Chapter 33
While waiting for Cleo to verify Nathan’s identity, Maxine found a new kindergarten for Jessica quickly.
Once Jessica’s hand healed a bit more, Maxine took her to her original kindergarten to handle the transfer.
The transfer went smoothly. After getting the principal’s signature, Maxine took Jessica to her old classroom.
As Jessica chatted and played with her friends, Maxine felt a slight sorrow.
When it was time to leave, Jessica’s face was no longer gloomy as it had been earlier; she was all smiles.
Maxine glanced at her with a smile. “Jessica, are you happy?”
“Yeah!” Jessica grinned brightly, pulling out a small woolen flower from the pocket of her overalls. “This is from my best friend! She said no matter where I go, she’ll always consider me her best friend!”
Maxine felt a warm sensation in her heart. She had originally planned to take Jessica to her new school to enroll, but suddenly changed her mind.
After some thought, she turned the car in a different direction,
Jessica noticed and asked, “Maxine, where are we going? Aren’t we going to the new kindergarten?”
“Nope, we can go tomorrow. Let’s go have some fun instead. How about the amusement park? Do you like it, Jessica?”
Jessica’s eyes widened instantly, her excitement evident. “Really? I’ve never been to an amusement park before!”
Maxine was a bit surprised–although Ivanna’s income wasn’t high, her life certainly wasn’t so tight that she couldn’t afford to take Jessica to the amusement park.
“Didn’t your mom take you there before?” Maxine asked curiously.
Jessica thought for a moment and said, “Mom’s always busy with work. She promised to take me there.”
Her voice lowered a bit as she said this.
Maxine glanced at her through the rearview mirror and smiled. “Well, I will take you there from now on. You can go as many times as you want–but remember, Jessica, your hand isn’t fully healed, so no high–risk rides, okay?”
Jessica nodded vigorously. “I know. I will be good!”
They drove to the nearest amusement park. Maxine held Jessica’s hand as they bought tickets at the entrance. Then, they went in happily.
Since Jessica was young and her hand wasn’t fully healed, Maxine planned to take her on gentle rides like the carousel and Ferris wheel. But somehow, Jessica refused. “Maxine, I don’t want to ride those. We can just walk around here.”
Maxine was somewhat puzzled. Assuming that Jessica simply didn’t like them, she didn’t say much more.
But soon, she noticed something was off.
As they passed the carousel, Jessica’s eyes clearly showed her liking and desire for it.
A child’s expression was never feigned, nor could it deceive.
Maxine got serious, stopped, crouched down, and looked at Jessica intently.
“What’s up, Maxine?” Jessica asked.
Chapter 33
“Jessica, you really want to ride the carousel, so why say you don’t want to?”
Jessica gave a slight start, her gaze evading as she remained silent.
Maxine got more stern. “Jessica, don’t lie to me. Tell the truth. Lying isn’t what a good kid does.”
Jessica mumbled, her gaze shifting to the side.
There stood a signboard with instructions for riding the carousel, and most importantly… the price.
Seeing the price of 30 dollars per ride, Maxine instantly understood.
Her heart ached a bit, and she asked softly, “Jessica, do you think it’s too expensive?”
Jessica bit her lip and nodded.
Maxine hugged her, pinched her little cheek. “It’s okay, Jessica. I still have money, enough for Jessica to ride the carousel a hundred times, a thousand times! You don’t need to save money for me!”
AD
