After their last encounter, Sophia spent time telling Elaine how Bianca had helped them. She noticed Elaine’s attitude softening, and she didn’t seem to dislike Bianca anymore.
Keeping this in mind, Sophia agreed, “Okay, Bianca. Thank you.”
After hanging up, Bianca looked sorry as she quickly explained Sophia’s situation to Ruby and why she needed to leave in a hurry.
Ruby, always understanding, said, “No problem, I’m free today. Take your time; we can adjust our plans.”
Bianca was grateful for Ruby’s kindness and flexibility. She thanked her and hurried out of the classroom. As she disappeared down the hallway, Dave appeared from around the corner.
He had been quietly following Bianca today, wanting to confirm that her meeting was indeed with Ruby Garcia.
It turned out it really was her.
Ruby knew Dave’s uncles well, especially his second uncle.
Dave didn’t want Bianca to interact with his uncles, who were known for their cunning and dishonest behavior. He also wanted to shield her from learning about his difficult history.
He feared that if his uncles found out about Bianca, they would involve her in their dangerous, secretive conflicts.
Dave’s eyes hardened, and he left the building, heading in another direction.
Just as Bianca got into a taxi, her phone rang. It was Dave calling.
“Hello,” Bianca answered gently and warmly.
Dave’s tone softened. “How’s your day going? Is there anything I can do to help? I’m free right now, so I’m here if you need anything.”
Bianca considered her situation. It was her first time looking after a child, and her previous interaction with Elaine hadn’t gone well.
“Well, have you… ever taken care of a child before?” Bianca asked cautiously.
Surprised, Dave responded, “Taking care of a child? Who are you taking care of?”
Bianca explained, “It’s Elaine, Sophia’s daughter. Their regular nanny couldn’t make it today due to personal reasons, and finding a replacement might upset Sophia. So, I offered to help out. But I’m worried I might not know how to handle her properly. Do you have any experience or advice on taking care of children that you could share with me?”
“Well… Kids usually love amusement parks. There’s a good one I know of; we could take her there,” Dave suggested.
“That’s a great idea! An amusement park would be perfect for her!”
Bianca liked the idea but then hesitated. “Wait. Did you say ‘we’? Are you suggesting you want to come with us?”
“Why not? Wouldn’t you like me to come?” he teased lightly.
“It’s not that. I’d actually feel more comfortable with you around.”
The idea of Dave taking care of a child felt almost surreal to Bianca.
“I’ll text you the location of the amusement park. Just tell me when you’re heading out. I’ll meet you there.”
With that, Dave hung up.
Bianca arrived at Sophia’s apartment.
“Elaine figured out I’m leaving, and now she’s locked herself in her room. She’s really upset. Are you sure you can handle this, Bianca?” Sophia asked anxiously, her concern clear in her voice.
Bianca confidently reassured Sophia, “Don’t worry about Elaine. I’ve got this. You can trust me. Ms. Garcia is waiting for you, so you should head out.”
Sophia nodded softly, her faith in Bianca was firm as always.
Once Sophia left, though, Bianca’s confidence started to falter, and she slouched a bit. She took a deep breath, gathering herself for the task ahead.
She had lived for twenty years, so taking care of a little girl wouldn’t be a problem for her.
With firm determination, Bianca approached Elaine’s bedroom door and knocked gently. “Elaine, it’s Aunt Bianca. Are you in there? Remember, I promised you some yummy treats and fun surprises? I’ve kept my promise. Want to come out and see?”
There was no reply from Elaine.
Bianca felt completely ignored.
Dealing with Elaine was proving tougher than Bianca had expected.
Taking a moment to gather herself, Bianca continued, “And I was thinking about this really cool amusement park. Would you like to go there for some fun? If you’re interested…”
Suddenly, the door swung open from the inside.
Elaine stood behind the door, her small face serious, and her round eyes glinted with caution as she stared at Bianca. “Did you mention… an amusement park?”
“Yes,” Bianca nodded eagerly.
“Are you going to take me there?”
“Yes,” Bianca assured her, trying to keep her smile friendly.
Elaine eyed her skeptically, examining her carefully. “You’re not going to leave me there alone, are you?”
“I’ll stay with you the whole time. You won’t be alone,” Bianca reassured confidently, placing a hand on her chest.
Elaine seemed to ponder for a moment before nodding.
“Okay.”
Bianca had worried that Elaine might be too shy to go out, especially since she was usually cautious around new people. But today, Elaine seemed different to Bianca.
With Elaine’s agreement, Bianca eagerly took her to the amusement park Dave had suggested-Dream Amusement Park.
This is the biggest amusement park in the city, built by the Phoenix Alliance Group. It covers 116 hectares, with six themed areas and hundreds of rides.
It was famous as the perfect place for children to have fun.
“Look!” Bianca exclaimed.
Bianca quickly spotted Dave standing near the entrance. He wore a comfortable yellow shirt, his tall and commanding presence catching everyone’s eye. With one hand casually in his pocket, he effortlessly attracted the attention of a group of girls admiring him.
Dave walked over when he saw Bianca and Elaine.
Elaine quickly hid behind Bianca, peeking out with wide eyes as she observed the man before her with curiosity.
“This is Sophia’s daughter, Elaine.”
“Elaine…” Dave’s gaze rested on her face.
Bianca glanced at Elaine and introduced, “Elaine, this is Mr. Evans. He’s…”
“He’s your boyfriend?” Elaine blinked her big eyes, her tone serious, leaving Bianca completely taken aback.
Bianca wondered if kids were growing up faster these days.
Dave knelt down, resting his arms on his knees. His face softened with kindness. “Yes, I’m Bianca’s boyfriend. Nice to meet you, Elaine.”
As he spoke, he reached out his hand toward Elaine.
When Bianca greeted Elaine like this in a previous encounter, she got an unexpected bite.
Just as Bianca was about to warn Dave to be cautious of Elaine’s fear of strangers and not be too enthusiastic, she was surprised when Elaine came out from behind her and placed her small hand in Dave’s large one.
Elaine’s face lit up with a shy, childlike smile. “You’re really handsome.”
There was a brief silence for a moment.
Bianca was surprised. It was hard to believe that someone as young as Elaine could be so taken by a good-looking man.