Chapter 799 Speak Your Mind
Shawn took the elevator down, holding a cane but barely using it. He walked quickly, asking, "Chips? Chicken wings or burgers?"
Vera pulled out some gloves. "You're thinking fresh, Dad, but nope, it's fried chicken legs."
"Never had them, let's give it a shot." Shawn sat on the couch, putting on the gloves, ready to dig in.
A moment later, Cindy arrived, fashionably late. "Did Randall just bring these over?"
"Cindy, how'd you know?" Vera handed her a pair of gloves.
Cindy replied, "I was chatting with Randall yesterday. He mentioned your hand was hurt, and everyone was fighting over Teddy. He asked me a few questions, and I figured he'd be worried and come check on you today."
Cindy had thought Randall would come by after work, but he managed to squeeze in a visit at lunchtime.
Vera was happy, feeling proud of the friends she had made.
Meanwhile, Teddy was in the car, watching his family have a feast right in front of him!
He got upset, and the toy in his hand suddenly lost its appeal. He threw it on the ground, his little body pressing against the car seat, as if he wanted to get up and join them.
Watching Vera eat the chicken leg, Teddy visibly swallowed.
Shawn, annoyed by the noise, pointed at the butler. "Move him to the side, turn him away from us."
The butler went over to move the baby seat.
But Teddy wasn't easily fooled. He kept turning his head, trying to watch the three of them eat.
Drool started dripping onto the floor tiles.
Vera laughed, "Look at Teddy, he's so tempted."
Soon, the maid brought over some sliced watermelon. Teddy tilted his head back, his eyes following the watermelon, swallowing and drooling at the same time.
Everyone else was eating, but he wasn't allowed to. Teddy started crying, his face turning red.
Vera got up and went to the kitchen. She picked out a watermelon that hadn't been refrigerated and told the maid, "Cut it in half."
A moment later, she came out holding half of the watermelon, standing in front of the excited Teddy. His hands were already raised above his head.
Vera placed the watermelon in front of him.
She turned him back around to face the three of them.
Now Teddy had his watermelon, but he couldn't understand why his watermelon was different from Vera's.
Teddy lowered his head and started gnawing on the core, grabbing chunks with his little hands and stuffing them into his mouth.
"Cindy, is it okay for him to eat watermelon?" Cindy asked, concerned.
Vera shook her head. "It's fine, there are no seeds. He'll have a few bites, and then we'll stop him. Let's enjoy our food."
Shawn brought up the topic of hiring a nanny to take care of Teddy and asked for Vera's opinion.
Vera took a bite of watermelon. "If it's not a relative, I don't trust anyone to take care of Teddy."
Cindy added, "You can't rely entirely on a nanny. There was a news story recently about a nanny who was careless with a child. Better safe than sorry. No one loves your child like family does."
Shawn said, "I just don't want Vera to be overworked. You all think I'm too old to take care of you and worry I'll get sick. Cindy can help out, but she can't take care of Teddy every day."
Cindy said, "When Randall and Molly were born, we hired a nanny, but we ended up doing most of the work ourselves. My husband would get up four or five times a night."
Shawn nodded approvingly. "That's good. Vincent inherited my best qualities."
Vera spoke up for Patrick. "Dad, Patrick is great too. He may be strict, but he's really good to me and Teddy."
Shawn nodded in satisfaction. "That's right. My good traits, except for Molly, were passed down to my two sons."
They both laughed.
Teddy was still struggling with the half watermelon, juice soaking his clothes. He was so tempted that he buried his face in the watermelon, licking and biting, using his hands to shove pieces into his mouth.
"Vera, what have you been doing these past few days?" Cindy asked.
Vera replied, "I can't stay home all the time. I go out for a walk and also check out schools for Teddy."
Cindy said, "Isn't it too early for that?"
Vera smiled. "It's not too early. Time flies. In a few years, if I go to grad school, Patrick might have to take care of two kids by himself."
"Vera, you want to go to grad school?" Shawn was pleased to see his children aiming high.
Vera thought for a moment. "We'll see, Dad. It's an option, but I want to discuss it with my husband. He probably wants me to continue studying, but I'm not sure if I can handle it. With Teddy at home, and seeing Molly and Randall working, I get anxious sometimes. I can control it, but occasionally my mind wanders."
Vera was honest with her family, sharing her true feelings.
Cindy and Shawn appreciated her openness. "That's normal. When everyone around you is doing something, it's natural to feel influenced. Everyone has a bit of a herd mentality, but I believe you can stay calm," Shawn said.
Cindy added, "You're different from them. You're younger, a mom, and you have Teddy to take care of. It's natural for your path to be different."
Vera nodded. "Dad, Cindy, I understand. Plus, I have a smart and wise husband to guide me. You don't need to worry about me."
Cindy and Shawn smiled, and the three of them started chatting about family matters.
They talked about Molly's strengths, Randall's good qualities, and even mentioned Susan. Everyone had fond memories.
They even discussed distant relatives. Cindy reminded, "Dad, my aunt's grandson is taking the SAT this year. No matter how he does, he'll be starting college in September. We should prepare a gift for him. He's her only grandson."
Shawn, feeling full, put down his gloves and picked up a cold piece of watermelon to cleanse his palate. "Alright, you and Vera decide on an appropriate gift. Find out when he gets his acceptance letter, and we'll go together."
Vera was curious and asked, "Cindy, which aunt are you talking about?"
Cindy replied, "You've only been part of the family for a short time, so you might not remember. She's the elderly lady who brought a gold gourd for Teddy the day after he was born."
With that, Vera remembered. Shawn teased, "Vera only remembers things related to gold and silver."
Vera laughed. "Dad, when I was born, a fortune teller said whoever married me would bring prosperity to their family. Did you have my future predicted and decide I was a good match for Patrick? You're the most superstitious person I know."
Shawn, puffing up in mock indignation, muttered, "I did no such thing."
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