The Remorseful Brothers

Lapter 333

Soon, there was another knock on the door. Madeline saw her brothers looking serious and wondered what was up. She opencil the door to find her grandparents standing there

she was overjoyed. Grandpa, Grandma! You got here so fast. I bet it was Gavvy who insisted you come early. You shouldn’t have listened to him; it must’ve been exhausting to rush here. Did you take the train or a flight? You must be tired–come in and sit down Madeline took the pile of things from their hands.

Helena beamed with joy. “Maddie, I brought you a fresh chicken, caught this morning at dawn. Your grandpa even went to the pond early to catch a big fish for soup.

This bag here has veggies from home–all fresh. And there are some wild onions you like, borrowed them from your aunt next door since I didn’t have time to pick them myself. This package is filled with dried spring mushrooms your grandpa gathered–they’ll keep for a long time.”

Frank, quieter than Helena, asked Madeline, “Is the child here? Why didn’t you tell us sooner? Women need good nutrition after having a baby. Your grandma had health issues because she didn’t back then.

Helena sighed, “Yes, you should’ve told us about this.” She couldn’t help feeling sad. She thought, Madeline had a child and we didn’t even know until now when the child is already two years old

Madeline said, “Grandma, it’s a misunderstanding. The child just came here recently, and I’m not married. It’s not what

think-”

you

“What? Had a baby without getting married?” Helena’s voice jumped. She walked into the living room where two spots had been cleared on the couch

Eugene was holding the baby, “Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Lewis.”

arms, feeling a bit breathless. She looked around at the circle of men–there were nine of them.

tried several times to speak, but Frank kept stopping her. He knew Madeline was sensible and wouldn’t keep something this big from them unless something

support Madeline. Even in his old age, he was ready to stand up for her. “Maddie, you don’t need

around, clearly figuring the dad must be there. “Whose child is it?

Silence filled the room.

of men are you if you won’t take responsibility? Madeline is a bright star with a great future, now stuck with a

thought, just look at this! A big crowd in the house, yet Madeline has to answer the door and is wearing so little–it’s like they don’t treat her right. I used to think highly of Maddie’s brothers for visiting and being polite, but apparently I was

pressed his lips together and said,

that mean?” Frank was baffled. “You mean you don’t know

lips, unsure what

stepped up. “Mr. Lewis, Mrs.

convince her, we could hit

behavior. Why are they all eager

catching on, she looked worriedly at Madeline. “Maddie, just how many guys are

Chapter las

chuckle. “Mrs. Lewis, any of us could be the

stunned. She wondered, “What kind of girl has nine men claiming to be the father? Her face turned bright

Aren’t you her brothers?

Madeline must have been coerced and she wouldn’t agree

‘Grandpa, Grandma, it’s really a misunderstanding. The child just came here a few days ago. She’s not mine; her parents passed away, and she’s only two months old. I just