The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 2 The person speaking was Sandra's good friend, Ruth Upton. She was a heiress of a wealthy family. Ruth and Sandra had grown up together. She had always been the biggest supporter of Hendrix and Sandra's relationship. Now that Noelle had become Hendrix's wife instead, it came as no surprise that Ruth was unfriendly toward her.

Even when she noticed Noelle standing at the door, she didn't feel the least bit embarrassed or uneasy about what she'd said.

It was Sandra who greeted her first. "You're here, Noelle."

Noelle nodded. "I'm here to take you home. Have you packed your things?"

"Yes. I'm all set. Let's go," Sandra replied good-naturedly.

Ruth couldn't help but ask, "Where's Mr. Freeman? Sandy is being discharged today. Isn't he coming to pick her up?"

"He's gone to the office," Noelle replied.

"Oh, he seems really busy. I wonder if he's too busy to come or if you didn't let him come," Ruth conjectured with disdain.

Before Noelle could respond, Sandra interrupted softly, "Ruth, stop it."

Ruth chuckled coldly. "Why can't I talk about this? Did I hit the nail on the head?"

to Hendrix's number in her contacts. Then, she handed the phone to

you mean by this?"

curious whether I'm preventing him

about to lose her temper, but Sandra hastily grabbed her hand and

just too nice." Ruth gritted her teeth. "That's why others climb over your

grabbed Sandra's suitcase and walked ahead. As soon

"Did you

tension in Matilda's voice when she spoke

"Yes," Noelle replied.

irregular eating habits were the cause. Your father and I are overseas and aren't back yet. After you bring her home,

"Okay," Noelle answered calmly.

bit harsh, and after a brief pause, she added, "You're her older

the steering wheel tightened. A swirl of emotions rose inside her, but

moment of silence, Matilda said, "Give the phone

Noelle handed the phone to Sandra, who was sitting in

the kind of girlish voice that a daughter used when speaking

contrast with Noelle's cold and