"We've only got this one daughter; why are you always picking fights with her? Isn't she obedient enough? When you were off teaching in another state, you hardly had a hand in raising her. I've been the one

taking care of her, and I think Shirley's just fine."

"It feels like you and your daughter are teaming up to drive me up the wall!"

Shirley was already feeling a bit choked up, and running into Abner during these moments only added to her guilt.

"Abner, that's just how my dad is, don't worry about it. You're such a great guy, they'll come to like you."

Abner didn't know what to say, still awkwardly standing to the side.

Shirley sighed and patted him on the shoulder.

"Let's have dinner and then head back to our rooms to do homework, okay?"

Abner nodded.

On Monday, Shirley took him to school to meet with the teachers. Given that school had already been in session for half a month, it was tricky to arrange a transfer at this time.

Mr. James was her high school homeroom teacher, and it was only because the school had just passed a policy allowing for mid-term transfers that she had the nerve to ask for his help.

She had the gift delivered directly to Mr. James' house via courier, not daring to bring it to school to avoid the judgmental looks from the office staff.

Mr. James, at thirty-eight, was a small, bespectacled man who seemed very strict at first glance.

But upon seeing Shirley, his face lit up with a smile.

you've become even more beautiful since

by both hands, "Mr. James, I'm really hoping you can help with Abner. He's a

with the teacher, who then felt a pang

no trouble at all. Since I've agreed, I'll

noting the boy's striking good looks, though he seemed a bit thin, which only

a movie set, not in a classroom. He'd definitely be a star." Shirley laughed along, unable to deny that Abner was indeed

worry, I'll take him under my wing. Let's get him to class

of relief, whispering to

as

sisters, which is why she felt comfortable asking

stern to others,

model student, talented in

tapped Shirley on the forehead,

the least I could do. I know it's not

MK James spoke gently, "I know you have

a merit for both of

smiled and called out to Abner, "This is your new

forward, shyly

must be busy, right? You head back to

pulling Abner aside

wearing new clothes today, attracting many

her, then

of responsibility, as if

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