Truth be told, I was dumbstruck by the spectacle before me. Doubts began to stir in my heart. Why was every member of the Dawson doting Evan so much? Who on earth was his father?
Every member of the Dawson clan seemed to have a penchant for boys, but the infectious joy on Jerome's face was beyond anything I've ever seen. It wasn't the kind of smile you'd expect from an uncle, but he looked like a happy father.
Jerome was a married man, his wife, Camilla, an incredibly easy-going woman.
However, I'd hardly ever seen this sister-in-law of mine, let alone seen her in Jerome's company. Even during holidays, she hardly visited the Dawson family home. And whenever she did, she'd help out in the kitchen without a word of complaint.
Jerome and Camilla had a daughter, two years younger than my Monique. Being a girl, she hardly ever made an appearance at the Dawson family gatherings. I reckon it's been about four or five years since I last saw her.
But this overflowing display of fatherly affection from Jerome was new to me.
Evan sat atop Jerome's shoulders, a triumphant grin plastered on his face. His little hands tightly gripped Jerome's head. It was clear they were quite familiar with each other.
I wanted to snap a few more photos, but by the time I regained my senses, it was too late. Jerome had already walked out of my sight, carrying the child on his shoulders.
I quickly grabbed my bag and hurried down the stairs, leaving the café. However, Jerome and Evan were nowhere in sight.
No matter, one photo was enough to make my point.
Soon, Probert came running up to me, a look of excitement on his face. He proudly announced that he had scored A+ in all his end-term exams.
I quickly showered him with praises and asked him what he wanted to eat. With a hesitant look in his eyes, he asked, "Mommy, can I have a hamburger?"
"Absolutely!" A pang of guilt washed over me. I had been neglecting my child. I was certain he'd never tasted a hamburger in the Dawson household.
I took him to McDonald's. We ate there and packed some to take home. Even Helga, our nanny, asked, "Ma'am, why did you bring back so much?"
"Helga, Probert scored A+ in all his subjects this term. We all need to celebrate his success! From now on, whenever Probert scores A+, we'll celebrate. We won't cook and he gets to order whatever he wants!" I said, winking at Helga.
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