Chapter 179
172 179
178. 178
Jonathan simply said , “ Got it . As long as she’s okay ”
Meanwhile , when Jennifer received Teresa’s call , Michael overheard the conversation . Noticing Jennifer quickly driving off , Michael decided to follow her .
Michael was highly alert , wearing a SpongeBob SquarePants mask and black sunglasses , the same pair Edward had bought for him to use while dancing .
When he reached the hospital , he handed the driver his 33 dollars in pocket money . “ No change needed , Sir ”
Michael hopped out of the car , clad in Teresa’s short down jacket that reached his legs , looking like an adorable penguin .
The hospital was bustling with activity , and Michael scanned the crowd anxiously . “ Where on earth are Mommy and Aunt Hannah ? ‘ he wondered
He collided with someone while running around . Benny had just finished the task Jonathan assigned and was preparing to leave the hospital . After a quick trip to the restroom , he was heading downstairs when he unexpectedly bumped into the small child .
Benny helped Michael back to his feet , observing the little guy bundled up like a tiny burrito .
Michael recognized Benny from his previous visit to Rosary Estates . He had spotted Benny through binoculars before and knew exactly who he was .
“ Oh my gosh , Bunny ! I’ve got to run ! ” Michael suddenly shouted , then sprinted off .
Benny looked around , puzzled , but saw no bunny in sight .
“ Hey ! Kid , wait up ! ” Benny quickly followed him . Though he wasn’t one to meddle , Michael was so young , and Benny couldn ‘ t help but feel concerned .
“ Where are his parents ? And those eyes … I’ve seen him somewhere before . Is he lost ? I need to help him , h
“ Hey kid , don’t run Benny shouted .
“ Bunny , don’t chase me ! ” Michael darted into the elevator just before the doors slid shut .
he thought
Benny was a moment too late , watching as the doors closed . He stood there for a second , then couldn’t help but laugh . ” Why am I getting involved ? This isn’t my child , he mused .
In the elevator , Michael heaved a sigh of relief , thinking . I almost got caught by Bunny !
It was only then that Michael noticed someone else standing next to him . The man was tall , wearing sunglasses and a
mask like Michael , with a scarf wrapped tightly around his face , concealing much of his features .
The man glanced down at Michael , who was dressed just like him , but thought nothing of it
“ Oh my gosh , ” Michael exclaimed , immediately recognizing Jonathan despite the disguise . He quickly removed his sunglasses and lowered his mask . “ Mr. Lime ! What are you doing here ? ”
At first , Jonathan hadn’t given much thought to the boy beside him . But when he heard Michael call him “ Mr. Lime , ” he recognized the boy .
The elevator doors slid open , and Jonathan stepped out , carrying Michael . He set him down before asking . “ How did you end up at the hospital ? ”
Michael shook his head , then wrapped his arms around Jonathan’s leg . “ Mr. Lime , protect me ! A bunny was chasing n
and I’m so scared ! ”
me ,
‘ Bunny ? Why would a bunny be here ? Could he be imagining things ? Jonathan thought , glancing around , but there was no sign of any bunny
Feeling Michael tremble , Jonathan patted the boy’s head . “ Don’t worry , I’m here . I’ve got you ”
Michael nestled closer to Jonathan’s leg “ I feel safe with you around .”
Jonathan smiled . “ You still haven’t answered me . How did you get out ? And why did you come to the hospital ? ”
Michael blurted out , “ Mommy’s not home , and I’m scared ”
Jonathan raised an eyebrow . “ Aren’t you stayir
Michael nodded in response .
Successfully unlocked !
Jonathan didn’t give it much thought . Normally , he might have dwelled on the matter , but the memory of seeing Teresa’s resolute face as she took those birth control pills , making it clear she didn’t want to have his child , told him that Michael couldn’t possibly be hers .