Chapter 54 You are united
After dinner, Nora sent Jack off to tend to handle some other things and drove herself to the kindergarten entrance to pick up her little trio from school.
While waiting, she reviewed the files Jack had sent her. The collaboration with Central Hospital was focused on a research project investigating immunotherapy for brain tumors. This project would necessitate doctors from both sides working together. And the primary contact person for her was Howard.
Why him of all people?
Nora gazed at Howard's photo and the hostility he'd shown her, a sense of foreboding washing over her. She was sure to face several hurdles at work.
The bustle at the kindergarten entrance grew as more cars arrived. Soon enough, the gate swung open.
The children, like birds darting to their nests, rushed to their parents.
Nora stepped out of her car, and her gaze quickly found her three treasures. She waved at them with a smile.
"Mommy!" The trio ran towards her, laughter filling the air.
With a kiss for each one, Nora led her little flock back to her car.
A young boy's voice followed behind them.
"See you tomorrow, Samantha!" Nora turned around to catch a glimpse of Michael being dragged away by his driver while waving goodbye to her daughter.
There's something so pure about the friendships children form. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, showing their likes immediately. It seemed that Michael had certainly taken a shine to her Samantha.
Nora helped Samantha into the car, only to hear her say, "Mommy, Michael insisted on giving me chocolate today. I didn't want to take it, but he almost started to cry."
Suppressing a chuckle, Nora asked, "So, did you end up taking it?"
"Yep, I gave it to Billy," Samantha responded in her sweet, childish voice.
As Nora settled her other two kids into the car, she smiled and said, "Well, everyone needs to get along. We're all classmates, after all."
"Alright, even though he's has a meanie for a dad and a nasty aunt, I'll be his friend—for the sake of the chocolate," Samantha declared with the solemnity only a child could muster.
Nora was speechless. Had a piece of chocolate really won her daughter over? Should she be amused or disappointed?
Driving home, she listened to the ceaseless chatter of her three little ones, her smile unwavering.
Once home, Samantha dashed off to find Aaron first, announcing, "Mr. Thomas, we're back!"
Aaron had already heard them and wheeled himself to the front yard, a smile on his face as he affectionately ruffled Samantha's hair. Alex and Billy soon joined, eager to share their school adventures.
Nora glanced around but didn't spot the Hamilton siblings. She figured they must have left.
After the kids settled inside for some water, Aaron, with a tease in his tone, asked Nora, "Been out all day, did you have fun?"
Her eyebrow arched playfully as she replied, "Not bad."
Aaron added, "They won't be coming from tomorrow on. You're not planning on leaving me here alone, are you?"
Nora answered, "Sorry, Thomas. I start work tomorrow, so you’ll need to have your people come back to look after you."
A frown briefly crossed Aaron's face. "You're starting a job? Where?"
"I'm assisting with a research project for my senior colleague," Nora explained as she walked over to a corner of the courtyard to collect the dried herbs.
Aaron watched her intently, his handsome face clouded with thought. Was she really just helping Jack, or was this an excuse for romance under the guise of work?
"Nora, help me up," Aaron requested.
Taken aback, Nora cautioned, "You can't stand on your legs just yet."
"How will we know unless we try?" Aaron countered.
"But, you..." she began.
"Nora, are you going to help me or not?" Aaron interrupted, leaving no room for further discussion.
Nora noticed Aaron's stern face and stubborn expression but didn't protest any further.
Feeling had returned to his legs; it was time to start thinking about getting up and moving around.
Nora went inside and returned with a cane, handing it to Aaron.
"Use this cane, and I'll help you stand," she offered.
Aaron’s lips tightened as he gratefully accepted the cane with one hand and placed the other on Nora's shoulder.
Nora exhaled, "Okay, we're going to start. Just listen to me, take a deep breath and stand up slowly."
Aaron shut his eyes and gripped the cane a bit tighter.
Feeling the tension in Aaron's muscles, Nora spoke softly, "Relax a little, you've got this."
Her voice was gentle and full of encouragement.
Breathing in her distinct and pleasant scent, Nora felt a lump in her throat.
Gradually, he took his first step.
Nora praised him just in time, "Thomas, did you see that? You're doing it, take another step!"
Looking into her bright and fair face, a surge of warmth spread throughout Aaron's body—it felt like a well of strength.
He pulled her closer and moved forward another step.
"Wow, Mr. Thomas can walk! Go, Man!"
"Go, Mr. Thomas!"
The three kids ran to the side, cheering in unison.
Aaron looked at them— their eyes sparkled like the brightest stars in a night sky, offering warmth.
His heart softened.
Pushing through on sheer willpower, Aaron trudged forward five meters.
"That’s enough!" Nora declared.
Sensing Aaron's arm quivering, she knew he had reached his limit for the day.
She quickly turned to Alex, "Alex, bring over Mr. Thomas’s wheelchair."
"Okay."
Alex responded and hurried to fetch the wheelchair.
Nora glanced at the man beside her, his forehead covered in sweat, and said, "Just hang on a little longer…"
She was cut off mid-sentence as he stumbled, all his weight shifting onto her.
Nora let out a startled cry as she toppled backward...
"Mommy, Mr. Thomas!" Billy's voice pierced the air.
Suddenly, Nora felt Aaron's full weight crash onto her like a slab of stone.
Their lips met purely by accident.
Time seemed to freeze.
Nora's eyes widened, fixated on Aaron's handsome face just inches from her own, forgetting to breathe.
As he fell, Aaron's instincts kicked in to protect her head.
Their eyes locked, and he could feel the softness of her lips—his mind running wild.
"Yay, Mommy and Mr. Thomas are kissing!" Samantha's childish voice rang out.
"Samantha, don’t look!"
Billy hurried over, cupping his hands over her eyes, while simultaneously turning away himself.
Nora's cheeks blushed as she forcefully shoved the man away, unintentionally biting her lip in the process.
That jerk! How dare he take advantage of her in front of the kids!
Embarrassing!
"I told you you're not ready yet, but you just had to try."
Nora shot him a fierce glare but still managed to help him back into the wheelchair.
Aaron swallowed, viewing her flushed complexion, his voice husky.
Aaron: "What's wrong with me?"
Nora: "What's right with you?"
Aaron: "What do you think? Didn't you feel anything?"
"I..."
Nora's gaze involuntarily drifted toward his lower abdomen.
Were they even talking about the same thing?
Nora: "I need to cook dinner!"
Rubbing her sore butt, Nora quickly retreated inside the house.
Aaron, watching her hasten away, a hint of amusement danced in his eyes.
"Aren't you gonna help me change? My clothes are dirty," he called out.
"You're all capable now, right? Do it yourself!"
"Aren't you the one who said I'm not up for it? I need your help, Nora!"
Nora: "..."
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