Chapter 357 No Calling Me "Sweetheart"
Charles' lips curled upwards.
Darwin, flustered, quickly assured her, "Don't worry, Chicago, I won't!"
Shaking her head, Chicago strode toward the foyer and reached for her little baseball cap.
The weather was getting warm and the sun was blazing, so Bob from the park had gifted her a cap, insisting that her cheeks shouldn’t get tanned.
"Are you heading to the little park?" Darwin hurried over.
"Yeah," Chicago nodded, picking up a bag by the entrance.
"Let me carry that for you," Darwin offered, taking the bag from her. Chicago didn't object and strutted towards the door.
Wendy, feeling anxious, wanted to follow, but Darwin waved her off.
Father and daughter stepped out one after the other. Wendy turned to Charles, almost in tears, "Sir, Mr. Darwin can be quite stern. Chicago’s in a foul mood. Do you think he might threaten or even hurt her while we're not around?"
Charles was the epitome of calm. Given the circumstances, it would be a miracle if Chicago didn't give Darwin a hard time.
The sun was shining brightly.
Today, Chicago was dressed in a gray athletic outfit with shorts and a T-shirt, sporty shoes, and a glimpse of white socks.
She marched ahead of Darwin, full of vigor. Darwin followed quietly. Though he kept to himself, his presence was constant, his shadow always there to offer her shade from the sun.
Soon, they arrived at the little park Chicago adored. When they entered, Chicago's social world came alive.
First was the kind-hearted security guard. "Chicago, you're here! No mom today, huh? Want some candy? I bought some just for you."
Waving like a little adult, Chicago replied, "No, thanks. I'm starting to lose my baby teeth. I can't have sweets, or I'll turn into an ugly duckling."
The guard laughed heartily. "Alright then, next time I’ll bring something you can enjoy."
"Thank you!" she called out, walking on.
It seemed like everyone knew Chicago – men and women, young and old. Even cats and dogs approached from afar to get close to her.
Chicago had treats in her pocket, handing out freeze-dried nibbles to each small pet that came by.
As he watched her, Darwin's heart melted again and again.
Soon, Chicago spotted Bob and Grace in the distance and ran over.
"Look at our little Chicago, Bob," Grace beamed, her eyes creasing with delight. "I told you she’d look cute in that hat, didn’t I?"
"Hi, Bob. Hi, Grace," Chicago greeted them sweetly.
"What a darling!" Grace patted Chicago's head then turned to the approaching Darwin. "And who is this gentleman?"
"Pleasure to meet you both. I'm Chicago’s father," said Darwin, who had been waiting for an opportunity to introduce himself all morning.
"Ah, so you’re Chicago's dad!" Grace exclaimed. "I've only seen Wendy and her mom bring her over for playdates. It's the first time we’ve ever met."
Darwin offered a muted smile.
At that moment, Chicago took a bag from his hand and handed it to Grace. "This is a thank-you for the hat. Great grandma said this tea is really good for seniors!"
Darwin had been carrying the bag all this time. He had been curious about what was inside but hadn’t dared ask what was. So, it was a thank-you gift...
P
"Oh, the hat was just a small token. This is too much, we can’t accept something so valuable,” Bob hurriedly protested.
"The kid doesn't know the value of things. She just knows it's good for your health. Please accept it. Otherwise, Chicago will be heartbroken when we go back," Darwin persuaded gently.
Bob looked conflicted.
But in the end, he accepted the gift under Chicago's persistent cajoling.
Chicago seemed much happier on the way back, skipping along with her ponytail bouncing behind her. She was like a playful little musical note in motion.
She really had been raised well. She was polite and understanding, yet full of character and spirit.
As they crossed an intersection, Chicago seemed to take a wrong turn.
"Sweetheart, you’re going the wrong way," Darwin blurted out.
Chicago paused, looking back at him. " Please don't call me sweetheart, and I’m not going the wrong way.”
As she spoke, she pointed at the lake. "I’m going to feed Godfather’s cat!"
Soon, Chicago rang Kenny's doorbell.
The staff quickly came to open the door.
"You’re here, Miss Chicago? Doodle's been waiting for you," the staff member said.
Doodle was the new name Chicago had given the cat. She had originally wanted to name him Tubby, but after some consideration, she felt that would be insulting. So, Tootsie it was.
"We’d better hurry. Doodle can't go hungry!" Chicago took off her shoes and scurried inside.
The staff member turned to look at Darwin.
She knew Darwin, of course. She had seen him long ago at the Walker family estate, attending a banquet with Grandma Solomon.
But...
Why was Mr. Solomon here with Chicago?
"I'm her dad," Darwin introduced himself proudly as he sensed her bewilderment,.
"H-Her dad?" She looked at Darwin in surprise as he gracefully took off his shoes and walking in.
P
Chicago had spent a few days with Doodle .
They had become incredibly close.
She had become quite skilled at tasks like feeding the cat and cleaning up after it.
When she entered the cat room, she cuddled and hugged Doodle affectionately. Doodle chirped eagerly while Chicago prepared his breakfast: a portion of freeze-dried food, half a can of wet food, and a good measure of kibble.
Doodle devoured his meal while Chicago sat beside him and petted him. She said soothingly, "Take it easy, Doodle . You don't want to choke or barf it all up, right?"
Darwin leaned against the doorframe with a wide grin. He watched the loving scene in amusement.
"Chicago, do you remember that kitten you asked me to look after?" Darwin inquired.
This was a conversation Chicago always enjoyed.
She patted Doodle on the head. "Eat up and take your time, bud. I need to step out for a bit!"
She left the cat room under Darwin's watchful eyes and stood outside, looking up at him with a serious expression.
"Should I come out too?" Darwin quickly caught on and asked.
Chicago nodded.
Darwin hurried out, laughing. He carefully closing the door behind him.
"We shouldn't talk about other kittens in front of Doodle," said Chicago earnestly. "Now we can talk."
Darwin felt a flutter of delight. “She's put on weight and healed from her injuries. Do you want to see her?" he asked. He had nearly finished setting up their new home and hoped that Chicago and Charles would come and see it and decide where they wanted to live.
Fiona had returned to the country only for a temporary stay, so she hadn't considered factors like the school district in her housing decision. But Charles and Chicago were reaching school going age, and there were more suitable schools for them in the new area. It was closer to home and convenient for daily drop-offs and pickups.
"When can I see her?" asked Chicago, the little charmer biting at the bait.
"How about after lunch? You could go with me," suggested Darwin.
"I can't live with furry animals," Chicago mumbled.
Darwin had already thought this through. The new house was spacious enough to keep any cats away from Charles's reach. He believed in doing everything possible to fulfill both children’s emotional and intellectual needs.
"You can play with the kitten while I take Charles outside to wait for you. I'll make sure to clean off any cat hair from you before you come out. Charles won't get hurtP, I promise," Darwin assured her, his face a picture of sincerity.
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