Chapter 120

Rachel’s eyes glimmered for a moment. She furrowed her brow and spoke up, “Haynie, what’s the deal with that kid Marvin and Ms. Cameron? I swear she’s treating Marvin better than her own son, Keen.”

Haynes hadn’t noticed Stella until Rachel mentioned it. He raised an eyebrow and looked over. Whatever Marvin had said must have been charming, because Stella gave him a warm smile and dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin. Marvin looked up at Stella with a beaming smile, his eyes filled with admiration and trust, as if she were his mother.

This scene was like a dagger to Keen’s heart. Once upon a time, his mom had treated him that way. But now, hardly ever came home and acted like he didn’t exist.

“Dad, since Mom’s got that other kid, does she not want me anymore?”

Before Haynes could respond, Rachel jumped in to reassure him. “Of course not! Ms. Cameron’s just temporarily fooled by that boy. You’re her own flesh and blood; she’d never abandon you.”

“She’s always taking his side,” Keen snapped, his resentment toward Stella boiling over. “Whatever, if she doesn’t care about me, then I don’t need her either.”

Rachel squeezed Keen’s little hand, speaking gently, “It’s okay. Even if Mom’s not around, Rachel will always be here for you.”

Keen looked at Rachel with gratitude. “You’re the best, Rachel.”

Then, something seemed to dawn on him, and his eyes glassed over with tears. “But… Rachel, you can only stay for another six months… After that, you won’t be here anymore.”

Rachel’s face fell! She’d almost forgotten about that. But she quickly collected herself, her eyes misting over too.

“I don’t want to leave you either, Keen. If I really have to go, who will take care of you?”

Keen threw his arms around Rachel. “I don’t want you to die! Please don’t die, Rachel!”

Haynes, watching them with a heavy heart, suddenly spoke up, “Jasper mentioned a friend of his knows a renowned doctor, a specialist. If we can find him, he might be able to extend your time.”

Rachel’s eyes lit up with hope. “Really?”

“Yeah, but he’s not easy to track down. Jasper’s doing everything he can to find him. You’ll be the first to know if there’s any news.”

Rachel sighed wistfully, “I just wish for a little more time to be with Keen. If I could see him grow up, I’d have no regrets.”

Haynes was silent for a few seconds before saying, “Don’t think like that. You’re going to be okay.”

As they spoke, they settled into their seats. Keen ordered a kid’s meal. Glancing over at Stella, Keen said, “Rachel, I want a milkshake too.”

Rachel smiled, saying, “Sure, whatever you want, Keen.”

But Haynes frowned and refused, “No way, you know you’re lactose intolerant. You can’t have that stuff.”

Keen pouted, “Mom never lets me have anything fun, says it’s not good for kids. But she shares milkshakes with other kids… She’s just lying to me, trying to keep it all for herself.”

Rachel’s eyes sparkled with playful malice. “Oh, Haynie, don’t be such a spoilsport,” she purred, looping her arm through his. “We’ll get milkshakes – Keen can just have a taste. What’s the harm in one little sip?”

Eyeing Stella again, Rachel added, “Besides…”