Chapter 767 Spending Time Together as a Couple
As Christmas neared, the school was decked out with festive decorations, including a giant snowman on the playground.
Kids in matching red uniforms roamed around, their laughter filling the air.
Patricia dressed Maria and Declan in red padded jackets and cute bunny hats, making them look adorable.
Charles and Fannie waited at the entrance to welcome them, as Randy was busy prepping for a performance.
Patricia carried Maria, Martin held Declan, and from a distance, Fannie spotted them and waved, "Dad, Mom, we're here!"
Patricia and Martin smiled and walked over. Fannie suggested, "How about I show you around the school? The graduation ceremony is soon! I'll sneak you in to see Randy later; he's practicing backstage!"
Patricia agreed, "Sure! I've never seen your school, so it'll be nice!"
Fannie led them inside. Maria wanted to walk, so Patricia let her down and held her hand, along with Fannie's. Martin put Declan down carefully, holding his hand, with Charles walking beside them.
This was the largest private school in Sunset Bay, known for its great environment and education. Most students came from families which were famous or very rich. Everyone was excited about the upcoming winter break, and playful voices were everywhere.
Fannie showed them around, eventually leading them to Randy's practice room. Randy had his own room with an expensive piano. He sat in a white suit, playing skillfully. His teacher, Ethan Brooks, listened intently, correcting him when needed.
Watching Randy practice, Patricia's eyes welled up with pride. It was hard to believe the once emotionally unstable Randy had become so calm and talented. Reflecting on their first meeting five years ago, it was just like yesterday. Her kids had grown up.
Lost in the music, Patricia didn't realize the piece had ended.
Ethan nodded, "You played well, but pay attention to the details. Although this isn't a formal competition, we can't lower our standards. You're talented and should be on bigger stages, making the name Randy known."
Randy nodded and smiled shyly, "I understand! I'll pay attention!"
Ethan nodded, "Good! You've practiced long enough, take a break. You'll go on stage in your best later."
"Okay!" Randy nodded, showing no signs of nerves. Patricia and the others entered the room once he finished practice.
Randy lit up when he saw Patricia and Martin, "Mom, Dad, you're here! Did you hear me practicing? How was it?"
Despite growing up in recent years, Randy still craved their approval like a child.
Patricia reached to ruffle his hair but stopped, worried about his hairstyle, and gave him a thumbs up instead, "We heard you, Randy. You were amazing. I'm so proud of you!"
Randy beamed, "Mom, I won't let you down."
After a quick reunion, the graduation ceremony began. The program was typical, including speeches, student awards, and performances. Randy was set to perform as the last show.
As he started playing, the hall fell silent, captivated by his playing. The spotlight made him look angelic, and he played with deep emotion, sometimes closing his eyes, fully immersed in the music.
The good times were always too short.
While everyone was still immersed in his play, Randy has already played a song.
A short silence was followed by a round of applause.
Some people even stood up excitedly to see Randy.
"It is so beautiful, I have never heard such a beautiful piano from a grade one child!"
"Yes! At such a young age, playing the piano is so emotional, unlike some musicians, who only have skills but no real feelings at all."
"Not only does he play well, but he looks handsome too! Who's child is he? He has been unexpectedly raised so excellent."
"Yes, yes! If I had such a wonderful son, I would wake up laughing."
Listening to the praise of people around Randy, although Patricia was very proud, but could not help but felt sad.
Because Randy's excellence was all his own efforts, as his mother she did not play any role in his life.
This was her failure as a mother.
In the future, she must nurture them well, take care of them, and never let them alone.
After attending the ceremony, Martin personally thanked Ethan, and then took five little guys to go to an restaurant for dinner.
After eating, Martin took five little kids to play in the entertainment park.
It was the first time a family of seven had gone out together.
Let alone Charles their three little ones, even Maria and Fannie also played a lot of fun, refused to go home at night, but also clamoring to play.
Time flew, and soon it was Christmas.
Shane, worried about Ariel, returned to Country Y before Christmas Day.
Kaleb called Maximilian early, asking if he had boarded the plane.
Maximilian, who had planned to spend Christmas in Sunset Bay, suddenly canceled his trip for unknown reasons, despite Kaleb's endless asking.
Martin drove to pick up the grandparents.
Samuel, unable to handle the situation, stayed in his room, avoiding Martin due to their strained relationship. Gregory decided not to call him.
Patricia, Martin, five kids, Kaleb, Gregory, and Jessica, along with other family members, sat down for a meal together. They planned to wait until midnight, but Gregory and Jessica, being older, went to bed at 10:30. Kaleb retired at 11:00.
Five kids gradually fell asleep on the couch. Patricia covered them with blankets. Patricia sat with Martin before the TV and they counted down for the Christmas Day together, "Five... four... three... two... one."
At midnight, Patricia and Martin shared a smile. Patricia kissed Martin on the cheek, "Merry Christmas, Martin!"
Martin's eyes sparkled, "Merry Christmas, Patricia!"
Seeing the kids asleep on the couch, Martin nudged Patricia, "Let's go back to our room."
Understanding his implication, Patricia hesitated, "What about them?"
Martin grinned, "The house is warm. They'll be fine! It's been a while since we had some alone time."
Touched, Patricia struggled but ultimately chose to leave five kids on the couch and went upstairs with Martin.