I Love You, Miss Genius

Benedict saw Wilma's dejected expression and felt a surge of heartache. Realizing something was amiss, he held her mother's shoulders and asked, "Mom, did someone say something unpleasant to you and Dad when you came in?"

Welma's eyes flickered evasively. "No, no, it's just that I suddenly felt it might not be appropriate."

Seeing her mother's apparent attempt to hide the truth, Benedict frowned and was about to say something when she heard Bonnie's voice.

"Dad, Mom, why are you just standing there? Why don't you come inside?"

Welma saw Ivor standing beside Bonnie, worried about embarrassing Bonnie, and was about to signal Benedict to hide the bags. Before she could do so, Bonnie and Ivor walked over.

Bonnie's eyes lit up when she saw the two nylon bags in Benedict's hands. "Dad, Mom, did you bring me these from the countryside?"

Welma felt ashamed since she was still troubled by the remarks made by the folks about them being country bumpkins.

She lowered her head and spoke softly. "Yes... We didn't know what else to bring, so we brought some of your favorites from home. I hope you don't mind."

"Mom! I love them! Why would I mind?" Bonnie said. She then took one of Benedict's nylon bags and opened it.

Seeing the bag full of chestnuts, she picked one up and started eating it. "Mmm, it's so sweet. The chestnuts from home are the best."

Then she took another chestnut and offered it to Ivor. "Try it. See how it tastes."

Ivor cracked the shell and ate the chestnut, then praised it. "The flesh is very sweet. It's so delicious."

Welma, initially tense and worried

that Ivor would disdain their count

goods, felt relieved seeing him eat it. She relaxed her demeanor. "If you

like it, we'll bring more next time."

Ivor smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mom." Then he turned to Gerald and added, "Thank you, Dad."

Gerald laughed heartily and waved it off. "We're family, no need to be so formal."

Bonnie smiled warmly while walking between Welma and Gerald and linking arms with them. "Dad, Mom, you must be hungry after traveling such a long way. I've prepared a big meat for you inside. I specifically asked the chef to make it to your taste."

Welma was touched by Bonnie's thoughtfulness and looked very gratified. "You're so considerate."

"This is just a small thing," Bonnie replied, leaning on Welma's shoulder. "You're my parents; it's the least I can do."

Welma was moved by her words and felt her eyes turn red.

Sensing her mother's emotional state, Bonnie deftly changed the subject. "Alright, alright, let's not get emotional. Let's go in and eat!" Welma nodded. "Okay."

After settling Welma and Gerald, Bonnie walked down the corridor. Her expression became more serious, and she turned to Benedict. "When met Mom and Dad just now, I felt something was off. Did someone say something unpleasant to them?"

From the moment she met Welma and Gerald, Bonnie had sensed something was wrong. Welma's overly cautious demeanor seemed out of place, but she hadn't wanted to bring it up then.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.