Nanci returned home and saw only Jenny clearing the table in the living room. Rhys and Bella were nowhere to be seen. She asked, “Jenny, where’s Rhys? Has he had lunch?”
“He just finished eating not long ago. Seeing him yawn, I let him go back to sleep. He took the cat with him. I’m not sure if he’s asleep yet.”
Nanci nodded and walked to his room. She gently turned the doorknob, finding it unlocked. Pushing the door open, she saw the boy lying on the bed with his eyes closed, holding a cat in his arms. The lazy sunlight added a touch of color to the room.
Nanci quietly closed the door, took out her phone, and sent a message to Amelia. “Want to go shopping? The weather is nice today.”
Amelia quickly replied, “Sure.” Nanci changed into a shirt and went downstairs. The sun was strong today, making it too hot for a jacket. She grabbed her bag and left.
Amelia was already seated at a coffee shop when she saw Nanci enter. She waved enthusiastically and complained as soon as Nanci sat down, “What took you so long? You invited me, but you’re late!”
“I wasn’t late, and I even arrived early.”
Amelia sheepishly said, “Actually, I came here with Adam who had some business nearby. I was bored and looking for an excuse to leave when you called. Knowing it was you made him feel at ease.”
Nanci laughed, “So I’m just a tool for you!”
Amelia quickly said, “Of course not! Anyway, I’m here to accompany you today. Just tell me where you want to go.”
Nanci replied, “Children’s clothing store.”
Amelia was so shocked that she almost sprayed her drink. Nanci handed her a napkin. Amelia hurriedly wiped herself and asked in surprise, “No way! Are you pregnant already? Why didn’t you tell me first? How long has it been?”
“Stop! It’s not what you’re thinking. Your imagination is running wild!”
“If it’s not that, then what is it? Is the child not Edward’s? That would be a big problem. As your friend, I’ll support you no matter what, but…”
Nanci quickly covered her mouth and explained, “There are so many people around. Please stop talking nonsense.”
Amelia nodded vigorously before Nanci let go of her hand. Only then did Nanci continue to explain, “For some reason, there’s a child staying at my house temporarily. His mother had something urgent to attend to, so I’m taking care of him for now. He doesn’t have any clothes at my place, so I thought of getting some for him.”
“So this child has nothing to do with you? Why do you care so much for him? Aren’t you afraid of potential dangers? People can be complicated.”
Nanci shook her head and said, “He’s a well-behaved child. There won’t be any problems like you’re imagining. Besides, have you forgotten my profession? How could I ignore someone in need?”
“I get that, but how can you be so sure about a stranger? Did Edward agree?”
“Yes, he had concerns like yours in the first place, but I convinced him.”
Amelia sighed, “You’re too kind-hearted. Edward is like a gift from heaven. He agrees to everything you say. But still, be cautious not to get taken advantage of.”
Nanci pulled her up from her seat and said, “Don’t worry. Alright, let’s go shopping.”
They stood in front of rows of children’s clothing stores feeling puzzled since neither had bought children’s clothes before.
“Do you know which store has good children’s clothes?”
“If you ask me about women’s or men’s clothes, I might have an answer. But children’s clothes are beyond me.”
Nanci looked around and randomly picked a store to enter. Amelia immediately ran to the girls’ section and exclaimed in awe, “Look at these clothes! They’re so cute! I want a daughter so that I can dress her up in pretty dresses, do her hair, her nails, and her makeup!”
“But I’m shopping for boys’ clothes. Come help me. I can’t decide alone! Why do all boys’ clothes look similar? Even Edward’s ties all look alike, but he insists they’re different.”
“Haha! Maybe it’s time for new ties then.”
After much deliberation, Nanci picked out a few sets that seemed nice and checked the size with the shop assistant before paying and leaving for a men’s store.
“Are you buying for both Rhys and Edward? So considerate! Anyone will think you’re a good wife and a mother.”
“Stop teasing me! Didn’t you say we should get him new ties? I’m tired of seeing the same color every day!”
