Chapter 207 Honey, Open the Door
Thanks to Alex, Alexa couldn't think any more highly of Frederick.
After all, men who are willing to take care of kids and have the patience for it are rare these days.
And when she learned that Alex had autism and didn't speak, Alexa treated them even better.
Throughout dinner, aside from Frederick getting stepped on a few times under the table, everything appeared harmonious on the surface.
Soon it was time to rest for the night. Frederick and Alex were shown to the guest room next to Rebecca's.
"Mom..."
Standing at the door with her arms crossed, watching Alexa tell Frederick where the bath towels were hung and which was the body wash and which was the shampoo, Rebecca said irritably, "Isn't it inappropriate for Frederick and me to stay on the same floor?"
Frederick froze.
Alexa looked at Rebecca with mock reproach, "Never mind Frederick - I'm talking about you, my own daughter. Don't I trust you? What a silly child!"
Then Alexa patted Alex's head, "Alex, get to bed early. I'll make you strawberry pancakes tomorrow morning!"
Alex nodded obediently.
After saying goodnight to Frederick, Alexa turned and led Rebecca away.
Looking at the big bed, then at Frederick, Alex pressed his lips together without speaking, but the hesitation and conflict in his eyes were obvious.
Knowing this meant the boy was disgusted with him, Frederick raised his hand and flicked him on the forehead, "Who put you to bed when you were little? How come you've gotten more heartless as you've grown up?"
Alex was brought back to the old house when he was just two years old.
Whenever strangers came near, he would crawl under tables, cabinets, or beds.
Only Frederick, who had brought him out of that cage, could get close to him.
During that time, Alex slept with Frederick at night.
After a few months, seeing that Elizabeth genuinely cared for him and that the people arranged in the house truly treated him well, Alex gradually let down his guard.
From then on, he slept alone at night.
With someone in the room, he was like he had danger radars all over his body, eyes wide open like an owl.
Even if someone approached in the middle of the night, he would wake up alert like a small animal, staring with his eyes open until dawn.
Including Frederick.
Alex rubbed his forehead and glared at him.
Frederick's eyes showed amusement, "Don't worry, and just sleep! I'm married now, so I'll definitely be sleeping with my wife. Even if you wanted me to keep you company, I wouldn't bother!"
Making a face at Frederick, Alex turned and went into the bathroom.
Frederick opened the door and went out.
When her phone dinged, Rebecca knew it couldn't be anyone but Frederick.
Sure enough.
[Honey, open the door!]
She thought about not opening it - he wouldn't dare knock and disturb her mom and Layla downstairs.
But she was also afraid he really would knock.
Rebecca hesitated for a moment before opening the door.
The moment she opened just a crack, Frederick smoothly squeezed in and closed the door behind him.
Before Rebecca could voice her protest, Frederick pulled her into his arms, "Becca, I think I'm sick..."
Frederick's voice was as deep and magnetic as always, but carried a hint of subtle dejection, as if he really felt unwell.
Rebecca looked up at his somewhat downcast face and touched his forehead, her gaze suspicious, "Did Alex infect you?"
"No."
Frederick shook his head and held Rebecca tighter, "I think I've got loneliness syndrome. I only feel better when you're with me. When you're not around, I feel uncomfortable from head to toe."
If Rebecca still couldn't tell he was doing this on purpose, she'd really be a fool.
"Frederick, you're getting worse and worse!"
Looking thoroughly annoyed, Rebecca struggled to push him away, "Get out, go back to your room!"
"Becca, if I go out, I'll have to sleep in the hallway. Alex is already asleep!"
"...Playing pitiful won't work, get out!"
Gazing at the huffing yet adorable Rebecca, and with his sharp ears catching sounds from outside, Frederick reached for the doorknob, "Becca, then I'm leaving."
As soon as he finished speaking, Rebecca grabbed his hand.
In the hallway outside, footsteps clicked along.