Chapter 284
Elaine’s skin, so recently marred by burns, already looked smooth and healthy. The doctors had done wonders, erasing almost every sign of what she’d gone through. Because of the treatment, her hair had been shaved off, so she wore a little beret that only made her look more innocent. Her eyes were wide and bright, and the first thing you thought seeing her was how quiet and sweet she seemed.
Bonnie arrived at the hospital to pick up Elaine and just happened to spot Camilla in the hallway. She hurried over, unable to hide her excitement. “Camilla! I was just telling my husband how much we owe you for Elaine’s recovery. We really should come by your house to thank you in person… but then we run into you right here p>
She called gently to Elaine, “Come here, honey. This is Camilla, the one who helped you. Say thank you, okay p>
Elaine peeked up at Camilla, a little shy, then whispered softly, “Thank you, Camilla p>
Seeing Elaine so soft-spoken and gentle made Camilla smile. She reached out and patted Elaine’s head. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m just glad you’re healthy now p>
Bonnie’s eyes filled with emotion as she turned to Camilla. “We have to find a way to repay you somehow. We don’t have much, but my husband and I want to bring you some of our local specialties from home. You can’t say no, okay p>
Bonnie’s husband nodded quickly in agreement, still thanking Camilla over and over.
Not wanting to turn them down, Camilla finally agreed. Then another idea came to her. “Elaine looks about the same age as my son, and she seems like such a calm kid. Being sick for so long, I’m sure she missed out on making friends. My son missed out on kindergarten, too, because of some things in our lives. Maybe it’d be good to let them spend some time together first. After New Year’s, they could go to kindergarten together, so neither of them would feel alone. What do you think p>
After Jasper’s leg injury, Camilla had kept him at home. The divorce left her too worried to send him back to class. She always feared something might happen if she wasn’t around to protect him.
But children need friends their age. Camilla worried that sending Jasper straight into a new classroom would make him feel like an outsider. Having Elaine as his friend would help them both settle in.
Bonnie perked up at the idea. “Oh, Camilla, that would be perfect. Elaine’s always been quiet, and after a year in the hospital, I was worried about her going to school. If she has Jasper as a friend, it’ll be so much easier for her. Are you sure it’s not too much trouble for you p>
Camilla smiled and waved her off. “Of course not. I promised to help with Elaine’s schooling anyway. If you’re alright with it, bring her by my house tomorrow p>
Bonnie nodded over and over. “Camilla, the accident was never your fault, but now you’re even helping Elaine with school… We can’t thank you enough p>
Camilla cut her off, laughing lightly. “You work for me, and you’ve already done a lot for the company. Let’s not talk about who owes whom. Just bring Elaine over for dinner tomorrow. No need to be so polite p>
Bonnie had been working for Camilla for several months, and she trusted Camilla completely. Elaine, with her gentle spirit, seemed nothing like Daisy—she just made people want to protect her. Her temperament reminded Camilla of Jasper, and she was sure the two of them would become good friends. It made her feel better, knowing Jasper wouldn’t have to face everything alone anymore.
After Camilla left, Bonnie’s husband sighed. “Your boss is really a decent person. But her ex-husband? Honestly, that guy is something else p>
Bonnie shot him a look, her face immediately turning serious. “Ex-husband, you mean. Camilla’s been divorced from him for a while now. That kind of jerk doesn’t deserve even to be mentioned in the same breath as her. Anyway, enough of that. We’re going to her place tomorrow for dinner. We have to bring something to show our thanks. Go order a nice lamb, and we’ll make her a fresh roast p>
“Alright, alright,” he agreed, half-laughing. “I’ll also have Mom prepare some of our best specialties to take along p>
He glanced down at Elaine, who had stayed quiet through it all, a crease of worry between his brows. “Have you met Camilla’s son before? Is he easy to get along with? He won’t give you any trouble, will he p>
Bonnie answered for her. “I’ve seen Jasper a few times. He’s a good boy, really calm, barely says a word. He acts like a little grown-up, honestly, and he’s a lot like Elaine in that way. It’s just sad, having a father like his p>
Her husband shook his head, remembering Barnard standing up for Davina, but he didn’t comment on it. He leaned toward Elaine instead. “Tomorrow, Daddy and Mommy are taking you to meet a new friend. Just try spending time together and see how it goes. You don’t have to force it. If you don’t like it, you just tell us, alright p>
Bonnie echoed his words. After everything they’d gone through to bring Elaine back to health, no matter how grateful they felt to Camilla, their daughter’s happiness was always the most important thing.