“Alright then! I can get one for Adam too. He’ll be delighted with my gift! How about this color?”
Nanci looked and said, “That might be too flamboyant for him. It doesn’t match his usual attire. Try these more versatile colors instead.”
Amelia chose another tie with less bright colors while Nanci picked two ties before heading to the cashier. Suddenly, Amelia’s phone rang. She answered briefly, “Adam? Got it.” Then she hung up.
She looked at Nanci and asked, “Do you need anything else?” Nanci shook her head.
“Adam is coming to pick me up since he’s done with his work. Be safe going home and text me when you’re back.”
“Sure thing. He’s right behind you.”
Adam greeted them as he approached. “We’ll head off now. See you next time,” he said.
Amelia waved goodbye as they left.
Nanci smiled back but couldn’t help wishing Edward could appear beside her too. She turned towards the exit only to bump into someone’s chest. Looking up ready to apologize, she saw Edward lifting her chin.
“How could you be so clumsy? Does it hurt?”
Thinking she was dreaming, Nanci pinched herself before asking in surprise, “Why are you here? I was just wishing you’d show up! Do you have magic powers?”
“Exactly! I sensed someone was missing me, so here I am! Weren’t you supposed to be home?”
“I came out to buy clothes for Rhys since he doesn’t have any spares at home.”
“Oh.”
Nanci pulled out a bag, saying, “Don’t be mad. I have something for you too! Open it when we’re home. I hope you’ll like it.”
“I love everything you bought for me.” With that, Edward took her hand, leading her to the car.
Once they got in the car, Nanci curiously asked, “Seriously, tell me why you’re here. Was it really just a coincidence? You’re not following me, are you?”
Edward playfully flicked her forehead. “Do you really think I have that much free time? I just happened to be here to meet a client, and after finishing, I saw someone standing there looking lost.”
“Fine, but I’m not lost! I was just saying goodbye to them.”
“Why didn’t you message me to come pick you up? My woman shouldn’t have to envy others. What would they think if they found out?”
“I was just trying to avoid bothering you! Besides, I can handle myself. I wasn’t being too obvious, was I…” Her voice trailed off as her confidence waned.
Edward chuckled, “Your emotions are written all over your face, silly girl. Next time you miss me, just give me a call, got it?”
“Alright, let’s hurry home. I miss Bella.”
Edward focused on driving, not saying another word.
Once home, Nanci saw Rhys sitting on the sofa, engrossed in the TV. Bella, hearing the noise, scurried over with her little legs. Nanci squatted down and picked her up, saying, “Look who came to greet me! I guess my affection wasn’t wasted. Have you eaten yet, Bella? You feel so light!”
Jenny chimed in, “It’s only been a few days. She’s still so small. If she eats too much, she might gain weight too quickly, which isn’t healthy.”
“True.”
Edward came downstairs after changing clothes, reaching for the cat in Nanci’s arms, but Bella dodged him. The atmosphere instantly became tense, and Nanci joked, “Is it because you forgot to give her the treats you promised? I have to say, Bella is quite perceptive. People say it takes a long time for cats to understand their owners, but I feel like she gets everything right away.”
Edward replied with mock annoyance, “Do you think I’m short on money? It’s just that I forgot. Petty cat!”
“Meow!”
Bella’s indignant meow made everyone laugh. After dinner, Nanci looked at Rhys and said, “This is your medicine for the next few days. You need to take it on time. It might be a bit bitter. I bought some candy and left it on the table. You can have a piece after you finish.”
“I’m not afraid of bitterness. Thank you.”
“I also got you some clean clothes. Remember to take a shower and change. Your mom should have told you to keep clean, right?”
The boy hesitated, then said, “How much is it? I’ll pay you.”
“Just settle it with me once you’re better. Don’t worry. I’m not that rich. I’ll collect what I’m owed when the time comes. You only need to listen to me, take your medicine, and cooperate with the treatment.”
“I will.”
“Alright, eat up and rest early. We’re heading to bed too. Goodnight.”