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.

"What's that supposed to mean? Are

did not budge at

be mad. I'm sure

out of this," Matilda cut Sandra off while glaring at Noelle. "Do I really have no power over you? Do you have no regard for me anymore? I knew it! We shouldn't have

her inner thoughts. She instantly knew she had messed up-either she was being too harsh, or she had accidentally let slip her deepest

put her at a

Noelle calmly left the greenhouse without another

she went speechless and frowned at the sight of Noelle getting onto her knees

"Mom, let's not make Noelle

such a comfortable life to act with such arrogance! Unlike you,

Sandra had no words. After a short silence, she massaged Matilda's shoulders. "Mom, calm down, alright? The doctor says you should not be angry because of your high blood pressure." Matilda patted

don't have to do this. Why couldn't you admit you were wrong? She'll always side with you

refused to answer or even look at