章 20: Behave like an elder
Fairview Villa was located in one of the most expensive parts of Baltimore. Villas around that area were over ten million US dollars.
The driveway was outlined with short trees. Branches from either side of the road intertwined above to form a refreshing shade from the scorching sun in summer.
Following a winding path through the lush landscape that transversed the valley, the Wyatt mansion came into view.
It was sited in a peaceful valley and the beautiful lake beside it gave it a graceful ambience.
Its serene environment has always had a calming effect on Kathleen, especially after a hectic day.
The car pulled up in front of the magnificent building.
Eleanor and Elvis dashed out of the house and flung themselves into Kathleen's arms as soon as she stepped out of the car.
"Mommy, what took you so long? I missed you so much that I didn't even have the appetite to eat anything at all," complained Eleanor.
"Is that so? Who was it that gobbled down a plate of cookies just now?" Elvis exposed her on the spot.
"I just didn't want mummy to be worried sick about me if I suddenly lose weight. That's why I reluctantly ate a few cookies."
"It will be even better if you lose weight, you are almost as fat as a cow anyway." Elvis was not merciful at all.
"Mommy, how can you bear to listen to someone body shame your most favorite child?" Eleanor pouted her small mouth. "In fact, I'm angry with both of you and won't talk to you again."
"Who said you are fat? Miss Universe is the cutest girl I've ever had the good fortune of meeting. Even those supermodels will pale in comparison to you."
'Miss Universe" was an appellation Jason, the number one doting uncle, had come up with for Eleanor after she won the child pageant in her kindergarten. And usually uses it whenever he wants to coax her.
"My most amazingly handsome Uncle Jason, I love you the most. You always have the best of sights when it comes to a lady's appearance. Don't worry, I'll help put in a few words for you when next I see Ms Cheryl Moore and I assure you she'll not be angry with you again," Eleanor's voice was as sweet as honey.
"Really, Will you do that for me?"
"Of course. I'll do anything for my best uncle."
"You have only one uncle anyway" Kathleen teased.
Elvis shook his head at them, his mouth curved downward in a sneer.
"I don't know the difference between a toddler and the both of you, Uncle Jason. How can you joke about your future with a glutton like Eleanor. I think mummy needs to prescribe some brain supplement for you."
"Hold it there young man. I am still your Uncle"
"Then behave like an elder." Elvis threw back, with a grave expression, his two little hands held behind his back.
Their exchange sent Kathleen into a laughing spree. She was still laughing when she left them and strolled into the house.
After she left, Jason called the two children for a threesome.
"Now it's just the three of us, tell me sincerely, do you think I have a chance with Ms Cheryl"
Eleanor was quick to reply, "Of course you do. Which lady in her right mind will be able to resist someone as awesome as you. Infact, I think she's playing hard to get."
"Eleanor, can you be serious for once? Anyways Uncle Jason, since you have come to seek our opinion on this, I'll be magnanimous to help you out." Elvis looked very serious like a psychologist having a counseling session with one of his clients.
"Why do I feel like I'm the child here?" Jason couldn't help but complain as he didn't understand how the role suddenly got reversed.
"You asked for our advice Uncle Jason, so don't be too proud and listen to what we have to say,"
"That aside, I know Uncle Jason is very handsome but it's not all about the looks. One must know how to treat a lady well to earn her love."
"Have I not been treating Cheryl well? Jason was sincerely confused this time around..
"Think about it yourself. When last did you give her a call or took her out. You are always busy with one thing or the other all year round." Elvis scolded.
"But I send her gifts every once in a while."
"Do you think she cannot buy those things herself? She's very rich with a business of her own and she's also from a wealthy family. Like my mummy would say: Companion, trust and love is the bedrock of any successful relationship"
"Hmmmm" Jason was lost in thought.
"That's true," Eleanor who was nodding her head with a thoughtful expression agreed. "I love it when mummy takes us out to wonderful places just to have a lovely time. I know Ms Cheryl will definitely love that too."
"You think that will work? Jason was already convinced by them.
"Mm hmm, absolutely. If it doesn't work then you can cease to be our uncle for a week."
Elvis felt that was not a good bargain chip and objected. "What sort of lame bet is that? If it doesn't work, I'll surrender my game console to you."
"Are you cool with that, Miss Universe?"
"Yeah, I'm cool with it." Eleanor didn't need to think much before agreeing, after all, the game console was Elvis's, so she had nothing to worry about if they eventually lost the bet.
"You said it yourself. It's a deal then."
"No, we can't seal off the deal just yet," the profit-driven Elvis who has never suffered a loss objected, "you've not said what you'll do for us if it works."
"How can you be this business minded? Ok, I'll get you both the latest Lego set. It's a one thousand-piece set that's about to be released next month. Though not yet available in the market, I can get it for you this week. But you have to promise me you'll assemble it in one day. Deal?"
"Deal!" The children both echoed excitedly.
He ruffled their hair with an affectionate smile. He loved every little time he spent with his niece and nephew. They were simply too adorable for words.
"That's settled then, let's go inside before your mom finishes the delicious sea food I asked the Chef to prepare."
"How come you're just telling us this now?" Eleanor the foodie complained and dashed off before one could say Jack.
"My silly gourmet sister!" Elvis shook his head like an adult and walked to the house.
Jason was speechless.
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