The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 17 Chapter 17

"Oh, how could I ever blame you?" Matilda instantly felt sarry when she saw Sandra's pitiful demeanor. She pulled Sandra closer. "Why did you make such a silly move? Thank goodness you've only hurt your arm. What if you hurt and scar your face?"

Sandra shook her head forlornly. "I couldn't think of a better idea. Anything was better than having Noelle and Ruth fight..."

Something crossed Matilda's mind when she heard Sandra's words. She glared at Noelle. "Look at what you've done! You're older than Sandy, but she has to help you out! Don't you feel ashamed?""

"I don't need her help."

Matilda's face fell at Noelle's reply. "What did you say? What length would you go to if Sandy hadn't held you back? Do you know you were fighting in public? You'll be a disgrace to the family if those clips of the fight make it to the Internet! What would the Freemans think of you?"

Noelle stayed quiet, yet the look in her eyes suggested indifference.

that supposed to mean? Are you indignant?

not budge at

be mad. I'm sure Noelle didn't want that to happen. Why don't

I really have no power over you? Do you have no regard for me

when Matilda blurted out her inner thoughts. She instantly knew she had messed up-either she

put her at a

left the greenhouse without another

about to speak when she went speechless and frowned at the sight of Noelle getting onto her knees in the center of the

in quickly, "Mom, let's not make

arrogance! Unlike you, she grew up in the countryside. She has

The doctor says you should not be angry because of your high blood pressure." Matilda patted the back

"Noelle, you don't have

to answer or even look at