Ice and Fire novel Chapter 480

Once the room was silent again, Joe shifted his attention to Mond. He watched as the man lowered his head and focused on eating, like it required concentration. Joe could only see Mond's forehead and his expression was but a mystery. It felt weird to him, that Mond was just sitting there, distancing himself from the rest of them. 'We're all in the same room, eating dinner together. Mommy lives here now. So even though I don't like him and he is hiding so many secrets, ' Joe told himself silently. 'I must respect him and behave well. Mommy has always taught me to be polite with my elders, even if I don't like them. I have to be a polite and well-behaved little boy.'

His thoughts no longer running rampant, he decided to speak. "Uncle Mond, thank you for letting my Mommy live here, " he broke the quiet.

Joe's sudden gratitude shocked both the Shen sisters. They shared a look before staring at Joe and then finally shifting their eyes to Mond.

Mond was also stunned. He raised his gaze from his food to the others at the table. Cherry and Jean were still staring at him in surprise. He looked at the cute boy, Cherry's boy. He briefly wondered if he had misheard. 'Did he just... thank me?' Mond puzzled in his head.

Thinking quickly, Mond responded flatly: "It's okay. Anyway, your Mommy's living here doesn't bother me at all, so she can live here as long as she likes. I don't care either way."

"Well, can I visit my Mommy here sometimes?" Joe asked anxiously awaiting the answer.

"Yes, " Mond nodded.

Joe turned to his mother excitedly. "Mommy, do you hear that?" he shouted happily. "I can visit you here a lot!"

Unfortunately, Cherry didn't share her son's excitement. She chewed her food, considering her words. "Joe, Mommy only lives here for the time being. I will be going back home after some time, " she explained lightly. "If I miss you, like today, I'll have you picked up at school and bring you here, but please remember on other days: you still have to go home on time. You have to listen to your Daddy at home, and study hard, especially with Miss Amy and your piano classes."

Cherry's words deflated his excitement somewhat. Joe lowered his head. "Yes, Mommy, " he whispered, picking at the food on his plate.

Jean glanced at Mond, but didn't comment. She knew that Cherry would leave his house and go back to the Chu Family sooner or later. There was no surprise there; Cherry would go back to be with Jackson again.

Frustration hiding beneath the surface of his face, Mond lowered his head to concentrate on eating his food again. He knew that she still love Jackson and wanted to be with him.

Once dinner was over, Cherry and Joe retired to her room for a rest.

They relaxed on the bed together, Cherry holding her son tightly in her arms.

Joe tugged at his mothers pajamas. He nestled into her embrace and looked up at the ceiling. "Mommy, when will you come home?" he asked.