Chapter 91 – Until You Say Sorry Novel

He lifted his handsome but childlike face, summoning his courage to walk up to Niamh.

Realizing something was amiss, Niamh lowered her confused gaze to meet Jackson’s. “What’s wrong?”

“Is it you, Niamh?”

Staring seriously at Niamh, Jackson finally mustered the courage to ask.

Stunned for a second, Niamh then replied with a smile, “Hey, buddy. I’m Lillian’s mother. I can tell you my name if you want? It’s nice to meet you, I’m Vera Quinn.”

She introduced herself with a smile, realizing that Jackson was currently analyzing her.

The small face before her eyes was a fair one of exquisite features, a result of Kendrick’s great genes.

For some reason, Niamh could not help but feel like there was something deeper and more pressing within Jackson’s onyx orbs.

Perhaps it was the light.

What issue could such a young child have, anyway?

Memories of how Nevaeh had cut Jackson’s cheek to frame her appeared in Niamh’s mind. She could still remember how freely the blood flowed and how the boy wailed. It must have hurt a lot.

Seeing the flawless cheek of his now, Niamh sighed an inexplicable breath of relief.

Thank goodness it had not scarred.

“Mommy, Mommy. This is the Jackie I told you about. We’re great friends!”

Lily’s voice was sweet and soft, melting her heart like cotton candy.

Niamh nodded. “Oh, so you’re Jackie?” she said cooperatively despite not wishing for Lily to get too close to Jackson.

It was not because she disliked Jackson, but because their relationship was an unconventional one.

“Time to go home, Lillian. Say goodbye to Jackie now, okay?”

“Okay.” Lily reached out to wave a chubby hand. “Bye-bye Jackie. See you tomorrow.”

Niamh smiled warmly at Jackson. “Bye, buddy.”

With that, she turned around with Lily in her arms and left, holding an umbrella over them with one hand.

Yet no more than two steps later, Niamh found herself stopping unexpectedly in her tracks.

The rain fell heavier and the last winds of summer were chilly as they blew past.

Turning back, Niamh stared at Jackson who stood by the gates. The boy did not seem to be wearing much and the schoolbag weighed heavily on his little body. Jackson’s bright eyes bore into her.

He was so close, yet Niamh could not help but feel there were miles between her and Jackson.

Her heart suddenly clenched as she remembered the child Nevaeh and Kendrick had killed.

She walked back to stand in front of Jackson. “Are your parents coming to fetch you, buddy?

“My dad’s busy,” Jackson replied.

Niamh smiled. “What about your mom?”

Niamh watched rejection flare in Jackson’s eyes at the mention of Nevaeh.

That moment, Jackson’s class teacher walked over to tell her that it had been almost half an hour since the day had ended but they had yet to get in contact with Jackson’s family.

Niamh hesitated before dialing Kendrick’s number. It went to voicemail.

Mulling over the thought for a few seconds, she then decided to invite Jackson. “Hey, buddy. Do you want to come home with me first? We can wait until your dad contacts me and comes to bring you home.”

“That’s awesome! Jackie’s gonna be a guest at our house! I’m so happy, Mommy!”

The little girl wrapped her arms around Niamh with a coquettish exclamation, making Niamh find it hard not to ruffle her head fondly.

Seeing as Niamh seemed to be acquainted with Jackson’s father, the class teacher handed him over to him.

Half an hour later, Niamh arrived at the apartment with the two children in tow.

Lily jumped around and pulled Jackson into the house excitedly, already sharing her favorite snacks and fruits with him.

Niamh went to the kitchen to bake small cakes for the two kids.

In the open kitchen, Niamh was given a clear view of Lillian and Jackson sitting on the small stools by the coffee table.

For a child who detested homework, Lily had surprisingly taken her workbook out on her own today.

“Hey, Jackie? Do you know why one plus one equals two?

“Why do two apples plus one banana equals three?

“Jackie, Jackie. Do you like mushrooms?”

As if transforming into the Book of Questions, Lily began to ask Jackson one question after another with her round eyes shining with curiosity and life.

Jackson may only be five years old, but he appeared much more mature.

He seriously tried to answer every one of Lily’s questions. He would repeat himself patiently when Lily showed even the slightest bit of confusion.

Niamh had initially been afraid that something would go wrong should Lily and Jackson become friends.

Yet the sight in front of her quelled those worries, for Jackson was acting like an understanding brother who loved his younger sister without limits. The heartwarming sight melted her heart.

However, Niamh’s smile did not last too long.

Perhaps Lillian would have a sister who loved her if her first child was still alive.

Perhaps she would be privy to such a heartwarming scene.

“Do you want to play hide and seek, Jackie?” Lily stretched a hand toward Jackson.

After hesitating for a moment, Jackson took Lily’s hand. “Okay. I’ll play with you.”

Niamh found his voice childish but unusual when he opened his mouth to speak.

Yet that was not the only problem. Jackson did not seem to know how to smile, and that was very wrong.

He had not smiled once ever since they returned.

Such was not the behavior of a normal child.

Befuddled, Niamh placed the freshly baked cake and orange juice on the coffee table. Before she could search for the kids, her phone rang.

Reading the caller ID, she accepted the call.

“Why did you call? I thought you were the one who told me not to look for you anymore, Miss Vera.” Kendrick’s alluring baritone voice sounded over the line, his tone flirtatious.

Niamh chuckled. “Didn’t you realize the calls from your son’s class teacher before you called me back, Mr. Waldburg? I understand that work is important, but a child also needs the loving nurture of his parents.”

The line grew silent at her words.

Not too long after, Kendrick’s voice sounded from the speaker again. “My son’s with you? Send me your address. I’ll be there shortly.”

Niamh did not mind giving Kendrick her address. After all, searching it up would be an easy feat for him if he truly wanted to know.

After sending the address, she hung up the call.

“Jackie? What’s wrong? Jackie, Jackie!”

Lily suddenly shouted just as Niamh was about to call the two children over for snacks.

Realizing that something may have happened, Niamh quickly ran to the storeroom where the sound came from.

Turning on lights, she was shocked to find Jackson squinting in the corner with his head between his knees. The boy’s arms were wrapped around himself as he trembled.

Lily blinked innocently at her. “Jackie and I were just playing hide and seek, Mommy. Then, he suddenly hid in here and stopped talking.”

“It’s alright, baby. Mommy’s here.” Niamh comforted Lily before walking over to squat in front of Jackson.

“What’s wrong, Jackson?” she asked kindly, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

Jackson shook at the touch and hugged himself tighter in fear.

Niamh felt her heart tighten at the strange reaction, her worry doubling. “Don’t be afraid, Jackson. Aunty Vera won’t hurt you.”

Niamh reached out again to place a hand on Jackson’s shoulder.

Jackson finally raised his head. His complexion was pale and his expression looked lost. His round eyes were brimming with tears.

For a reason unbeknownst to her, Niamh felt her heart break at the sight. The feeling resembled the time when she was forcefully inducted into labor. Her heart stabbed with a pain that was akin to losing a child.

Her hand slowly rose to softly pat Jackson’s head, her tone warm and soft as she said, “What’s wrong, Jackson? Did something upset you? You can tell Aunty Vera. It’s alright, shh. It’s going to be okay. Aunty Vera’s here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Jackson’s eyes reddened as he watched Niamh comfort him. His small lips pursed as he dove into Niamh’s arms. His voice trembled as he shook. He called out to Niamh. “Mom…”

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