Chapter 592 Yvette Fainted in Kindergarten
Yvette glanced at her watch. It was almost time to pick up BoBo and CiCi from school.
With Albert away these past couple of days, she had devoted herself entirely to the children, spending nearly every waking moment with them. But now that they were back in school this Monday, the house felt eerily quiet and lonely.
As she stepped outside, the driver quickly emerged from the car. "Mrs. Valdemar, where are you headed?" he asked, opening the car door.
"Just going to pick up BoBo and CiCi," Yvette replied with a gentle smile.
"Please, get in," he gestured toward the open door.
Yvette checked her phone and shook her head. "No need today. I think I'll walk. There's plenty of time."
The driver nodded respectfully. "Of course. Just call if you need anything."
She had barely walked a block when she found herself short of breath. Perhaps it was the oppressive weather, or maybe she'd left the house too hastily. Yvette paused to catch her breath, but the dizziness persisted.
A wave of concern washed over her. What if she collapsed on the way? The children would be left waiting, confused and frightened. After a moment's hesitation, she called the driver back.
"Actually, could you pick me up after all? It's rather chilly, and I'd hate for BoBo and CiCi to catch cold."
"Absolutely, Mrs. Valdemar. Stay right where you are. I'll be there momentarily."
This back-and-forth had cost them precious time. By the time they reached the preschool, most of the other children had already been collected.
Yvette hurried from the car into the building, her breath coming in short gasps just from the brief walk from the entrance to the classroom. Inside, only BoBo, CiCi, and two other children remained, playing happily together, their faces lit with innocent joy.
Approaching them, Yvette fought to hide her discomfort. "Darlings, I'm sorry I'm late," she said softly.
The twins spotted her and rushed over excitedly. "Mommy, you're finally here! We missed you so much!" they exclaimed in unison.
Yvette's eyes softened with affection. "I missed you too, sweethearts. How was your day? Did you behave for Ms. Everly?"
CiCi nodded enthusiastically. "I was very good! Ms. Everly even said so!"
Taking both children by the hand, Yvette listened as CiCi launched into an animated account of their day. She nodded patiently, occasionally interjecting a question or comment.
When CiCi showed no signs of slowing down, Yvette gently interrupted. "Sweetheart, Ms. Everly needs to go home too. Why don't we continue this lovely conversation in the car?"
"Okay!" CiCi agreed brightly. "Let's go home, Mommy!"
Yvette smiled warmly. "Let's indeed."
She turned to Seraphina with a grateful nod. "Thank you for your patience, Ms. Everly. We'll be on our way now."
The twins chimed in politely, "Goodbye, Ms. Everly! See you tomorrow!"
"Actually, Mrs. Valdemar, wait a moment," Seraphina called, her expression troubled. "Is it true that Eric is withdrawing from school?"
Yvette blinked in surprise. "Withdrawing? They're still going through with that?"
"Yes, did you know about this?" Seraphina asked cautiously.
Yvette's brow furrowed. "Eric's parents brought him to our home to apologize a few days ago. I thought the matter was resolved. I even informed my in-laws..."
She recalled Willow's evident concern about whether Eric could remain at the preschool. Perhaps Cheryl was still upset, despite the apology, and had decided Eric should leave anyway.
"Ms. Everly, will Eric's withdrawal affect your position here?" Yvette asked carefully.
"It won't impact us significantly, but I'm concerned about BoBo and CiCi," Seraphina explained. "Willow is quite connected with the other parents. Today, some parents subtly suggested I should keep their children away from BoBo and CiCi."
She sighed. "I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but I know how much you value your children's social well-being."
"Thank you for your honesty," Yvette replied with a grateful smile. "My only intention was for them to acknowledge what happened. I'll look into this further."
"I appreciate that," Seraphina said, visibly relieved. "BoBo and CiCi are truly fortunate to have you as their mother."
Yvette opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly the dizziness returned with overwhelming force. The color drained from her face, and she swayed unsteadily before crumpling to the floor, unconscious.
The room erupted in chaos. BoBo and CiCi burst into tears, while the remaining children looked on in frightened confusion.
Seraphina's momentary panic quickly gave way to professional composure. She knelt beside Yvette, checking her breathing—rapid but present—and her pulse, which remained steady.
BoBo stood rigid, fighting back tears with clenched fists. "Ms. Everly, what's wrong with my mommy?" he demanded, his voice trembling.
CiCi sobbed openly. "Mommy! Ms. Everly, please help her!"
Seraphina tried to lift Yvette while simultaneously calming the children. "Don't worry, darlings. Your mother is probably just exhausted. CiCi, could you be a brave girl and fetch some water in your cup?"
"Yes, I'll get it!" CiCi wiped her tears and ran to fulfill the task.
BoBo remained crouched beside his mother, clutching her hand. "Mommy, please wake up," he whispered.
Seraphina dialed emergency services, then turned to BoBo. "Do you know your father's phone number?"
"Yes," BoBo nodded with determination despite his tear-stained face. "Are you going to call him?"
"I must. Your mother needs help, and he should know right away."
BoBo hesitated, knowing Albert was in Eldoria and unsure if calling was appropriate. But one glance at his mother's pale face and pained expression made the decision for him. He recited Albert's number to Seraphina.
She dialed quickly. "Mr. Valdemar? Your wife has collapsed at the preschool."