Chapter 206 Say Sorry
Jessica beamed as she glanced over at Lauren and Matthew. But when she saw Lauren crying, her own eyes filled with tears.
"Lauren, what are you doing? Get up and let me see you," Jessica said weakly, reaching out her frail hand to touch Lauren.
Lauren moved closer but stayed squatting. "Jessica, are you okay?"
She tried to speak but couldn't find the words.
Jessica gave a bitter smile. "I'm fine; I'm just not feeling well. Lauren, is that Matthew? Matthew, do you remember me?"
Seeing Matthew standing next to George, Jessica suddenly asked.
Lauren realized she had been so wrapped up in her emotions that she forgot to introduce Matthew to Jessica.
She quickly wiped her tears, turned to Matthew, and said, "Matthew, come here. This is your Great-Grandma."
Matthew's face turned red as he stared at Jessica lying in bed.
"Matthew, come on!" Lauren urged.
Tears welled up in Matthew's eyes as he took a few steps forward and then ran into Lauren's arms. "Mommy, I'm scared! Can we go home?"
Lauren patted his back and gently comforted him, "Matthew, don't be afraid. This is your other home. Your Great-Grandma loves you so much. She used to hold you while you slept when you were little."
Matthew shook his head vigorously, hiding in Lauren's arms. "I want to go home! I want to go home!"
Lauren picked him up and tried to calm him down. When she saw the sadness in Jessica's eyes, her heart ached. It was her fault for going abroad for three years, making Matthew forget Jessica.
Matthew felt uneasy in this strange place with unfamiliar people. Finally, Lauren had George find some snacks and put on cartoons in another room, where Matthew gradually calmed down.
After settling Matthew, Lauren returned to Jessica's room and apologized, "I'm sorry, Jessica. Matthew is spoiled and a bit naughty, but he'll be fine once he gets to know you."
Jessica smiled. "It's okay. Matthew is young. It's natural for him to act out. You've done a great job raising him these three years. I'm happy to see him today."
"Jessica," Lauren choked up. Seeing Jessica again, she felt trapped by time. She had so many questions. Wasn't Quentin supposed to be taking care of her? Why was Jessica bedridden and so frail? Why hadn't anyone told her?
Jessica kept smiling. "Lauren, did I scare you with how I look now?"
"Of course not. I regret so much. I'm sorry!" Lauren said, tears streaming down her face.
At that moment, Lauren realized all she could do was apologize. The past couldn't be changed, and her regret now was meaningless.
"Lauren, don't apologize. You didn't hurt me. My condition isn't good, and you're probably sad. Lauren, don't cry. Death comes for everyone. I accept it. God let me wait for you and Matthew, and that's enough for me," Jessica said.
Lauren wept silently. "Jessica, I owe you more than anyone in this world. My apologies can't fix the damage. Please, take care of yourself. You promised to watch Matthew grow up, play with him, take him to school, and teach him good manners. You have to get better."
For the first time, Lauren felt death so close. Jessica listened, a hopeful smile on her face, but her pale complexion was worrying.
"Alright, I'll try to get better and live a fulfilling life," Jessica said, tears streaming down her face and soaking the pillow.
Lauren nodded vigorously, believing Jessica would get better.
Just then, George walked in. "Jessica, it's time for your medication and rest."
Lauren stepped aside, wiping her tears.
"No need. Those drugs just make me sleepy. Not today. I want to talk to Lauren. You can leave," Jessica said, shaking her head.
George stood firm, frowning. "Jessica, the doctor said you can't skip your medication. Please, just take it."
"Jessica," Lauren walked over, took the medication and water from George, and continued. "Listen to the doctor's advice. You just promised me you'd take care of yourself. How can you get better if you don't take your medication?"
"This medication is too bitter, and it hasn't helped at all," Jessica sighed. She knew her own body and doubted the medication would make a difference.
Lauren knelt down patiently. "Jessica, don't worry. Just take your medication and rest. Matthew and I will be waiting for you. When you wake up, we can keep talking, okay?"
Seeing Lauren's worried face, Jessica finally agreed.
"Okay, I haven't had a good look at Matthew yet. You must wait for me to wake up," Jessica said.
Lauren smiled and nodded, then handed the medication to Jessica.
After Jessica took the medication, Lauren sat by her bed, waiting until she fell asleep before quietly closing the door and leaving.
Lauren walked heavily to the next room, her mood even heavier than her steps. She thought about how to persuade Matthew to stay with Jessica.
Lauren opened the door and walked in, but she didn't see Matthew. She thought he was playing hide and seek, so she searched the room.
"Matthew, come out! I can see you!" Lauren said in a light-hearted tone to lure Matthew out.
Usually, at this point, Matthew would fall into her trap and pout, saying, "Mommy, how did you find me again!"
But today, the room was silent, as if Matthew wasn't there at all. The thought scared Lauren, and she immediately became anxious.
"Matthew! Matthew! Are you there? Come out, I have something important to tell you. Stop playing hide and seek, okay?" Lauren said loudly, her voice trembling.
But there was no response from the room. She realized that Matthew really wasn't there.
Lauren panicked and ran out in a hurry. The Robinson Estate was large, with many rooms. Where could Matthew have gone? Would he be scared? Would he get lost?
