Just Friends

Chapter 24.

One person commented about the character for Melanie, so from now on, Melanie will be played as Heather Sanders. If you don't know who she is, she is in the multimedia.

Also, I'm doing a cover contest since we are over 20 chapters in, basically message me or send me some covers and the best one will be used as the book cover & your username will be on the book descriptions.

Imani

Walking into the event, I didn't really know what to expect. I knew it was a charity event for orphans, but I never been to something like this. I didn't think it would be so extravagant. Streamers were hanging on the walls, and then going all across the ceiling. The place was decorated perfectly, looking like a child's birthday party. it was amazing I fell in love with the scenery the moment I walked in. I was early, only by a half hour, but there were so many kids already playing and having fun. A couple celebrities were inside, wanting to avoid the paparazzi that were hounding us outside.

"Hey babe," Wilmer said, walking towards us. He kissed Demi on the forehead, then looked over at us confused. "I thought you said you guys were having a girls day?"

"We were supposed to.. But then came here instead." Demi answered. "By the way babe, I don't think you met officially Melanie yet." She said turning to introduce us to her boyfriend. I met Wilmer a couple months ago through August, and I didn't want to be asked about him now.

"Oh right, hello Imani, and you must be Melanie!" He exclaimed in his Hispanic accent.  He was still holding Demi's hand, although it wasn't very noticeable. She was looking at him in pure adoration and I loved how close they were. Their relationship was honestly goals; they kept their private life low key and managed to stay together for so many years.

After introductions, Demi left us to follow Wilmer and meet his friends. Melanie walked away to talk to a cute boy, and I was left alone to wander the hallways. I spent a couple minutes just walking around, taking in the beauty of the event. Charity events like these makes me love my job, and feel amazing knowing that I support such a good organization.

I was walking across one of the many playrooms, watching the kids play with bubbles like it was the most interesting thing in the world. These children had the most amazing imagination, and I've never seen a child so grateful for the little things. It was so sad to see that these children didn't have parents to call there own. When I was wandering, I noticed a small little girl sitting in the corner of the room. She wasnt smiling and playing like the other children, but hiding her face in her knees. I walked over to her slowly, not trying to scare her off for a first impression.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing here all alone?" I said, placing my hand on her back and sitting next to me. She looked at me with the biggest eyes, filled with both sadness and hope, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl.

"No one wants to play with me" She said, with a pout forming on her lips. She had this adorable accent that made her words look baby-ish, and made her look like a little kid. I took the moment to notice her appearance. She looked mixed- African American and something else, and had the prettiest hair. It was a shade of brown with natural premature highlights that looked like it was professionally done. Her curls were in between curly and straight, and complimented her hazel eyes.

"Thats not true, I want to play with you!" I answered enthusiastically. I was almost immediately drawn into her big and beautiful eyes, feeling a sense of adoration come over me.

"Really?" She answered, surprised.

"of course! thats why i sat with you silly! i said, nudging her shoulder gently. I saw a smile creep up onto her face, and my heart instantly melted. "Whats your name sweetie?" I said, looking at the small little puzzle she was playing with before I sat down.

She giggled in response, answering my question a few moments later. " My name is Mariellla"She said, with a slight Hispanic accent showing when she pronounced it.

"Okay Mariella, my name is Imani, what do you want to play?" I asked her. She was the sweetest little girl but I could never get past her eyes. They were so beautiful and sparkled when ever she smiled. I was in love.

Forty five minutes later, Mariella and I walked away from our little corner and grabbed some snacks. At this point, she was attached to me. She had me carry her everywhere and did not want me to put her down. Honestly, I didn't really mind carrying her around. Every now and then she would rest her head on my shoulder and i would mentally squeal at how adorable she is. I never wanted to let her go.

"Mariella, baby,. Someone wants to say hi" I whispered gently in her ear. She groaned, nuzzling into my neck for a moment before she got up and stretched. My baby girl was tired, I think we were passed her nap time.

"No Mani, I tired." She said in her cute baby voice. For a moment I thought she said "mommy," and I almost froze in place.

"Do you want to take a nap?" I asked, softly, stroking her hair. She nodded, adjusting herself slightly. Her head was now resting on my breast, and her legs were wrapped around my waist. It made her look a lot smaller than she was, but i found the whole thing adorable so i didn't mind. "Goodnight princess," i said, whispering into ear and kissing her forehead softly.

Is it possible for someone to instantly fall in love with a little girl?

"We'll look at my little girl." Mama Sheila said, walking up to me. I smiled at her and waved, trying not to wake the sleeping beauty on my shoulder.

"Who is this little princess?" She asked, trying to get a peek at Mariella's face.

"Her name is Mariella" I answered softly, "and she's a sweetheart" I was stroking her curls softly, making sure she was comfortable on my waist.

"You look so motherly holding her like that" mama Sheila started," have you thought about adopting her? You would make such an amazing mother..."

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Cliffhanger lol. We'll see what Imani thinks about adoption in the next chapter!!