Chương 31: Warm Encounter

*Jenny*

Finally, a day for myself. Contrary to what others believe, I like being by myself. I reenergized myself for the coming week. It's Sunday, by the way.

Currently, I am at a grocery store. Our pantry is running low on supplies so I went out to shop. Ebony is watching the kids and is ever delighted to be at home. She may look outgoing but Ebony is actually a homebody. She would gladly trade a day out for a long peaceful time at home.

While shopping, I checked my cart and noticed a difference. Though we had bought tons of food before, today I found myself shopping for more fruits and veggies with a variety of beverages for the children. It's like we turned into completely different people. I guess my mom was right when she told me that taking care of children will change almost everything about you.

At first, she wasn't really worried about me being a foster guardian but then she kept on checking on me, asking me if I was doing okay or if I was stressing myself too much. Heh, I remember her saying that she feels like she's a grandma already with the situation I am in. I miss her even more now that she keeps on calling me every now and then.

"Oh dear, how do I do this?" I heard the lady speak in front of the self-checkout counter. I was next-in-line but she seems to be having trouble with the counter. She seems to be middle-aged so I decided to get closer and help the poor lady.

"Excuse me, Madam." She turned to me as I continued, "Are you having trouble using the self-checkout counter…?".

"Oh… It's quite embarrassing but it's actually my first time to use this type of counter… Are you with the staff…?".

"Actually no, I'm also a customer. Though I'm willing to help you if you like…?".

"Ah, thank the Goddess, if it's not really a bother, would you really help this old lady…?" Goddess…? Anyway, I smiled at her and replied, "Of course, I'm glad to help." I then started scanning her items from her cart.

"Many thanks, young lady, it's rare to see such a kind person like you these days.".

"It's no problem, I'm happy to be able to help.".

After I finished scanning all her items and putting them in her grocery bag, I gestured to a slot-looking pane near the edge of the machine, "Just swipe your card or slide in your cash in here to pay for your groceries."

"Splendid." The lady took out her card and swiped it. After that, she gestured her card to me, "Here, let me pay for your items, too –".

"Oh no, it's okay I got them… Besides, it's funded.".

"Then you'll be saving some of the funds for future use if I buy them for you. Please, this is the only way I know to repay your kindness.".

"But –".

"I insist.".

I sighed in defeat, I never expected any return for my actions but it seems she won't change her mind even if I refuse a million times, so I just accepted her generous offer.

"Thank you.", was all that I could say, the lady then smiled at me. I don't why but I really feel comfortable with this woman. It's like I'll be seeing her again anytime soon.

As we left the grocery store, the lady thanked me one more time. "At last, I've done it. I thank you again for helping me. This generation's technology is quite hard to comprehend, yeah…?".

"You're very welcome –". I wasn't able to finish my sentence when I heard her belly growling.

"Oh my…" She touched and massaged her stomach. She must be famished for her belly to sound like that. "I guess I got here really early and skipped breakfast. I apologize for that.".

"Oh no, it's okay. Um, if you'd like, there's a cafe that serves a variety of wonderful cake slices nearby.".

"Is that so…? Well, I don't want to be doting but would you like to accompany me there…? I don't really like to eat alone.".

"I, um…" I briefly checked the time on my watch and yeah, I still have time to spare. "Sure, I'll go with you".

At the cafe, the lady ordered a couple of cake slices. She seemed to be fond of it. She smiles every time she takes a bite. She also ordered me a Jasmine Tea which according to her is good for maintaining clear skin.

"Mm~", the lady was almost singing as she enjoyed her cake slices. I can't help but smile at the sight. "My, you're right, these cake slices are really wonderful.".

"I'm glad you also like them.".

"You know, my late husband used to take me to different cafes to just let me eat cake slices. Those were the best memories I ever had with him." Oh, she's a widow, she must miss her husband badly. "Do you have someone special in your life…?".

"Who? Me…?". Her question caught me off-guard.

"Well, have you…?".

Well… I could say it's Noel since he's my boyfriend but it still feels surreal. I first saw him in my dream and then we met. After that many unexplainable occurrences happened; work, the kids, and that part of my dream that seemed so unreal.

However, Noel's smiling face had overshadowed them all. I feel that his smile is the only thing that matters. Thinking about him makes me happy. Being with him always gives me butterflies. Undoubtedly, Noel is my special someone.

"Hmm, it's good to see that you're also so fond of him." What…? Did I ever mention Noel to her…? "Treasure every moment together my dear…". Somehow, I grew curious why she was telling me this then she warmly smiled at me.

"Oh! my ride's here.". She exclaimed as she stood up and gestured to leave. Ride…? Since when did she call for a ride…?

Outside, a car was waiting and a lady in a suit was by the back seat door. Wait, this lady, where did I see her before?

"Lady Celeste, apologies for being late, Mr. Locke had given me a task beforehand." Mr. Locke!? Wait a minute, isn't she that female staff that came with that CEO before…? Noel's older brother, Kyle Von Locke…?

"No worries, Raven. My son's instructions always come first. Besides, Jenny here was kind enough to accompany me in the meantime." She knows my name, how? Did I ever mention my name before…? But she said 'her son', whoa, no way! Does that mean that this lady is…?

I didn't realize that I froze until the lady spoke through their car window, "Thank you for today, Jenny. I hope in meeting you again." She smiled at me while waving goodbye as their car went on its way.

I just stood there, shock in my core. What the heck!? Did I just meet Noel's mother!?

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