Divorce Time

Chapter 122

ven though Vernon whispered the party invitation to Charlene while avoiding eye contact, she quickly picked

up on it.

“I’ll be there,” Charlene assured.

Helena and Irma were as close as two peas in a pod. Naturally, when Helena’s birthday rolled around, everyone expected Irma to show up.

But Irma was older than Helena, and in their local tradition, it was considered improper for someone older to celebrate the birthday of someone younger with a big bash.

For the past few years, Helena’s birthdays had been low–key affairs, just a simple family dinner, nothing more.

And throughout these years, Thorne hadn’t once made it to celebrate with Helena.

At first, he’d excuse himself citing a busy schedule.

But Charlene knew better. Even when he had the time, he’d rather hang out with friends than attend the family gathering.

Yet, every year as Helena’s birthday drew near, Charlene found herself asking Thorne if he could find the time to come with her to the Ross family home for her grandmother’s birthday celebration, holding onto a sliver of hope. But she was always met with disappointment.

resolved

despite Charlene and Thorne’s rocky relationship – they hadn’t officially divorced yet – the longstanding friendship between the two grandmothers meant an

the Hendersons chose to attend

to return to her own place that evening.

to head back to

back, Charlene realized Thorne and Jasmine weren’t

attend to, had gone back to the old family

down her purse, Charlene headed for

drying off, she

and Jasmine

hair, her mind wandering, completely indifferent.

the room first, throwing her arms around Charlene. “Mommy, we’re back!”

of Vesta

the hairdryer and caressing Jasmine’s

not yet,” Jasmine

ten, you should head to your room and take a bath.

away, focusing on her daughter who was tugging at her,

let me just finish drying my hair.”