From time to time, the muffled sound of heavy breathing drifted from inside the house, and I watched with a detached curiosity. If Elouise, Kamari's own mother, wasn't concerned, then as an outsider, I certainly didn't need to interfere.
When Vivienne emerged from the room, fully dressed, her face was marked by an unreadable expression. I'd never intervened in their affairs. My nephew was bolder than I had anticipated.
Feigning concern, I glanced at Vivienne. "Vivienne, why is your face so flushed? Are you feeling alright?"
Vivienne discreetly adjusted her blouse and laughed it off. "It's nothing, probably just the heat."
In stark contrast to her awkwardness, Kamari strolled out with a look of sheer satisfaction. A hint of sarcasm flickered in my eyes.
Elouise would probably never guess that the nanny she trusted had long harbored inappropriate feelings for Kamari.
I asked casually, "Kamari, what were you doing in the nanny's room?"
"There were some things I didn't understand, so I asked Vivienne. I learned quite a bit," Kamari replied, far more candid than Vivienne.
I chuckled inwardly. Of course he learned a lot—with practical demonstrations, no less.
"So, what kind of things were they, Vivienne? I'm curious."
Before Vivienne could respond, Gracelynn cut in impatiently, "Enough chit-chat. Set the table, it's time to eat."
The whole family was cautious about me getting close to Kamari, worried I might form a bond with him.
In the past, I naively believed that marrying Ulises meant his family was mine too. I often bought Kamari gifts with my own money and took him out for fun.
Whenever Ulises and I took Kamari out, Elouise would find some excuse to call us back. Even when Kamari greeted me first after coming home, Gracelynn would say, "Why didn't you say hello to your uncle first? Remember where your real family is."
Dinner was served, and the atmosphere was slightly tense. Gracelynn placed pieces of pulled pork into Kamari's bowl, saying, "Kamari, you're at that age where you need to eat more to grow. By the way, I heard your school started a health education program. You're still young, so maybe it's not relevant for you."
Kamari shrugged indifferently, "I didn't attend that class at all."
"Someone…" he left the sentence hanging on purpose.
Vivienne's face showed clear anxiety. "Elouise, maybe we shouldn't discuss such things at the dining table. It might affect the child's mindset."
Vivienne and Gracelynn came from the same town, and since Elouise brought Vivienne into the family, they'd become as close as sisters in no time.
Gracelynn trusted Vivienne's words implicitly, believing that her time in the city meant she was worldly.
Gracelynn nodded and changed the subject to me. "Emerald, since you and Ulises haven't planned on having children for the past two years, you should focus more on Kamari. He's our family's first grandson and our hope. You've been to college, you know more than us country folk, so keep a closer eye on him, make sure he stays on track."
I replied with a smile, "Don't worry, Mom, Kamari is so smart, he catches on quickly. Even without me, he'd hardly make any mistakes."
Gracelynn wasn't satisfied with my response. "Are you unwilling?"
"Of course not, Mom. I'll make sure to guide Kamari well."
I emphasized "guide well," and only then did Gracelynn nod in satisfaction.
After dinner, Vivienne pulled Gracelynn aside to share some secrets. Shortly after, Gracelynn approached me, saying, "Emerald, Kamari is in his teen years. Without guidance on health education, he might wander off course. How about you have a chat with him tonight and explain things properly?"
I didn't expect Vivienne to prompt Gracelynn to involve me in Kamari's education. It seemed out of character for her, considering she had already set her sights on him. Could Kamari's bold actions have unnerved her?
