Chapter seven

The festival continued to flourish, enveloping all in a whirlwind of entertainment. Jimmy and Susan reveled in the joyous atmosphere as they rode horses, swung through the air, and braved the roller coaster together, savoring each fleeting moment. They explored various amusement centers, capturing memories in photographs and competing in games, ultimately emerging victorious. Posing as a couple for some of the contests, their laughter filled the air as they indulged in freshly grilled barbecue, sipping drinks before heading to another game center where the challenge was to pop balloons in exchange for a toy.

“Let’s give this a shot,” Jimmy said, purchasing a handful of tiny arrows from a vendor, eager to hit his mark.

He launched the first arrow, successfully bursting a balloon. Susan clapped in delight, her cheers urging him on. He threw another, striking another target.

“Oh my, you’re quite skilled at this! Let me have a turn,” she exclaimed, taking a few arrows from him. Her first attempt missed the mark. “Curses,” she groaned, prompting a chuckle from Jimmy. Her next throw met the same fate. “Alright, I surrender.”

“Allow me one last try,” he said, and with a determined flick of his wrist, he sent the arrow flying, bursting the final balloon and securing their win. “We did it!” he exclaimed, turning to the vendor. “I’d like the big Milk teddy bear, please.” The seller nodded, handing over the prize.

“Wow, it’s beautiful! I promise your girlfriend will adore it,” Susan said, her excitement palpable as Jimmy pointed the bear toward her, catching her off guard.

“It’s for you,” he declared.

“Huh? You know…?”

“It’s for you; I played the game for you,” he insisted, and Susan accepted the teddy bear with a warm smile.

“Thank you, Jimmy.”

“You’re always welcome. Now, come on, let’s go,” he replied, and they strolled away together.

Amidst the ongoing festivities, they paused by a water fountain, gazing at its shimmering beauty, when a voice broke their reverie from behind. Jimmy turned to find his friends approaching.

“Jimmy!” Austin called, rushing forward to embrace him.

“You didn’t mention you’d be…” Samuel’s words faltered as he caught sight of Susan, both of them momentarily entranced by her beauty. Jimmy sighed, a mixture of amusement and exasperation at the sight. “Oh my, what an angel,” Samuel breathed, and Susan smiled shyly.

“Jimmy, who is this lovely damsel accompanying you?” Austin inquired, their attention still captivated by Susan.

“Um, this is my aunt Susan,” Jimmy introduced.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. You must be Jimmy’s friends,” she said, and they nodded enthusiastically.

“These are my schoolmates, Austin and Samuel,” he introduced.

“Wow, Jimmy! You never mentioned you had such a goddess for an aunt,” Austin exclaimed, causing Susan to blush.

“Exactly!” Samuel chimed in, and Jimmy rolled his eyes in exasperation.

“Save your flirtatious antics, boys. Jimmy is my son, and I’ve been his mother’s best friend since childhood,” she replied with a smile, leaving them all momentarily stunned, except for Jimmy, who felt a pang of sadness.

“Oh, I wouldn’t have guessed! You look like you could be a teenager yourself,” Austin remarked, his eyes wide with surprise.

“We apologize for our earlier rudeness; it’s just that you’re truly beautiful and youthful,” Samuel added, his sincerity evident.

“It’s quite alright, gentlemen. It was lovely to meet you,” Susan responded graciously.

“Likewise! Alright, Jimmy, see you later,” Austin said as he and Samuel turned to leave.

“I’m sorry about that,” Jimmy murmured, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his tone.

“It’s fine. Your friends are great. I think it’s time for me to head home; I’m feeling quite tired and can barely walk,” she replied, stifling a yawn.

“Do you want me to carry you?” he teased, eliciting a chuckle from her.

“Very funny,” she shot back, and together they strolled away from the festival towards their car.

Susan placed the teddy bear in the back seat before settling into the front. As Jimmy fastened his seatbelt, he noticed Susan’s had become stuck. Leaning closer to assist her, he was taken aback by the sudden intimacy of the moment. He fixed her seatbelt and pulled back, a slight flush warming his cheeks.

