True Love Waits

"No, it was not caused by the food. The test shows that your son has a bacterial infection. There are a lot of possible ways to get infected; maybe he contracted it while playing outdoors," the doctor explained. The guilty feeling weighing on Blair lessened a little. At least, the food she had cooked wasn't the direct reason for her son's sickness.

She returned to her baby's ward, and saw a nurse playing with him.

When the nurse saw her enter, she informed, "Gifford's mom, the kid hasn't vomited again this morning, but his temperature is going up. He needs another bottle of IV fluid. Please go to the cashier's and pay the bill beforehand."

"Okay. I'll go right away. Could you keep a watch on Gifford till I come back?"

"Sure."

Keith, Baldwin and Cecelia returned downtown in the afternoon. Instead of going home, they headed straight to the hospital.

Cecelia felt her heart break when she saw her grandson lying in bed, sick and exhausted.

Blair's face fell. "Grandpa, Dad and Mom, I'm so sorry. I couldn't take good care of Gifford..."

She had only looked after the kid for a day, but he had fallen sick on her watch. She wasn't a good mother.

Cecelia sighed and pulled her in for a hug. Patting her back, she comforted her, "You're Gifford's mother. We know that you are in more pain than any of us. But don't worry, it's normal for little kids to get sick easily. And Gifford was kept in an incubator for two weeks after he was born. He is a bit weaker than the other kids. Anyway, he's fine now. So, don't blame yourself. Understand?"

Moved, Blair nodded, "Yes, Mom. I understand." She promised herself that she would learn to take better care of her son.

In the evening, Niles and Irene came to see the little boy after work. When Niles found out that Blair had brought the kid to the hospital all by herself, he was unhappy and told her off. "Why didn't you call me? I'm his uncle. You should have informed me immediately. Wesley isn't home and you've just recovered your health. It's too dangerous for you to carry the kid, and you brought him all the way here, in the middle of night. What would we do if something happened to you?"

Blair knew that he was scolding her for her own good, so she didn't retort but nodded meekly, "I'm sorry, Niles."

Cecelia cut in, "That's enough. Stop lecturing your sister-in-law. She's already upset and tired."

"It's all right, Mom. Let him. He is right," Blair said. She was prepared to accept any tongue-lashing from them.

at his mom, who was now glaring at him. He felt pathetic for losing his temper on her. His mom never allowed him

he had become the least important person in the

mission and hurried back home two days after Gifford had been discharged from the

little boy had completely recovered and

son, instead of saying any caring words, he demanded, "You

what had happened. Blair had taken their

spoke up for her son. "It was my fault, Wesley. I took him out to play; he contracted the infection because of my

while staring down at his son, he insisted, "The root cause is his weak body. I'll be free for a month. You must exercise with me every morning

for the little boy

he snapped, "Two or twenty, he's a man.

Gifford sprang up

"Ten-hut!"

twitched at

sides; his big, bright eyes were directed straight ahead. He was the cutest little soldier she had ever seen. Wesley nodded in satisfaction. "Being my son, these are the basic things you need

to talk to Wesley on how to bring up

you too." It was just that his topic might be a little different from hers. He called out to Cecelia, "Mom, watch Gifford for a while. Blair and I need some privacy." Cecelia walked into the bedroom. "All right. Gifford, come here.

closed the

for air, she pushed the man away before he could make the next move. "It's daytime! What are you doing? I want to

hoarse voice, "Thank you, honey, for all the hard work you put in to look after our son. Next time he gets sick, just call Niles, or contact any of my friends." He began to undress her.

them in

you that our son is just two years old... You...must...be gentle. You...are too

shouldered his responsibility as a man ever since his birth. We

you're right, but it's still too

to say, and I'll do what I want

How could she continue speaking while he banged her like a