Chapter 403 Chris Always Makes You Cry
After dinner, Lay sent over the date for the international students' gathering. "It's next Sunday. Are you and your spouse free?"
Kenny, who was well-versed in Thalassa's schedule and had discussed the gathering with her, knew Thalassa would be willing to accompany him. His reply was succinct: "Yes."
Lay was thrilled beyond words.
"See you then!"
"Okay."
Kenny finished texting on WhatsApp.
Thoughts of Maria crossed his mind, so he asked: "How's the Shaw family doing these days?"
The reply came immediately: "Chaotic is an understatement. Business-wise, the contracts Miss Thalassa secured are expiring one after another. And, big news: Charles Shaw was in Fiji for a wedding photo shoot, and out of nowhere, he ended up in the hospital coughing up blood. Word is it's a heart issue."
Kenny raised an eyebrow slightly. "When did this happen?"
"About two or three days ago."
Wasn't that when Thalassa posted on social media announcing her news?
Was he so angry he coughed up blood?
Kenny's gaze cooled.
"Anything else?"
"That's about it for now, but I predict the Shaws will be drowning in debt within two months," the voice on the other end added gravely.
"Keep me updated on Justin's wife, Maria, and contact me if there's any news."
"Got it!"
The call ended.
Kenny didn't dwell on the Shaw family's troubles.
Next, he was on WhatsApp discussing the details of a get-together with his wife.
"Don't worry, I'll be dressed like a fairy tale princess, proudly standing by Mr. Walker's side!" Thalassa responded.
A smile immediately played at the corners of Kenny's lips.
Thalassa was probably grinning like an idiot, too.
The beds in the church were in a dormitory-style.
Chicago was under her covers, still reading a book, when she saw her godmother's laughter and, propping her cheeks in her hands, asked, "Godmom, did you find some money?"
Thalassa paused, then looked at Chicago before pouncing and smothering her in kisses.
Chicago just lay there, powerless.
She was too weak!
"Godmom, I just washed my face..." mumbled Chicago.
"Hehe," Thalassa chuckled, her eyes crinkling with mirth. "Chicago, do you think your godfather is nice?"
Chicago nodded earnestly, "He's very handsome!"
"Besides being handsome, your godfather has so many good qualities. Godmom has been unlucky most of her life, but the two biggest strokes of luck have been your mom and... well, him."
"Will he ever make you cry?" Chicago asked seriously. "Chris always made you cry."
Thalassa was taken aback.
Then her gaze softened, and she caressed Chicago's head, nodding. "He won't make me cry; he's too good to me."
"Then I'll like him!" Chicago's affections were straightforward.
If you're kind to my people, then I like you.
"Hmm!" Thalassa planted several more kisses on Chicago.
Chicago just stayed silent.
*
The following day, before dawn had broken, Darwin's group was already prepared to set out. Since they had kept a night-long vigil, Darwin and Fiona caught up on sleep in the car. Chicago and Charles rode along with Thalassa and Kenny. The car sped down the highway for over four hours before they finally arrived at their destination. While the weather was still holding up in Bay City, as soon as Darwin and his entourage reached, a gentle drizzle began to fall.
Several relatives from Grandma Solomon's hometown had been waiting outside the cemetery since early morning. Upon seeing the cars arrive, they immediately approached to greet them. The group leader was an older man with white hair; Darwin recognized him as having worked for the Solomons. After retiring, he had bid farewell to Grandmother and returned to his hometown.
"Darwin, it's been twenty years since we've seen each other. To think we'd meet again under these circumstances..." the old man lamented.
Darwin replied with a subdued tone, "Stay strong."
The older man shook his head and then looked past him. Darwin stepped aside to introduce. "This is my wife, Chelsea, and these are our kids, Charles and Chicago."
"My goodness, I heard you got married, but I didn't expect your kids to be all grown up!" the old man exclaimed in surprise.
"Hello," Fiona greeted him politely and motioned to Charles and Chicago.
"By the way of seniority, I belong to the same generation as Darwin's father," he explained.
Both children greeted him in a soft, sweet voice.
"Dad, it's about time," a middle-aged woman reminded from behind the old man.
The man turned and quickly led Darwin's family deeper inside.
After the burial was complete, the rain started to pour even harder. Dressed in black, Chicago clutched her mother's hand as they stood in front of the tombstone, looking at Grandma Solomon's smiling yet authoritative face etched upon it. Suddenly, Chicago's memories flashed back to the hospital where she had once encountered her great-grandmother basking in the sun and telling her stories.
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