss Moana doing here?” another little

little boy said, his face red

me a pleading look, practically begging me to just get

I said with a smile, holding up my phone to take the picture. “On

too hot and miserable to smile, and the ones that were closest to Edrick appeared as if they

children inside. Edrick, without a word, stormed back off in the direction of the car. I mouthed an apology to

are you doing?”

to show him the picture. “The children look miserable,” I replied.

they don’t like me,” Edrick complained. “I did what

made me

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