Forbidden Passion

Chapter 27 Woo her properly

"Phoebe, Phoebe, are you awake? Phoebe?" Annoyingly shrill, the voice pierced through her slumber, causing Phoebe's brow to furrow. "Mom, I don't want to go..." She was still trapped in her dream.

Mrs. Ziegler, seeing her clearly awake yet feigning sleep, snapped and smacked her arm. "Open your eyes when you're awake. What's the act for?" The stinging pain prompted Phoebe to fully awaken. Gone were the lush mountains and the fields rich with the scent of earth.

Instead, a stark white ceiling blinded her, and the strong smell of disinfectant filled her nostrils.

Memories rewound: the fight between Theodore and Edward, her rushing to shield Edward from Theodore's blow...

She closed her eyes and felt a dull ache in her chest.

Mrs. Ziegler's prattling continued, "Phoebe, I don't mean to nag, but you're Theodore's wife now. Why are you getting involved with Edward again?"

in, "When did I get

else did you get hurt if it wasn't for Edward?" Mrs. Ziegler asked

Phoebe recalled her impulsive dive to take the punch meant for Edward-a guilt-driven act, unable to simply watch him get

at you, look at this mess!" Mrs. Ziegler's voice became immediately aggressive. "Phoebe, how many times did I tell you to stay away from Edward? You just don't listen. Now see

had just woken up, bombarded like this by Mrs. Ziegler, and her head was buzzing. "Mom, please, can you just give me some peace

of compassion. "I made you some chicken soup. Let me help you sit

couple of pillows behind

her

asked, "What's the date today?

you?" Mrs. Ziegler replied irritably. "Phoebe, tell me the truth, how did you and that Fitzroy girl end up falling

more days gone; she might as well

Vanessa