“Shall we?” he asked, and she nodded, a smile breaking across her face as he started the engine and they zoomed off into the evening.

★The next day★

At the Taylor mansion, Taylor found herself ensconced in her room, engaged in a group call with her friends, who recounted the events of the festive celebration at the park the previous night.

“Are you girls certain of what you’re saying?” Taylor inquired, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

“Absolutely! We saw them together. I bet you could outshine that woman with her beauty; she’s just the type Jimmy goes for,” Ruby replied from the other end, prompting a frown to cross Taylor's face.

“Are you suggesting she’s more beautiful and sophisticated than I am?” Taylor asked angrily.

“That’s not our intention, though she is undeniably beautiful. But you’re the one Jimmy loves,” Anna interjected through the phone.

“I can’t believe Jimmy would lie to me. He told me he wouldn’t attend the celebration, yet he went behind my back with another girl.” Her voice trembled with betrayal. “Do you know who she was? Is she from our school?” she pressed.

“I don’t think so; I’ve never seen her around,” Ruby responded.

“Me neither,” Anna added, and Taylor sighed deeply.

“Then we must keep a close watch on them. We need to uncover this woman and teach her a lesson,” Taylor declared, and her friends agreed fervently.

★ Greg Mansion ★

Meanwhile, at the Greg mansion, everyone gathered around the dining table for lunch.

“So, son, how was the celebration at the amusement park last night?” Greg asked.

“It was fantastic, Dad! Aunt Susan and I had an absolute blast,” Jimmy replied, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

“That’s wonderful! It’s good that she went; Susan is usually quite reserved about outings like that,” Mirabel noted.

“You went with Aunt Susan? I thought you were supposed to be with your girlfriend,” Rachel chimed in.

“She did plan to join me, but she was supposed to go on vacation with her parents yesterday. I had already booked tickets for Aunt Susan and me, and when her trip was canceled at the last minute, she was free to come,” he explained.

“Did you tell her you went with Susan?” Mirabel asked.

“No, Mom, but I promised to make it up to her,” he replied.

“Just make sure she doesn’t get the wrong idea about the two of you,” Rachel advised.

“That won’t happen. Taylor will understand when she sees Susan; she’ll realize Jimmy is like a son to her,” Mirabel reassured, and Jimmy cast a sidelong glance at her before returning his focus to his meal.

“But honestly, Mom, Aunt Susan’s beauty is astonishing. Despite her age, she still possesses the physique and allure of a teenager,” Rachel remarked thoughtfully.

“You’re right. One thing about Susan is that she takes great care of herself and maintains her diet, which attracts attention. Unfortunately, she often ends up with the wrong men. I can only hope the right one comes along for her,” Mirabel mused.

“Jimmy,” John piped up, a smile spreading across his young face, causing everyone to turn to him in confusion. At just five years old, he often surprised his family with his earnest attempts at conversation.

“What is it, little bro? Do you need something?” Jimmy asked, ruffling John’s hair affectionately.

“Jimmy should marry Aunt Susan,” John declared, and a wave of astonishment swept through the room.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Mirabel laughed, trying to temper the situation. “Where did you hear that? That could never happen; Jimmy is like a son to Aunt Susan,” she explained gently.

“But Jimmy likes Aunt Susan,” John insisted, his innocent logic unyielding.

“Of course he does. He’s always been attached to her since he was a child, which is why he’s so fond of her,” Greg affirmed.

“Mom and Dad are right; Aunt Susan and Jimmy share a mother-son bond,” Rachel added, nodding in agreement.

“Now, eat your food,” Jimmy encouraged, smiling, and John resumed his meal alongside the rest.

“John is so amusing; he’s just a little kid who doesn’t quite grasp what he’s saying,” Mirabel remarked, shaking her head with a smile.

“Precisely,” Greg agreed, and a comfortable silence settled over the dining table until Jimmy broke it.

“But Mom, what if it did happen?” he asked, drawing the attention of everyone present.