Chapter 639 Is She Abnormal?
Chicago had always been complimented for her adorableness, but encountering someone like Charlotte, who praised her cuteness with such sincerity, was a first for her.
"Thank you," Chicago replied softly. "You're beautiful too. Your eyes remind me of a little fox I once saw."
Charlotte instinctively touched her own eyes.
Charlotte had never really interacted with children before. Her life had been a constant journey with her father, either running away or seeking refuge.
Only recently, when they found shelter in the Italian countryside, did their lives stabilize somewhat. However, there were no children there, only elders and some habitual drinkers.
"In the future, Charlotte will also attend this school," Fiona told Chicago gently. "You'll need to look out for her."
"No problem," Chicago agreed readily, patting her chest.
Charlotte looked at Chicago silently, while Fiona refrained from pushing their interaction.
Taking Chicago's hand, Fiona noticed the pencil marks on it. Stuart used to sharpen Chicago's pencils daily, but recently Chicago insisted on doing it herself, resulting in her hands being covered in pencil dust.
Fiona wiped Chicago's hand with a wet wipe. "What were you talking to Ethan about?" she asked.
"I asked him to come play at our house, but he said he's too busy," Chicago sighed. "Mommy, does Ethan not have money? I heard the principal say he tutors because he doesn't study well. But isn't tutoring for adults?"
"No, not necessarily," Fiona replied, stroking Chicago's cheek. "Smart people can be tutors too."
Chicago nodded, partially understanding. "Can Ethan be my tutor then?" she asked eagerly. "He can come over, play, and earn money!"
Fiona chuckled. "Aren't you worried he might be strict?"
"I'm not scared of strict people," Chicago declared confidently. "And I'm good at studying, so he won't be strict with me!"
Behind Fiona, Charlotte observed quietly, feeling like an outsider. She wasn't raised like other children, and she couldn't grasp what being normal meant.
Feeling disheartened, Charlotte asked to go back home to her father.
"Of course," Fiona agreed.
As they walked, Chicago whispered to Fiona, "Sister isn't happy."
Fiona replied softly, "She's just lost in thought, dear."
Chicago nodded enthusiastically. "Thinking is great!"
Fiona smiled and tousled Chicago's hair.
In the car, Chicago greeted her classmates warmly, and Fiona received their greetings with kindness, bringing joy to each of them.
Once seated, Chicago offered candy to Charlotte, who accepted it gratefully.
"We're family. No need for formalities!" Chicago declared with a smile.
Fiona couldn't help but wonder how Chicago had become so adept at socializing at school every day.
Charlotte was taken aback by Chicago's declaration of being family. It sparked worry within her. Was it because Chicago was too young or because she hadn't grown up in crises like she had? Did Chicago consider her family so easily, despite just meeting her? What if Chicago encountered dangerous people? Was she too naive to recognize them?
"Well, we are family!" Charlotte clutched the candy tightly, taking Chicago's trust seriously. She resolved never to let anything happen to Chicago, to protect her from any potential harm.
Fiona caught sight of Charlotte's determined expression through the rearview mirror, feeling a mixture of amusement and concern. 'Charlotte, what else are you contemplating because of that candy?'
Outside the school gate, Chicago spotted a car parked across the street. "Darwin!" She exclaimed, alerting Fiona.
Fiona sighed. "That's your dad. Do you want to go to his car?"
Chicago nodded eagerly. Fiona parked, and as Darwin stepped out of his car, Fiona rolled down the window. Darwin approached, lightly touching Fiona's cheek. "Everything okay?"
"Almost. Just a few more days until exams are over," Fiona replied.
Initially, Darwin had been against Charlotte getting close to Chicago and Charles. After all, Charlotte was young and capable of being indifferent, even violent.
But one day, Darwin witnessed Charlotte sparring with Xavier and Mike, showcasing impressive skills. With Chicago growing up, her safety became a growing concern. Having a child of similar age accompany her, effectively a personal bodyguard, didn't seem like a bad idea.
Charlotte had been raised to be capable and could serve as a bodyguard.
"Chicago wants to ride with you. Take her, we'll meet at home," Fiona instructed.
Darwin kissed Fiona's forehead before leaving.
The sight was almost too sweet for Chicago to bear.
Charlotte hadn't formally met Darwin yet, so she remained cautious.
"Don't worry, he's nice," Chicago reassured her, patting her back gently.
Nice?
Charlotte mulled over what she'd heard about Darwin.
It further convinced her of Chicago's kindness.
As Darwin lifted Chicago from the car, his gaze briefly met Charlotte's, nodding slightly.
Charlotte returned the nod, feeling a connection.
"Honey, drive carefully," Darwin reminded Fiona as he settled Chicago in the car.
Fiona nodded in response.
Chicago leaned against Darwin's shoulder and waved at her mom.
The driver opened the back door on the other side, revealing another child inside.
He smiled softly at Chicago, radiating warmth and love.
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