Chapter 97
Mary was in her comfy pajamas, having just finished giving Lisa a bath.
She wasn't in any rush to go to bed, so she sat on the couch, carefully going over what she had learned today.
Even though Alvin couldn't teach her today, she couldn't just do nothing!
Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door. Mary was startled and cautiously went to the kitchen to grab a knife, quietly approaching the door.
She had no choice; there were too many bad people out there, and there was no man in the house.
Mary couldn't help but be extra cautious!
"Who's there?"
She was a bit nervous, her hands trembling as she held the knife.
She was really scared. If it was a criminal, how could she, a woman, handle it?
But as a mother, Mary was determined to protect her daughter, Lisa.
Just as Mary was lost in her anxious thoughts, she heard the voice she most wanted to hear.
"It's me! Alvin!"
"Mary, you're still up!"
"Perfect timing, I came to help you with the online store!"
"Open the door!"
Mary, who had been on edge, let out a deep breath.
She was relieved it wasn't a bad person.
Otherwise, Mary felt like she might have been done for!
But her life was just beginning!
Mary had always worked hard to give Lisa a better life.
So, she wouldn't give up easily.
Even if it took everything she had, Mary would save her daughter.
Standing behind the door, Mary's tension and fear gradually turned into surprise.
She hadn't expected Alvin to come over so late, and she was filled with gratitude for him.
Earlier, Alvin had called to say he couldn't teach her about the online store today, and Mary had been quite disappointed.
Now, hearing Alvin's voice, Mary couldn't help but feel happy.
"Alvin, you're here!"
Mary's voice had a slight tremble.
"I thought you weren't coming today."
"I thought it was more important to help you with the online store. Luckily, you're still up."
Hearing this, Mary couldn't help but wonder if Alvin cared about her.
But she also worried it might just be her imagination.
In reality, it was just her imagination.
If Alvin knew what she was thinking, he would definitely regret coming over tonight.
Seeing that the door still wasn't open, Alvin knocked again.
He called out, "Mary, what's going on?"
"Why aren't you opening the door?"
Mary snapped out of it and quickly opened the door, forgetting to put down the knife.
As soon as the door opened, Alvin saw Mary holding the knife.
He raised an eyebrow and immediately put up his hands defensively, looking quite surprised.
"Mary, why are you holding a knife?"
Mary blinked, realizing what she was doing, and fumbled around, making Alvin even more nervous.
Seeing Mary waving the knife around, Alvin took a deep breath.
"Mary, do you have a problem with me?"
Hearing this, Mary quickly put the knife aside and explained, "No, no, Alvin, that's not it!"
"I thought there was a bad person outside!"
"So, I..."
Hearing this, Alvin understood.
He lowered his guard and couldn't help but laugh, "I see, I thought you didn't like me!"
At this, Mary's cheeks turned red, and she quickly said, "No way!"
"How could I dislike you?"
"I..."
Mary suddenly stopped herself because she got too excited.
What she wanted to say was, "I like you too much!"
Alvin didn't notice her awkwardness and smiled.
"Mary, I was just teasing you!"
"I actually wanted to praise you for doing a great job!"
"Your vigilance is a good thing."
Alvin actually thought Mary had it pretty tough.
The neighborhood was still quite complicated.
As a single mom, she had to stay alert and protect her child at all times.
Thinking about this, Alvin said, "You need to be careful, taking care of Lisa by yourself."
"Even though we live in a decent area, crime's been creeping up around here every year."
"There are a lot of bad people! You have to be careful!"
"You could put some men's shoes by the door."
"Or hang some men's clothes outside."
"And always keep some pepper spray and self-defense stuff on you."
The more Alvin talked, the more scared Mary got, her face showing her fear.
Seeing her like this, Alvin smiled and quickly reassured her.
"Mary, don't be scared!"
"If anything happens, just contact us!"
"We live so close, if anything happens at your place, we'll definitely know."
"If you're really scared, just call me!"
"I promise I'll come over with a weapon right away!"
Mary knew Alvin was trying to make her laugh, and soon she did.
"With you saying that, I feel much better!"
"Alvin, thank you!"
"My biggest worry is bad people. I was so scared earlier."
"If there were bad people, I wouldn't know what to do!"
"But I'll definitely do what you said!"
"Being aware of safety is important. If something really happens, I can't imagine the consequences."
Then, Alvin reminded her, "Also, Mary, don't panic in dangerous situations. Stay calm."
Mary nodded, knowing Alvin was right.
"I will. I can't always be scared. I need to be braver."
"For Lisa, I need to learn to protect myself."
Alvin nodded seriously, "Yes, Mary, you need to be strong and brave!"
"You have your daughter Lisa to protect!"
Hearing this, Mary said seriously, "Yes, I have to protect my daughter!"
Thinking of Lisa, Mary smiled happily.
"Godfather!"
Lisa had been sent to bed by her mother Mary after her bath, but she was too thirsty and wanted some water.
Coming to the living room for water, Lisa saw Mary standing by the door.
Lisa rubbed her eyes with her little hands and softly called, "Mom, Mom, what's wrong?"
Mary was so focused on listening to Alvin that she didn't hear Lisa.
Lisa, puzzled, rubbed her eyes and went to find her mom.
As she got closer, she saw Alvin standing opposite her mom.
Seeing Alvin, Lisa instinctively smiled.
"Godfather, I thought you weren't coming today!"
With that, Lisa ran to Alvin.
Alvin picked her up, "Lisa, you're such a good girl!"
"Why aren't you asleep yet?"
Lisa smiled and wrapped her arms around Alvin's neck, "I fell asleep but woke up thirsty."
"I called Mom, but she didn't hear me!"
Alvin patted Lisa's head gently, "Drink some water and go back to sleep. It's late, and you have school tomorrow."
"Okay!"
Lisa leaned on Alvin's shoulder, feeling so comfortable she almost fell asleep.
Alvin gestured to Mary to let him in, and it took her a moment to realize.
Mary stepped aside to let Alvin in and closed the door.
Once inside, Mary poured a glass of water for Lisa.
After drinking, Lisa quickly fell asleep.
Alvin gently placed her on the bed.
The room was filled with a warm atmosphere, and Alvin's movements were extra gentle.
He didn't want to wake the almost-sleeping Lisa.
Alvin patted her arm and whispered, "Sleep well, Lisa."
Mary watched this scene, feeling that Alvin was more than just Lisa's godfather; he was like a loving father.
Seeing Alvin take such good care of Lisa, Mary felt a wave of warmth.
She knew Alvin's care for Lisa was genuine.
Mary suddenly couldn't control her emotions.
"Alvin, you're so good."
Mary said softly, her voice choked with emotion.
"Lisa is so lucky to have you as her godfather."
Alvin stood up and smiled, shaking his head. "Mary, we're family. No need to be so formal."
"Lisa is such a lovely child. Being her godfather is my luck too!"
Mary nodded, her eyes glistening with tears.
Alvin's presence had truly brought great help to their lives.