Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl (Pearl and Richard) novel Chapter 1307

Pearl was the first to speak. "Chet, it's not like that. Your dad was just joking."

Sean looked uneasy, having been caught in the act. "Yeah, Chet. I was just having some fun with Rick."

At that moment, Chester looked unusually calm, like an adult in a child's body.

Yet, his voice was still young and frightened. "I'm sorry. I accidentally broke the glass. What are you talking about? What joke? I don't get it."

Chester tilted his head, puzzled.

It turned out he hadn't heard their earlier conversation. The other three sighed in relief.

Pearl took a deep breath. "It's okay, Chet. It's just a broken glass. No one's upset with you. Be careful, and stay away from the broken pieces. I'll clean it up later."

Chester grinned and rushed downstairs to hug Pearl. "Thank you, Miss Pearl. You're so kind. I was afraid you'd be mad at me."

Pearl stroked his hair, her voice warm with sympathy. "Why would we be mad? It's just a glass."

Chester's voice grew quieter. "It's because my mom would hit me with a plank whenever I broke something at home." He remembered those painful times, shivering at the thought.

Pearl felt even sorrier for him. "It's alright, Chet. No one here will hurt you."

Hearing this, Chester felt a mix of relief and sadness. "Thank you, Miss Pearl."

He walked over to Pearl and gently poked her belly, curious but cautious. Then, he stepped back, afraid he might scare the baby or be too rough. "Am I going to have a baby cousin soon?"

Pearl nodded. "Yes, in a few months."

Chester's excitement faded slightly. "But I'll be abroad. I don't know when I'll be back."

"Don't worry," Pearl reassured him, touching his nose. "We can video call. I'll show you the baby."

"Awesome!" Chester beamed. "Will the baby look like me?"

Chester's innocent question seemed like a bomb, and the room fell silent. The smiles on the faces of the adults faded quickly.