- Chapter 147
“But why?” Michael asked.
“Because…” Teresa looked into his innocent eyes, unsure how to explain that the examiner was Cheryl’s brother.
“Mommy, what are you thinking about? Let’s get in line. It’s almost our turn,” he said.
Teresa let him pull her along, her brows knitted in worry. If Donald saw Michael and the document folder bearing his name, she would be in serious trouble. She could manage Cheryl, but Donald was another matter.
Teresa was distraught when she heard a voice call her name. Turning, she saw Jennifer, in a white coat, and felt immediate relief.
“I brought Michael for his checkup,” Teresa said, “but…” Her gaze drifted toward Donald, who was nearby.
Jennifer understood instantly. She bent and patted Michael’s hair. “You don’t need to wait in line anymore, Mike. I’ll have my colleague do your checkup.”
Teresa’s brows relaxed. “Thank you, Dr. Nelson.”
Jennifer smiled gently. “No need to be so formal. I’ll ask my colleague to examine Mike alone.”
“I really appreciate it,” Teresa said, feeling particularly indebted to Jennifer for her past help.
A female doctor examined Michael, performing oral, vision, and cardiopulmonary function tests. She was patient, Michael cooperated well, and she even measured his height: three feet three inches, weighing 31 pounds.
“May I have the document folder?” the doctor asked. “I’ll write down his details.”
“Sure,” Teresa replied, handing over Michael’s file. The cover read: [Child’s Name: Michael, Mother’s Name: Teresa]. The father’s name was blank.
The doctor glanced at Michael, feeling sorry for him not having a father at such a young age. “Michael, right? He’s a handsome boy, growing quite fast. Boys his age are usually around three feet one to three feet two, so he’s a bit above average.”
Teresa frowned, thinking of Jonathan. She wasn’t short, and Jonathan was tall. Michael’s height must be genetic. People often mistook him for being older than three.
The doctor reviewed the records. “Michael’s growing very fast. Don’t stop giving him vitamins A and D. Remember to give him vitamins during the day and calcium at night. He needs more calcium in his diet, or he’ll get leg cramps and pains.”
“Okay,” Teresa said, hugging Michael and nodding earnestly. “I’ve been giving them to him all along.”
“Also, give him plenty of protein—meat, eggs, fish—he’s a bit thin. Look at his skinny arms and legs. He needs more nutrition,” the doctor added.
Guilt filled Teresa’s eyes. “Yes, I understand.”
Michael looked up at Teresa’s sad, self-blaming expression. “My Mommy takes good care of me. You’re the best Mommy ever.”
The doctor smiled. Jennifer, nearby, also smiled warmly at her sensible nephew. “Michael’s handsome and well-behaved, and he loves you so much. You’re really blessed.”
“Thank you,” Teresa said, patting Michael’s hair, though still feeling a little sad.
After leaving the hospital, Teresa and Michael went to the mall, buying health supplements—even fish oil. They already had calcium tablets at home, but bought more.
Back home, Teresa attempted to cook ribs for Michael, but failed miserably. The ribs were inedible, and the pot was burnt.
Looking at the blackened mass on the plate, Michael took a bite out of politeness. “Bleh…” It was unsalvageable.
Michael sighed helplessly. “Mommy, I really don’t know what to say.”
Teresa wiped dust from her face and sighed. “I’m sorry, let’s order some food.”
Michael shook his head. “Don’t waste money every day. I’ll just have some gruel and calcium supplements.”
A pang of heartache struck Teresa. “I’m not spending money recklessly. I make a lot of money now, and the doctor said you’re thin. You need to eat vegetables and more meat for protein. You need to eat well every meal.”
“I’ll be good and eat well. It would be nice if someone could cook for us,” Michael sighed.
Teresa thought, Yeah, if only Jonathan were here. He could make Michael a delicious meal…
Michael echoed her thought. “Mommy, we could find Mr. L—” He paused, worried about upsetting Teresa, and rephrased. “We should find a handsome and rich chef to cook for us. It’d be best if he also made kid’s meals.”
Teresa chuckled. “The chef who meets those requirements is on a business trip. I’m not sure when he’ll be back.”
“Really?” Michael was disappointed. “That chef didn’t even tell me.”
“That’s because I took your phone; otherwise, he’d definitely tell you,” Teresa comforted him. Michael nodded. “Then let’s wait for that chef to come back and cook for us.”
Teresa, unable to refuse, agreed.
That night, Jennifer came to see Teresa. Having seen her leave the hospital with a guilty expression, Jennifer knew Teresa would overthink things. Worried, she came to check on her.
Upon entering, Jennifer smelled something burnt. Teresa sheepishly confessed her attempt at braised short ribs, which had turned into a burnt mess. “I really have no talent for cooking,” Teresa sighed.
“Silly girl, you’re destined to enjoy life,” Jennifer comforted her, rolling up her sleeves. “I’ll cook for you. I haven’t had dinner either.”
Teresa protested, “No, I’m always troubling you.”
“It’s no trouble,” Jennifer said, thinking, Why be so formal with family? Soon, she had cooked two dishes, including the steak Teresa had bought.
With the food served, Jennifer gave Michael a small piece of steak.
He said politely, “Thank you, Ms. Doctor.”
“You’re welcome,” Jennifer said, patting his head. “Eat up.”
Teresa asked anxiously, “His cousin didn’t see me today, did he?”
Jennifer smiled. “No. Otherwise, would you be eating so peacefully now?”
“True that,” Teresa smiled, though she had no appetite, not because of the food, but because of her thoughts.
Once Michael was asleep, Teresa and Jennifer chatted. Teresa revealed her true feelings. “I don’t know how long I can keep this a secret. Lately, I’ve been wondering if I was wrong not to tell Jonathan about Mike. I feel like it’s time to tell him.”