New Happiness, Begins
Part 43's

"Life in a small town seems to have been abandoned for the past ten years. But I guess, deep down, people want to go back to a simple life."

"City life also has an edge" Kendall retorted.

"I love going to the city and occasionally enjoying the culture," David admits, "but I don't think anything can replace growing up in a close-knit family environment that makes you feel safe. Such a sense of security fosters confidence in the child in order to face the world and do what he wants to do."

"The ad in the paper did not mention the child. When did you start planning on starting a school?"

"Before autumn. I think Harry once said that some of those women were teachers, huh?"

Kendall nodded. "Some of them leave their children to relatives during the summer, but hope to bring them here in a few months."

"We will accommodate," David said, despite his head turning to think about the logistical complexity that will be created by the presence of children in their communities. But even so, it was inevitable. "Do you want to have a child one day?"

"No," said Kendall firmly until David's heart sliced.

"May I know why?"

Kendall shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think I'm very good at dealing with family."

David frowning. "Why not?"

"I'm not very good at getting along with people" Kendall said with a straight-forward look.

"It doesn't make sense. You're a doctor, for God's sake."

Kendall's throat was blocked. "Just because I'm good at treating, doesn't mean I'm good at getting along."

David opened his mouth to argue, but Kendall's phone suddenly rang and the screen lit up. David glanced down and inevitably saw the name "Daniel" on the screen.

Kendall also looked and pursed her lips, but did not reach for the phone. The ringing continued and his voice echoed in the car.

"You don't want to lift it?" david asked, relaxed.

"No," Kendall answered quickly, then added, "not while I'm driving."

The ringing of the phone finally stopped, but then rang three times a few seconds later, indicating the caller left a message. Kendall's nervousness seemed to confirm that the phone call was from the former fiancee. David's mood became somber, making him start raving again about the advantages of Happiness, including its proximity to Atlanta and the International airport.

"Of course we intend to build our own airfield to accompany the helipad near the clinic. If Happiness grows fast enough, there's no harm in us building our own hospital."

To David's annoyance, Kendall did not respond. Even the woman seemed to be daydreaming. Thinking Denville?

"Good," murmured Kendall.

David clenched his lips, then advanced his body to harden the radio. Kendall still didn't notice. The woman was clearly immersed in daydreaming, missing the Daniel. An unfamiliar sensation burned David's chest. Of jealousy? He was never jealous in his entire life.

David slumped on the chair and looked out the window. This journey will be long.

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Kendall's chest was pounding as they climbed onto the porch of a beautiful yellow-painted little bungalow. She had no reason to be nervous about meeting David's mother, so she suspected that her reaction was to do with the excitement of returning the found wedding ring.

"I must warn you" said David, raising one hand to knock on the door. "She's probably gonna cry."

Before Kendall could answer, the door opened wide and appeared as a sweet and fat face with a smile. "David, you're coming!" But when he saw the cast on the youngest child's leg, his smile turned to worry. "You why?"

"Just a little bump, Mom," said David, bending over to hug his mother.

"How's the story?" press the woman while clutching David's waist long and tightly. "And why do I know now?"

"Because it's just a trivial thing you don't have to worry about."

When David pulled the body, the mother looked as if she was not satisfied looking at the child, and then finally turned to look at Kendall. "Where's your manners, David? Who's your pretty friend?"

Kendall's cheeks flushed as she guessed what the woman had in mind.

"Mom, meet Dr. Kendall Jenner, Happiness's new doctor. Kendall, this is Luisa Booker."

Kendall reached out, but Luisa instead came forward to give her a warm hug. Kendall was shocked and looked David in the eye over the shoulder, finding the man looking as amazed as he had just felt. After Luisa took off her hug, she smiled at Kendall affectionately. At once Kendall felt the emptiness of her own mother's affection, so that she could barely breathe.

"You're the prettiest creature I've ever seen" Luisa said. "And also a doctor? Well, well, your mother must be very proud."

"Mom..." David tried to interrupt.

"Yes" Kendall said, exhaling, then smiled at the woman. "He was very proud."

"Wow, the fly came in. Come on, let's go in and have some tea. Your leg mat, David."

"Yes, Mom." said David, then smiled broadly at Kendall while the mother rushed into the house. Kendall, follow, stunned to see the woman. David followed behind with a crutch.

"My sister, Roselin, is volunteering at the library today" Luisa told Kendall, "so we're home. How do you drink your tea, honey?"

"Without sugar, thank you."

"Without sugar? Which area are you from?"

"I'm from Virginia."

Luisa nodded. "I think so too when I hear your accent."

Kendall smiled. The North thinks people from other countries have accents.

"Sit down in the living room" said David's mother, directing them into a small yet comfortable room with two cushioned sofas facing each side of a small, low table. White planting cabinets filled with books and photo frames filled the walls.

One of the photos there caught Kendall's attention.the two sharp hazel-eyed strapping youths were smiling widely. He was compelled to touch the edge of the silver frame.

"You and your brother?" He asked, looking up at David.

David smiled and nodded, leaning on the crutches. "One of the few photos we found after the storm."

Seeing David as the boy stirred up unwanted emotions in Kendall's chest. He doesn't want to know this much about David, doesn't want to fall for his mother, doesn't want to fall for her...

Kendall dropped her hand quickly and turned her back to the photo. "You sure we have time for tea? I don't want us to be late for the promise."

"What promise?" asked Luisa who walked in with a tray of three cups of tea.

David was moving on crutches. "With a specialist in Atlanta. Just an X-ray to make sure my limbs recover properly."

Luisa placed the tray on the small table, then looked at Kendall. "Is that your idea, honey?"

Kendall nodded.

"So you've been taking care of her all this time?"

Kendall hesitates to hear the implicit meaning of closeness and looks up to David for help.

"Yes, Doctor Jenner took care of me" said David cheerfully.

Kendall looked at the man sharply, who turned out to be ignored.

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