J felt a bitter twist in her heart upon hearing those words.


    If Gerard had been simply a tough exterior hiding a warm heart, that would have been one thing.


    But it was clear that Gerard had no affection for Edna; he even had the nerve to bad-mouth her.


    What a waste of Edna''s affection, always putting Gerard first in everything. Did he even deserve


    her?


    With a heavy sigh, J''s thoughts were interrupted.


    Edna came in with a smile, "J, what''s got you sighing?"


    J''s eyes clouded with worry as she replied, "I’m just a bit uneasy about Gerry. He’s morphing


    into such a bull-headed kid, just scared he might veer off track.”


    Especially with someone like Carole in his lineage.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Given his behavior today, J''s worries deepened.


    Edna offeredforting words, “J, Gerry’s a sensible kid, he’s just not great with words. Don’t


    worry about him.”


    Delia chimed in, “Mydy, it’s simple to get Gerard to wise up. There’s no need for concern!”


    “How so?” J looked up at Delia with curiosity.


    “Well, as the saying goes, ''nothing ventured, nothing gained!'' Thed’s been coddled as an only


    child. A little recklessness is normal. If Miss Edna here were to give him a little brother, well, with a


    bit of brotherlypetition, he’d shape up in no time! Two birds with one stone, wouldn’t you say?”


    J’s eyes sparkled at the idea.


    Edna blushed, “Delia, what are you implying? J, please don’t mind her ramblings.”


    But J chuckled, “I think Delia might be onto something. Edna, imagine if you could give our


    Jonah a child. How wonderful would that be!”


    The offspring of Edna and Jonah would surely be brilliant.


    J grew more excited at the thought.


    At the night market.


    Gerard, Healy, and Kearney sat at a small round table, digging into some steaming hot dogs and


    skewers.


    The frosty winter night was biting.


    Biting into a piping hot dog thered in spicy sauce made your whole body tingle with warmth.


    “Healy, George, Kearney, let’s have a toast,” Healy lifted his shot ss filled with beer.


    Gerard joined in, downing the liquor in one gulp.


    “Gerard, you seem down, buddy?” asked Healy.


    Gerard remained silent.


    Healy continued, “The whole mess with the secret admirer’s notes isn’t sorted yet, eh? You don’t


    think your grandma would actually make your dad marry that woman and have another child, do


    you?”


    “It’s highly likely,” Gerard replied, gripping his whiskey ss.


    J adored Edna, and with the way things were going, it seemed only a matter of time before


    she''d be part of the family.


    Not quite sure how to console his friend, George ventured, “You know, having a little sister might not


    be so bad.”


    “I don’t want a sibling.”


    “Don’t be so sure,” George said. “What if one day you be super protective of her?”


    “You’re dreaming,” Gerard scoffed, pushing back his chair. “I need to hit the restroom.”


    Watching Gerard walk away, Healy nudged George, “He can’t stand little girls, especially those who


    try to act like his sisters!”


    Because of Darleen, Gerard had always harbored a dislike for the idea of sisters, even avoiding


    young girls at school.


    Scratching his head, George conceded, “I’ll be more careful with my words next time.”


    Gerard finished washing his hands in the market''s public restroom and identally bumped into


    someone. Instinctively reaching out to help the person up, he realized the other was quick on their


    feet and steadied him instead, “Are you alright?”


    The voice was pleasant to the ear.


    Looking up, Gerard saw a pretty face.