Chapter 136 How It Came to Be
Quinn's POV
Grayson wiped my tears. "You're not mad that we did all this?"
I shook my head and smiled. "Of course not. Thank you, all."
Dylan suddenly got up from his wheelchair. He walked slowly towards me and hugged me. "Welcome back, big sister. I love you even though you're annoying."
I tapped his head gently. "You little brat! Don't tell me you've been giving Grayson a hard time while I've been away."
"Of course not!" replied Dylan.
Everyone laughed, including me.
"Okay, okay, I believe you."
It was Mr. and Mrs. Talon's turn to approach. Mrs. Talon then hugged me. She rubbed my back gently. "From now on, this home will always be warm with your presence, sweetheart."
I returned her warm smile. "I'm glad if I can keep doing that, Mum."
"Of course. You're not going anywhere. You'll always be here, with me and with Dylan," said Grayson.
Mr. Talon put his arm around Dylan's shoulder. "That's right, Dylan, you have to accompany your sister. Don't make her worry. Okay?"
"I'll remember that, Mr. Talon," Dylan replied.
Mrs. Talon turned to him. "You can call us what Quinn calls us, Dylan. Think of us as your parents. We are family from now on."
Dylan smiled slightly. "Thank you. But I'm more comfortable calling you and Mr. Talon as before. It's okay, right?"
"Yes, it's okay. But surely I can call you my son too, right?" asked Mr. Talon.
"You can do that, Mr. Talon," Dylan replied enthusiastically.
Honestly, seeing the two of them so close made me imagine what it would be like if Dylan and I had a responsible father. Also if my mother hadn't left, we would’ve had a family as warm as Grayson's now.
But what can I do? Fate says that we can find parental figures in my boyfriend's parents.
I just hope it will always be like this. I'm sure Mr. & Mrs. Talon are good people.
Grayson clapped his hands. "Okay, so we're having a party, right?"
"A party?" I asked, confused.
"Yes, sweetheart. We've prepared for a big meal. We're gonna have a barbecue," explained Mrs. Talon.
Ah, this was also one of my dreams. It came to me when I visited one of my friends' houses in high school. She was a rich friend with a harmonious family. At that time, as class president, I came to return her phone that she had left in class. And when I was invited in by their housekeeper, I found them celebrating my friend's birthday with the whole family and having a barbecue. At that moment, I felt a little jealous and had a thousand questions about why. And since then, I vowed to have a family like that in the future.
Who would’ve thought that it would come true now. Not only did I achieve that dream, but I also got the family I wanted.
"So what's my job, mum?" I asked enthusiastically.
Suddenly Grayson pulled me into his arms. "You just need to watch us. Ma will cook with me, Dad will prepare the grill, Dylan will help us prepare the seasoning."
"Oh, that's not fair. I have to do something," I protested.
Mrs. Talon pushed Grayson away and pulled me out of his arms. "Well, then maybe you can help set the table? But if you're tired, you can rest and don't have to push yourself. How about it, sweetheart?"
"Great idea, mum. Let's do it!"
Everyone cheered together. "Let's go!"
It was really exciting. Everyone immediately got to work on their respective tasks.
It turned out that the barbecue was located near the pool. So we could watch the snow fall too.
Oh, this moment was truly memorable. I will remember it forever.
The feeling, the aroma, the view, everything was just perfect. It was like the life I imagined with Dylan with our parents.
Even though it was realized by another family, my boyfriend's family, it was more than enough. I couldn't be more grateful than this.
"I'm done setting the table. Can I do something else?" I asked Mrs. Talon and Grayson, who were busy grilling.
"We can handle the rest, sweetheart," replied Mrs. Talon. She turned slightly as she answered me with a smile.
Meanwhile, Grayson suddenly pulled up a single sofa nearby. "Sit down, Quinny. You can watch me cook. Don't I look sexy from behind?"
I reflexively slapped Grayson's butt. And after realizing what I had done, I felt mortified.
Gosh, this was all because of Grayson's unfiltered words! He really liked to tease me.
And when I was embarrassed like this, the others just laughed.
Oh, I felt like jumping into the pool and never coming up again.
"You can do it again later in our bedroom, honey." Grayson turned his head and winked at me.
I raised my fist and hissed at him. "You wait," I said silently.
"I'm so scared," Grayson said mockingly. Then he stuck out his tongue.
Meanwhile, Mr. Talon and Dylan, who were still working on their tasks, laughed. "Seeing the two of them reminds me of us in the past, darling."
"That's right. We used to be like stamps. We went everywhere together," replied Mrs. Talon.
"And you were more mischievous," said Mr. Talon.
"Ah, don't reveal our secrets here," responded Mrs. Talon.
Meanwhile, Grayson covered his ears with the hand that was still holding the meat tongs. "Guys, please, our ears are being polluted."
Dylan and I looked at each other and held back our laughter. Now I also understood where Grayson's mischievousness came from, none other than his own parents.
"Okay, okay. Oh, some of it’s ready. Do you wanna try it first, sweetheart?" Mrs. Talon cut the meat into small cubes, pierced it with a fork, and handed it to me.
I accepted it happily. "Sure."
Unfortunately, when I took the fork, the sharp end of the meat tongs Mrs. Talon was holding pricked my hand.
I grimaced because it was very hot. But I also tried not to panic so as not to make her feel guilty because it was my own fault.
Meanwhile, Grayson immediately came over and held my hand. "Oh shit! It’s burning."
I tried to smile. "You really are a great chef, mum," I praised her.
The others looked at me with concern. Even Mr. Talon went to get some medicine.
And Grayson quickly rolled up my sleeve to my elbow. "Quinny, you're hurt, but you can still praise my ma’s cooking? You're hurt, Quinny!"
"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to." Mrs. Talon came over and looked at my hand.
Meanwhile, I wasn't worried at all. Because I knew it would heal on its own.
I was just about to explain when the burn disappeared on its own.
"Quinn, what happened to you?" asked Dylan. He looked shocked.
Not only Dylan, but Mr. & Mrs. Talon reacted the same way.
I smiled to calm them down. I also rubbed Grayson's hand. "Everyone, I'm fine, please calm down. All of this can happen because of my ability."
"Healing?" asked Mrs. Talon.
"Yes, mum, healing."
"That's a rare one," commented Mr. Talon. He then came closer and looked more closely. "Like Helen, my sister," he added.
"Wait." Dylan also approached me. "What does all this mean, Quinn?"
"It's time Dylan knew, Quinn," whispered Grayson.