Luckily, everything got sorted out. If it hadn’t, Ashley holding onto the fact that Elaine bit her would’ve been a big problem.
“Elaine, it’s okay.” Bianca knelt in front of Elaine, gently tapping her nose. “But remember, you can’t bite people. That’s not how we solve problems.”
Elaine sniffled, clearly upset. “She said I’m rude. I won’t let anyone say that especially if it reflects how Mommy raised me!”
Bianca understood. “Elaine, did you think she was being mean to your mommy?”
Elaine nodded firmly. “Yes, my mommy’s been through a lot. I won’t let anyone be mean to her. I have to protect her!”
It turned out Elaine wasn’t biting out of fear or defiance but to protect her mother in her own way.
Bianca felt a pang of sadness. Elaine had shown more strength than expected, yet she deserved care and protection at such a young age.
She held Elaine close, gently stroking her hair. “You know, Elaine? Your mommy used to be amazing. She was a famous star, admired by many. That’s why people supported her, and those who hurt her faced consequences from the police. Those times won’t happen again.”
“My mommy was amazing?” Elaine blinked, surprised. “Really? Is she more amazing than that mean lady?”
Bianca chuckled. “Absolutely! Right now, your mommy doesn’t need protection but support as she tries to regain her former strength.”
“If mommy becomes amazing again, she won’t get hurt anymore?” Elaine tilted her head, looking for reassurance.
“Definitely,” Bianca answered patiently. “But if mommy wants to change, she won’t always be with you. Do you understand?”
Elaine nodded, seeming to understand.
“I want her to be as amazing as she used to be and not be pushed around. So, it’s okay if she can’t always be with me. I’ll be there to support her!”
Bianca hugged Elaine warmly, a content smile on her face.
Dave watched as Bianca comforted Elaine with such gentleness. There were stars in his clear eyes, shining warmly and brightly.
And in that moment, his heart melted.
Later that evening, Bianca called Sophia and found out her meeting wasn’t over yet. Sophia asked Bianca to look after Elaine a bit longer.
Bianca agreed wholeheartedly. She remembered how both Elaine and Sophia had once been confined to their home, rarely getting to go out and play. They were both eager to explore the world.
Bianca’s heart warmed. She knelt down and asked, “Elaine, if there’s anything else you want to do or something you enjoy, just let me know. I’ll do my best to make it happen for you.”
“Okay…” Elaine tilted her head, deep in thought. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled. “I love stars and fireworks! Can you two take me to see them?”
Bianca was caught off guard by Elaine’s request and felt a bit unsure. “I also enjoy stars and fireworks, but…”
As they spoke, Ashley happened to walk past them after the ribbon-cutting. Upon hearing Elaine’s words, she stopped and scoffed, “Children should be in bed by now. Stop dreaming all the time! Naughty children don’t deserve to see stars or fireworks tonight.”
After her remark, Ashley gave Bianca a disdainful look.
Seeing tears welling up in Elaine’s eyes, Bianca gently stroked her hair and comforted her, “Don’t listen to her. You’re a good girl.”
“Aunt Bianca, are there really no stars tonight? Did they hide because I did something wrong?” Elaine’s voice trembled, tears streaming down her cheek.
Bianca gently wiped away her tears and comforted her, “No, sweetheart. It’s just cloudy tonight, so the stars are hidden. Fireworks usually happen on special occasions, and there aren’t any festivals right now…”
Dave glanced at Bianca and Elaine, then added, “I’ve heard that Dream Amusement Park sometimes has fireworks at night. Maybe tonight is one of those nights.”
Bianca’s eyes lit up. “Really? Let’s give it a try!”
Ashley laughed as if she found it amusing and sarcastically said, “That’s funny. Dream Amusement Park hasn’t had fireworks in years. Do you think you own the park and can get whatever you want? Stop daydreaming!”
Bianca looked at her calmly and replied, “Ashley, if you can’t say something nice, it’s better not to say anything at all. No one is talking to you.”
“Humph! I wouldn’t want to talk to you anyway!” Ashley huffed and walked off.
Since Dream Amusement Park hadn’t had fireworks in a long time, the chances of seeing them tonight were slim!
Upon hearing about the chance of fireworks, Elaine jumped up excitedly, pulling Bianca towards the amusement park.
Bianca, however, didn’t hold much hope. She knew that these parks only launched fireworks during major events, and on an ordinary day like today, it seemed unlikely.
Still, Bianca took Elaine to the park. They sat on a bench and waited patiently.
An hour passed, and it was already nine o’clock. No fireworks lit up the sky; darkness reigned. Bianca approached a park employee, who confirmed that no fireworks were scheduled for the night.
“I’m sorry, Elaine. It seems there won’t be any fireworks today…” Bianca noticed Elaine’s hopeful face turning into disappointment. She looked at the nearby carousel and suggested, “How about we go for a ride on the carousel instead?”
Elaine lowered her head silently. Bianca held her hand and guided her towards the carousel.
“Look, isn’t it beautiful? It’s like stepping into a fairy tale land, right?” Elaine sat on the carousel, looking like a princess from a storybook sitting on a prince’s white horse.
Elaine glanced up briefly, but her enthusiasm was lacking. Despite the dazzling lights around her, Bianca could see tears glistening in Elaine’s eyes.
Maybe bringing her here was a mistake. Elaine wouldn’t feel disappointed if Bianca hadn’t raised her hopes. Bianca knew this well, so why didn’t she squash that hope before it grew…
Just then, Dave’s phone chimed with a text message. “Everything is ready.”
Dave replied, “Proceed.”
Bianca felt disheartened when suddenly, cries of astonishment echoed around them.
“Look! What’s that?!”
Bianca lifted her gaze and turned it toward the sky. Her eyes widened in amazement…
“How is this possible?”
The stars in the sky seemed to come alive, lighting up the night.
“Why are there so many stars shining brightly tonight?!”
Suddenly, with a loud bang, fireworks burst into the serene starry sky, one after another.
“There are stars and fireworks! I can see them!” Elaine jumped with joy, arms outstretched to embrace the breathtaking display.
The entire amusement park fell silent as everyone looked up at the sky.
The fireworks, blending with the stars, painted a picturesque and dreamlike scene.
Bianca’s eyes sparkled as she watched the ethereal display, the light reflecting like crystals in her eyes.