Chapter 285
The next morning, Bonnie and her husband arrived at Laguna Shores just as Abelard called Lance, who had to step out to take care of something. Camilla greeted them at the door with a smile and invited them inside.
Jasper had never really had new friends. The only person his age he used to know was Daisy. So, when he noticed Elaine standing beside Bonnie, he instantly tensed up. He watched her from a distance, not even thinking about walking over. Elaine, clutching a colorful children’s picture book to her chest, glanced up nervously and asked, “Do you think we could play together later p>
Jasper didn’t sound thrilled. “What would we play?” His voice was flat and awkward. He squeezed his lips together, clearly holding back, not exactly eager to be friendly.
Elaine looked down at her book and whispered, “I can’t read yet. Can you teach me p>
She’d never been to kindergarten. For most of the past year, she’d been in the hospital, hooked up to all kinds of tubes and wires. Everything she knew about the world came from what she overheard. She’d never really made any friends, either. Meeting Jasper for the first time, she felt a pull, like she really wanted to be close.
Jasper checked her out again, from head to toe. Finally, he gave in. “Alright. I can teach you a little. I don’t know that many words either, but maybe we can learn together p>
Elaine’s face brightened. She nodded eagerly, and Camilla beamed as she asked Susan to take them off to the playroom.
Jasper didn’t talk much to begin with, and after all the drama with Barnard, he pretty much kept to himself, only talking to family. To see him actually making an effort with Elaine was a big relief for Camilla.
Bonnie’s eyes glossed over with emotion. “Camilla, I honestly thought my Elaine would never get to act like a normal kid again. I never imagined I’d see her come out here and make friends, I p>
She choked up, and tears slid down her cheeks. Camilla reached for a tissue and offered it gently. “Don’t cry. Everything’s getting better now. Elaine is doing well, and things will just keep improving from here p>
Bonnie’s husband chimed in, “Exactly. It’s a good day, no need for sad stories. I even brought a lamb over, so you can try some of our cooking, Camilla p>
That seemed to help Bonnie find her footing again. She and her husband headed outside to set up the grill while Camilla watched the kids.
Elaine and Jasper got along quickly, even though it was obvious that Elaine was shy. She was so good at cheering Jasper on, responding to everything he said with genuine excitement. It didn’t take long at all for them to start chatting about everything under the sun.
After lunch, Bonnie decided to take Elaine shopping for some new clothes. Jasper looked over at her, not wanting her to leave. Camilla caught the look, surprised—she’d hardly ever seen Jasper this way. She smiled, “Jasper, would you like to go with Elaine p>
Jasper hesitated, then nodded. “Is that okay, Mom p>
Camilla couldn’t help but say yes, especially since he so rarely reached out. She asked Susan to join them, just in case.
That afternoon, Camilla went to her office for a bit. She hadn’t even settled in when she got a call from Susan. “Camilla, can you come over? Jasper’s gotten into a fight p>
Susan rattled off the address, and Camilla’s heart sank. She rushed out, grabbing her keys and hurrying downstairs. Jasper getting into a fight? It just didn’t make sense—he was always so quiet and gentle. The worry gnawed at her as she drove over.
The address led her to a children’s play area in a busy mall. When she arrived, she found Susan and Bonnie in the middle of a heated argument with another woman. Jasper and Elaine stood off to one side. Across from them stood another little girl, her head bent low so her face was hidden. Next to her was a sharp-tongued nanny. No matter how Bonnie and Susan tried to explain, the woman wouldn’t listen.
As soon as Susan spotted Camilla, relief washed over her face. “Camilla, thank goodness you’re here! They p>
Camilla cut in. “What happened p>
Jasper stepped forward, voice steady. “It was Daisy. She said really mean things and made Elaine cry, so I pushed her. Then she scratched my face p>
Bonnie and Susan hadn’t seen everything themselves and were just trying to break things up. Now, hearing Jasper’s side of the story, Bonnie’s expression turned cold. She turned to Elaine. “Is that true, Elaine p>
Elaine sniffled, wiping her eyes. “Yes, Mommy. She called me ugly. Jasper only pushed her because she said those things to me first p>
It was clear Elaine had been crying hard. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she gripped Bonnie’s sleeve, voice trembling.
Camilla latched onto the name. “Daisy p>
The little girl across from them slowly lifted her head, and Camilla recognized her right away. It really was Daisy. The nanny was someone Camilla didn’t know—probably someone Davina hired after Camilla left.
Daisy’s eyes flickered with guilt as she met Camilla’s gaze. Still, she jutted out her chin and repeated defiantly, “I said it. I wasn’t wrong. She’s covered in scars and really ugly. Why should Jasper play with her and not me p>