Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 349

Chapter 349

Renee couldn’t hold it in anymore. She broke down, crying loudly.

Nate had been sure that a little kid like Matty wouldn’t be able to handle being bullied and isolated for long. A few days, tops, before the pressure would force him to distance himself from Sharon. (2)

But to his surprise, Matty seemed completely unfazed by the cold shoulders and sidelong glances. He went about his day as usual -eating when he should, drinking when he should, studying just as seriously as ever, still scoring at the top of the class.

Theo didn’t fully understand what had happened-why the entire kindergarten suddenly decided not to talk to Matty overnight.

But watching Matty walk around like nothing had changed… it was disappointing.

He’d been hoping to see that “bad kid” squirm. Maybe cry a little. Maybe finally show some fear.

Instead, all it did was make Theo more confused.

What kind of kid was this?

He couldn’t help but ask, “Hey, bad kid. Doesn’t it bother you? Everyone ignoring you, not playing with you. Aren’t you sad? Don’t you feel bad?”

Matty was packing up his books, getting ready to head home. Without even looking up, he answered flatly, “No. I came here to learn, not to make friends.” 1

he slung his backpack over his shoulders and walked out of

pretending! You must be scared. You must

stopped, turned around, and looked

they mean anything to me. Why would I feel bad over people I don’t care

or pointless chatter. I don’t have to waste energy being polite. You

was no one else around. Matty didn’t even

should thank you. You actually did me a favor. Things are

focus on the things I actually care about.

What’s

something between amusement and mockery. “You say I’m the one pretending

completely confused. “Pretending

dad, wasn’t it? He’s the one who told all

Theo snapped. “I never told my dad to do

liked watching Matty get left out. But he’d never asked his dad to step in. He never wanted the grown-ups getting

involved in kid stuff.

casual. “But the whole kindergarten knows. Ask any teacher if

1/2

Chapter 349