Chapter 12 The next day , she got up early , washed up quickly , changed into a set of comfortable sportswear , and headed to Maria Orphanage . Vanessa had arranged for a driver to take her , but Darlene politely declined . She was already quite familiar with the staff at the orphanage , as she visited every holiday . The director , Kristin Conley , had arranged for a round - faced girl to wait for her at the entrance . From a distance , Tabitha Gordon greeted her excitedly , " Good morning , Darlene ! " " Good morning , Tabi , " Darlene replied warmly . " Lucian was on the news again . I just knew they'd send you , " Tabitha beamed . She was a volunteer at the orphanage , a kind - hearted girl who had always worked part - time to support herself . Darlene had met Tabitha in high school , when she came to help Lucian with charity work . Tabitha's school had organized a visit , and Tabitha had treated her like a celebrity , thinking she was very beautiful and wanting to take a photo with her . Darlene didn't have many friends , but Tabitha was one of them . Lucian had strong opinions about this ; he didn't like her making friends , believing that since she depended on the Calder family , she didn't need any friends at all . " Darlene , have you been doing well at Wintervale Academy lately ? " Tabitha asked with concern . " I heard that sponsored admits often get bullied there , and even reporters don't dare to cover it . You're so gentle by nature . " " Just barely getting by under the Calder family name , " Darlene said with a smile . All the children at Maria Orphanage had been abandoned due to physical disabilities . Some had limb impairments , others had physiological defects . There were hardly any normal children ; even those who looked normal either couldn't hear or couldn't see . The children were intellectually normal , but because of their physical disabilities , they were all very withdrawn and self - conscious . When celebrities and aristocrats brought reporters to stage photo ops , even taking a few simple pictures with the children would frighten them . Tabitha came from an ordinary family ; both her parents were regular teachers . She didn't judge people by their appearance , and like Darlene , she was especially loved by the children . Along the way , kids greeted them affectionately . Tabitha led Darlene to the fourth floor , but halfway there , a staff member called her away . Darlene continued upstairs on her own and saw a little girl in a wheelchair who had fallen while trying to climb out . The little girl didn't cry or make a fuss ; she hunched over , trying to find a way to get back up by herself . Darlene hurried over to help her , lifting her up and placing her back in the wheelchair . Be careful , it's very dangerous if you fall . " " Darla ! " The little girl's eyes lit up ; she clearly recognized her . " I missed you so much , Darla ! " Darlene's eyes softened as she gently ruffled the girl's hair . " I just came to see you all last month for Children's Day . " " But it feels like it's been so long already ... The little girl looked at her with longing , opening her arms for a hug , clearly very attached . " I wish Darla could be with us every day . " Darlene crouched down , not rejecting the child's affection , and hugged her securely . The little girl had only one leg , and the exposed skin was terribly scarred , as if from burns , the whole area looking as though it had been seared " It hurts the little girl whimpered suddenly There were medicines in the bags on both sides of the wheelchair Darlene opened one , took out a packet of cotton swabs and a bottle of medicine , and skillfully dabbed some onto a swab to apply as for the little girl . Her movements were gende and careful , as if she had done this countless umes before The title girl looked at her , cheeks flushed , biting her lip , her stall hand mischievously grabbing a lock of Darlene's hair by her ear , murmuring . " Darla's hair is so long , and her eyelashes are so long , just like the doll Ms Conley gave me . Did Darla run out from the shop window ? StarShort