Revenge of the Hideous Lady by Moonlight

"Keep Annabeth company. Got it?" Sharon Lindt told Josh Batton, gazing at him solemnly as he nodded obediently.

At that moment, Annabeth Cates felt like they were treating her like a child.

Holding Wilson Batton's hand, Sharon then walked into the kitchen, leaving Josh behind to watch television with Annabeth in his arms.

"I feel bad. Are you sure we don't need to help your parents? They must be tired from all the work recently."

"You heard what they said, right? They asked me to keep you company, so they would be angry if I go in there. They'll be even more upset if you go in there and probably yell at me," he told her. "All right, then."

"Anyway, I've discovered that you're now the most important person in this house, while I'm the least important," he said.

"Do you feel disappointed?" Annabeth asked when she heard this.

"Why should I feel disappointed that my parents are good to you? I'd only feel that way if the opposite were true. Like, for instance, Sebastian's parents..." he trailed off.

Frowning at the mention of what happened with Sebastian Brenand and Rachel Wood, Annabeth's facial expression turned gloomy. "I feel sorry for Rachel."

vastly

Battons pampered her, while Sebastian's parents nearly destroyed

imagine what could've happened if Rachel hadn't managed to escape from that village. She'd have goosebumps whenever the thought struck her. Compared to her friend, Annabeth was much luckier not to have an evil mother-in-law or father-in-law, constantly protected by the

I feel the same way. Sebastian's parents

him, I'd cut off ties with them,

talking to Rachel when you're free to comfort her or

We've

lately. I sensed that

and hasn't let

past yet."

her

with her friend, knowing how anyone would

theething similar happened to

BUMS

them.

to spend a lifetime to