Noon, after school.
Little Gary, Ernest, and Lowell returned home. They were elated when saw Grace's figure the moment they stepped into the house.
"Mommy, you are finally back." Ernest was the first to rush up and sat down beside her. He raised his cute little face and stared Grace with a bit of coquetry. "Mommy, are you feeling better now? I miss you so much. Are the babies in your belly doing well?"
"I miss you too, Ernest. The babies are fine and so am I. Don't worry." She cupped his little face and leaned her forehead against his. It was an intimate moment.
She found that Ernest had become more clingy to her lately and a little more outgoing than before. He was a lot more cheerful now.
This was what Grace wanted to see the most because in the past, Ernest was very reserved and he didn't like to talk. But he was a lot cuter now. She thought that it was great that he was able to be himself.
"Mommy, are you really fine?" Ernest stared into her eyes as if he didn't believe her.
"I'm fine, really. Look at me. Am I not fine?" Grace said with a smile.
Ernest scrutinized her and let out a sigh of relief. "It's good that you are fine. We were all worried to death. Me, Gary, and even Lowell."
Only then did she turn to look at Little Gary and Lowell.
Little Gary's eyes were filled with excitement. It was as if he wanted to rush up to her but upon seeing Ernest's actions, this little fellow stopped and suppressed himself.
Grace felt that something was wrong, thus she called out. "Little Gary, come over here."
Little Gary only responded with, "I'm glad that you're doing fine, Mommy. I'll head back to my room to get change, I don't want you to be infected with the viruses on my clothes. After all, you and the babies in your belly are now the utmost priority. I'll accompany you once I've changed."
"Oh!" Ernest also stood up and scratched his head in annoyance. "I've forgotten to wash my hands and change my clothes before accompanying you, Mommy. I'm sorry, I'll head back to my room immediately and take a shower first."
"Idiot." Little Gary scoffed in disgust as he glanced at Ernest.
Ernest turned his head and looked at his brother. He was obviously not pleased to be called an idiot. He pouted and said, "You are the idiot. You obviously wanted to rush up to Mommy but I was one step ahead of you. So you called me an idiot because you're upset. Alright, I'm not going to say any more. I'll go get changed now."
After that, the little fellow went back to his room.
Little Gary also followed behind and entered the room.
There was only Lowell and Grace left. He looked at her from a distance, not intending to get close. He was also a little cautious.
After they left, Lowell finally spoke, "It's great that you're back, Grace. I've been worried sick about you for the past few days."
"I'm fine, Lowell. How are you?"
"I'm glad that you are back safe and sound. I'm doing alright."
"Did something happen between Little Gary and Ernest while I was gone?"
Lowell shook his head and replied, "It's nothing. They are obedient."
"That's good!" Grace noticed that Lowell had something to say but was hesitant. Hence, she took the initiative to ask, "Lowell, what's going on? Is there something you want to tell me?"
Lowell was taken aback. He nodded and answered, "Yes, there's something that I'm uncertain if I should tell you."
"Lowell, you can tell me anything, no matter what it is." Grace encouraged him. "I am your guardian, so you have to tell me everything. I can help you with any problems you're facing."
"It's not me." Lowell shook his head and continued. "Little Gary had found out about the reason behind your hospitalization. Then, he contacted Mr. Yarbrough and he and Ernest had a negotiation with him."
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