Ice and Fire novel Chapter 484

Standing at the window on the second floor of the villa, Mond watched Cherry and Jackson below as the two leaned against the car, and stared up at the glittering stars filling the night sky. The beautiful scene of the perfect love they shared felt like an unattainable fantasy, one he would never have.

Mond stretched out his arm and slowly pulled the curtain back down into place, and then went and sat glumly on the bed. He had seen her smiling and laughing easily, which was a rarity, and he realized only Jackson could put her at ease, and feel happy enough to evoke those responses.

The next morning Mond saw Cherry and Joe sitting at the dining room table eating breakfast when he went downstairs.

When Jean came out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of porridge, she placed it in front of Joe and looked up as Mond was descending the stairs.

"Good morning, Mond, " Jean said smiling at him, "Come join us for breakfast."

Cherry turned in her seat and looked at Mond greeting him softly, "Good morning Mond."

Mond sat in his usual seat at the table.

Joe piped up greeting him politely, "Good morning Uncle Mond."

"Good morning Joe, " replied Mond doing his best to sound light and cheerful. He didn't want to scowl at Joe. Mond didn't actually dislike the boy, who was cute and lovely after all.

"Joe, eat your breakfast and Aunt Jean will drive you to school after, " said Cherry as she leaned in closer to Joe.

"Okay Mommy, " replied Joe smiling.

Out of the blue, Mond offered, "I will drive him to school that way your sister can stay with you."

It was a little surprising to hear Mond volunteer, as far as Cherry knew, Mond didn't run errands, which made her wonder why he wanted to drive Joe to school?

Jean heard Mond's offer too, as she came out of the kitchen. She took her apron off and sat down at the dining table before she asked, "That sounds good! Joe, would you mind if Uncle Mond drove you to school on his way to work? Then, I can stay home with your Mommy."

"Alright, Aunt Jean. You will take good care of my Mommy, right?" Joe asked happily. He didn't really care who took him to school, but, since Mond was going to bring him, maybe Joe could talk to him on the way.

"Of course I will! Since you are such a sweet boy, I will do what you ask and take good care of your Mommy. Don't worry, " replied Jean with a smile. She liked Joe's personality, actually, she cared about him so much. Jean enjoyed his company even, it didn't matter what they did, whether they were just sitting or talking about things.

After breakfast, Jean and Cherry saw Mond and Joe off, waving goodbye from the front door as the two drove away.