Chapter 7 Summer Jimenez

Colin stubbed out his cigarette fiercely and declared, "I believe her too!" His trust was rooted in the fact that this girl had saved the lives of his soldiers. However, he knew that mere belief was not enough to close the case. "While officially you're assigned to protect her, behind the scenes ... " Colin patted Jasper on the shoulder with a sigh, "This has been escalated. Your miraculous recovery is tied to espionage concerns and is being taken very seriously by the higher-ups! We can't afford any slip-ups! Make sure all confidential matters are handled properly!" "Captain, you can count on me," Jasper assured him. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have feigned ignorance with the nurse and doctor earlier!" After saluting, he coordinated with Liam to secure a temporary ID for the girl before returning to the ward. Inside, Helena was packing for her youngest son while 5188 curiously watched her. It was a bag so light she could carry it herself. This contrasted sharply with her past, where those who had imprisoned her always brought in large suitcases. "Suitcase?" 5188 pointed to the small bag, paused to think, then asked, "No money?" Jasper, overhearing from the doorway, felt a twinge of concern that the girl might have picked up bad habits from her former captors. He stepped closer, jokingly saying, "Yes, our family isn't rich. We might have food today, but tomorrow's meal is never certain. Does that scare you?" 5188 frowned, touching Helena's hand and feeling its thinness, reminiscent of harder times. Resolutely, she patted her chest and declared in her childish voice, "Take care!" Jasper laughed at her earnest but bold declaration, taking the small bag from his mother. Despite its size, it held all his savings and important documents from over the years. Sensing his amusement, 5188 clenched her teeth and as Jasper stepped out, she muttered defiantly, "Rely me!" Jasper chuckled again. "My mother has me to look after her! You, a girl who barely speaks well, what can you really handle?" Feeling slighted, 5188 pouted. She then grasped Helena's hand and walked out. According to tradition in Drakoria, sons are expected to care for their mothers. As an outsider, she believed she had no right to claim that responsibility. "Summer, why are you silent?" Jasper tapped her head, noticing her stunned look. He raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong? Don't want to be a part of our family? I've already told you I'll take you back. We'll even adopt you officially. Aren't you happy about that?" 5188, now Summer Jimenez, brightened up, turned to Helena who was smiling at her, and exclaimed, "Grandma!" Summer's voice rang out joyfully in the corridor. "Yes! My darling granddaughter!" Helena could not help but think the word "Grandma" sounded sweeter and more delightful than ever before. Seeing the joy in Helena's eyes, Summer twirled around her a few times, her happiness palpable. Jasper cleared his throat pointedly. "This is something I managed! Summer, what do you have to say to me?" Summer stopped spinning, looked up at Jasper with a thoughtful tilt of her head, and then suddenly exclaimed, "Dad!" Jasper recoiled and quickly corrected her, "No, no, call me uncle. Uncle Jasper!" Helena interjected with a frown, "So, who's gonna be her legal guardian in our family?" Jasper responded, somewhat helplessly, "Well, it's gotta be me. When I talk to outsiders, I'll say she's the child of my fallen comrade. I'll tell them her parents died, so I adopted her." Helena's expression tightened, clearly not entirely pleased. Jasper hurriedly clarified, "Mom, I can't say she's my biological daughter! I'm still planning to get married someday! If that gets out after I get married, people are gonna think I cheated. That'd be bad for my future wife!" Helena understood. Even before marriage, he'd probably have a rough time in relationships. Yet ... She sighed. "Sorry, Summer! If your uncle Jasper had gotten his act together and settled down earlier, we wouldn't be lying like this." Summer felt puzzled. She didn’t quite get the connection between adoption and lying. But still, being a good and obedient child, she figured everything Helena said was right. She mimicked Helena's look of disdain towards Jasper, shaking her head and sighing dramatically. Jasper laughed at her mimicry, then scooped her up into his arms. "Once we're on the train, even if you dislike me, you must stay in my sight. Otherwise, you might not be able to claim your place as one of us!" As Summer rested on Jasper's shoulder, she watched Helena trailing behind them, her eyes blinking thoughtfully. "There are many bad people on the train, some of whom like to kidnap children like you to sell them," Jasper warned casually, his tone light yet carrying a serious undertone, considering Summer's past. "Do you want to go back to your old life, like before?" Jasper asked. Summer tilted her head, pondering. The stark memories of being locked in darkness were all too vivid for the young child. When she was smaller, her captors confined her in a dark box, transporting her back and forth as if she were mere cargo. Whenever they fed her, food was unceremoniously thrown in through a small hole. If she refused to eat, they unleashed dogs to bite her, claiming it was to train her obedience. Overwhelmed by the memory, Summer clung tightly to Jasper's shoulder, her voice urgent. "Don't lock!" Feeling the intensity of her grip, Jasper winced but masked the pain, querying gently, "Don't lock what?" "Dark room!" Summer clutched his hand tighter, desperation in her voice. "The box!" Realization dawned on Jasper as he pieced together her fragmented hints. "Did they lock you in a box and move you around?" Summer nodded gravely. "The dog!" Noticing their puzzled looks, she clarified, "Fight. Food." Helena's eyes welled up with tears at the revelation. She swiftly scooped Summer from Jasper's arms, comforting her with firm assurance, "Don't worry, from now on, you're with me. If I have food, you will too." Jasper, visibly upset by the revelations, adjusted his collar and cursed under his breath about the cruelty of those who had mistreated her. Helena quickly covered Summer's ears and shot Jasper a stern look. "No swearing in front of the child!" Chastened, Jasper bowed his head to meet Summer's curious gaze and promised softly, "I won't do it again." Recognizing the earnestness in her uncle's vow, Summer reassured him, tugging at his hand, "No learn!" Their interaction brought a chuckle from Helena. Approaching them, Liam, holding several items in his hand, observed the family-like trio conversing and could not help but comment to himself, "From afar, they really look like a family of three." His casual remark, intended for his ears only, was overheard by Jasper, whose enhanced senses caught every word. He glanced at Summer with a thoughtful expression. Summer, too, caught Liam's comment and beamed, finding his demeanor more appealing than Colin's. When Liam handed her some cash, her admiration for him grew, surpassing even her affection for Jasper.