When Amelia reached home, the family of three sat down to have dinner. After they finished their meal, Oscar went into his study to handle some work stuff. Only Amelia and Tony were left in the spacious living room.
Tony nestled beside Amelia as she gently caressed his head and said, “Tony, shall we watch some cartoons? How does Sherlock Holmes sound?”
Tony shook his head. “No. Cartoons are too childish. Mommy, aren't you watching the 'Modern Love' series these days? Let's watch that. I like to look at pretty girls. The character named Andy is so cool.”
The corner of Amelia's mouth twitched. Is this child really two years old? Why does he behave like an adult sometimes?
“Okay, let's watch that series.” Amelia then turned on the television and switched to the channel showing “Modern Love.” A commercial just happened to be broadcasting.
Right at that moment, Amelia's phone that was on the table rang. She picked it up to have a look. When Amelia saw the name displayed on the screen, the look in her eyes changed. She quickly regained her composure and said, “Tony, I need to answer this call. Sit here and watch TV by yourself. Be a good boy, okay?”
Tony nodded.
Amelia walked toward the balcony and answered the phone.
“Hello, Mrs. Hutton,” she said when the call got through. The person on the other end of the line was Eleanor, the woman Amelia had gotten to know when she was in Beshya.
Eleanor hesitated for a moment before her gentle and cautious voice rang out. “Lia, long time no see. How are you? You're not experiencing any cornea rejection, right?”
“I'm fine, Mrs. Hutton. My eyes are recovering well. What about you? How are you these days?” Amelia asked with concern out of courtesy.
Whether Eleanor was her biological mother, Amelia decided not to pursue further to find out the truth. Most importantly was letting nature take its' course. She would not reject if Eleanor tried to acknowledge her as her daughter. Otherwise, she would just treat Eleanor as one of her elders.
She had passed the age of needing her parents' affection. Amelia had regrets about her kinship, but she was not as persistent and eager as she used to be when she was younger.
“I'm fine. It has been some time since we last met, and I've missed you. I'm planning to visit you at Tayhaven. Is that okay with you?” Eleanor asked cautiously on the other end of the line.
Amelia was taken aback by that.
Eleanor quickly sensed that and continued, “Lia, is that not okay with you? I just want to see you as I've missed you and Tony. I won't disturb your life.”
After Amelia heard what Eleanor had said, the former could not help but feel her heart sink. She clenched the phone tightly and fell quiet for a while. Amelia then responded smilingly, “Don't get me wrong, Mrs. Hutton. I'm worried you'll be exhausted if you take a flight here. I was just thinking about when I'm free, and then I'll ask my husband to bring Tony and me to Saspiuburg for a family trip. We can visit you there.”
“No, that's okay. I'll visit you and my grand... Tony. I'm planning to go tomorrow. I won't be disturbing you, right?” Eleanor stated warily.
Amelia felt a tug at her heartstrings as Eleanor finished speaking. Eventually, she smiled. “Give me a call when you reach then, Mrs. Hutton. I'll pick you up.”
As soon as she said that, Amelia felt like she could hear a sigh of relief from the other end of the line.
“Where's Tony?” Eleanor asked jovially.
“He's watching TV. Do you want me to call him over to speak to you?”
“It's okay. Let him watch TV. I'll play with him when I visit you guys.” Eleanor paused for a while before adding, “Lia, what does Tony like? I have been thinking about the best gift to get him for the past two days. Why don't you tell me what he likes?”
“Mrs. Hutton, it's nice enough for you to come. There's no need for you to buy him gifts. He has everything he needs here.”
“I'm visiting my grandson. No, I mean, we hit it off when we first met. So, I see him as my grandson. How can I visit my grandson empty-handed? I'll choose if you don't tell me. There's a lot of good food and nice toys here in Saspiuburg. I'll get one of each then. I'm sure there will be something that Tony likes.”
Amelia was nonplussed after hearing what Eleanor said. “Don't spoil him, Mrs. Hutton. You're going to spoil him too much.”
“All grandmothers will spoil their grandchildren.” Both Amelia and Eleanor froze as soon as the latter said that. After a while, Eleanor explained awkwardly, “Don't get me wrong, Amelia. I don't mean anything else, but I see Tony as my grandchild.”
Amelia came up with an excuse and responded, “It's okay, Mrs. Hutton. I'm not overthinking. Let's call it a night. I need to shower Tony now. He skipped his afternoon nap, so he's feeling sleepy.”
“Okay then.” Eleanor ended the call after a pause.
Amelia heaved a sigh of relief as she looked at her darkened phone screen.
At bedtime, Amelia told Oscar about the news that Eleanor was coming to Tayhaven. Oscar gently ran his fingers through her hair and asked, “Do you want to see her?”
“It's not a matter whether I want to or not. I'm just going with the flow. However, I can't figure out her feelings and purpose for approaching me,” answered Amelia as she snuggled into a comfortable position in Oscar's arms.
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