Chapter 89 Irresponsible Parents

Teachers found it incomprehensible that parents who showed no worry despite their children being so young existed. "Despite our communication over the past two days, they promised to pick up their child but failed to show up by noon. As teachers, we are also very troubled." On the other end of the phone, Charlotte nodded in understanding, "I see. For now, let's have the children bring their own lunches." Since her children started preschool, Charlotte had frequently encountered bizarre parents like Mileen. Mileen had come to chat with her yesterday and mentioned how her in-laws doted on their grandson but acted as if their granddaughter did not exist. And today, there was an issue with a parent not providing meals for their child. Despite agreeing to pick up the child for lunch, their absence for two consecutive days highlighted their neglect. The child must feel so disappointed. "Charlotte, why are you outside?" Just then, Caelan and Sofia entered. They each carried large grocery bags filled with ingredients for tonight's meal. Sofia thought Charlotte and Luke might have argued, "Is there a disagreement between you two?" Confused, Charlotte asked, "Why do you think that?" "If you're not upset, then why are you out in the yard? Isn't it to avoid Luke inside the house?" "No, it's about the children potentially going hungry at preschool these past few days. I was inquiring about the situation." Caelan, sensing they needed to talk, took the initiative, "I'll start cooking first. You two can chat here." "Then you better get started," Sofia quickly handed the groceries to Caelan. "Why would they go hungry? Is it because the teachers or other kids are intentionally bullying them?" After hearing about Andy and Lilya suffering from hunger, Sofia seemed even more anxious than Charlotte, the children's mother. Charlotte calmed her, "What are you thinking? It's not like that." She told Sofia what she had just heard from the teacher, "Can you believe there are still such irresponsible parents nowadays? Even my dad didn't treat me this way when I was in preschool." Sofia also found it unbelievable since no parent would willingly treat their child poorly. "So, what do you plan to do about this?" Sitting on a nearby swing, Charlotte said, "Let the preschool handle it. We can't create a conflict with the parents. Nevertheless, I'm surprised the kids are willing to share their food." Sofia commented, "Andy and Lilya have always been very sensible. They probably can't stand to see their friends go hungry." "Yes. I plan to have Denise prepare an extra lunchbox for them tomorrow so the three of them won't go hungry." Sofia frowned, finding it a bit troublesome, "But we can't keep doing this forever, right? I fear that the parent might start taking advantage of this over time." Sofia's words reminded Charlotte. The latter responded, "If the school really can't resolve it, then we'll have to communicate with that parent ourselves. We can't let the kids suffer." Sofia nodded in agreement, "That seems to be the only option for now." The children attending Imperial Kids Academy came from families that were either wealthy or of high status. Charlotte was baffled by such negligence, especially failing to pick up the children and provide lunch. After discussing this issue, Charlotte and Sofia returned to the living room. Caelan was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner, and the aroma had already wafted into the living room. Charlotte, who had not been very hungry before, suddenly felt her appetite stir upon entering the house and smelling the delicious scents. "I never expected him to cook. Caelan doesn't seem like the domestic type." Sofia was slightly proud, "We've been living together these past few days. He prepared every meal during this time, which was a surprise for me too. But his cooking is quite good; you should try it." Encouraged by Sofia's endorsement, Charlotte began to look forward to Caelan's culinary skills. Caelan had been busy for a full two hours preparing the meal. When he finished cooking all the dishes, he reheated the ones he made earlier. By the time dinner was ready, they were all famished, having waited all evening. Seeing Denise helping to bring out the dishes, Charlotte called to her, "Could you prepare a lunchbox for the children tomorrow morning?" "Of course, Madam. Just one?" Denise double-checked, as one lunch box seemed insufficient for two children. Charlotte nodded, "Just one is fine. Thank you." Denise did not find preparing a lunchbox burdensome as she noticed that Charlotte seemed to enjoy expressing her gratitude. "Alright, Madam, I've noted it." "Let's all dine together tonight. You should join us for dinner." Given the rarity of such invitations in their society, Denise's surprise was evident. Thus, for many years, she had grown accustomed to eating alone. But today, Charlotte unexpectedly invited her to join them. Gazing at the table filled with delicious food, Denise indeed longed to taste it. "Really, Madam?" Charlotte graciously pulled out a chair for Denise and said, "Of course. I've long considered you part of the family. Without you, I wouldn't know how to handle all these trivial matters. I'm grateful to have you in this home." Denise sat down somewhat shyly; being invited to dine by her employers was a high honor in her profession. Hearing Charlotte's generous praise, she felt somewhat embarrassed. Even after eating pudding, Andy and Lilya were still hungry. Luke served the children their meals, and they ate quickly. They even seemed ready for seconds. Charlotte relished such a lively atmosphere, feeling that a fuller house brought more warmth and joy. Mid-meal, Mileen arrived, visibly distressed and unlike her previous appearance. With a bruised and swollen face and tears streaming down, she rushed in from outside, holding her daughter. Charlotte quickly went to support her, preventing her from collapsing in her distraught state. She asked, "What happened? Why are you like this?" Mileen, sobbing and struggling to catch her breath, clung to Charlotte as if she were a lifeline, "I've been thrown out of my house."