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.

nonchalance, Matilda started shaking in anger. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you indignant?

not

was quick to intervene. "Mom, don't be mad. I'm sure Noelle didn't want that

Sandra off while glaring at Noelle. "Do I really have no power over you? Do

of the greenhouse when Matilda blurted out her inner thoughts. She instantly knew she had messed up-either she was being too harsh, or she had

her at a

the contrary, Noelle calmly left

at the sight of Noelle getting onto her knees in the center of

chimed in quickly, "Mom, let's not make Noelle

"She must have lived such a comfortable life to act with such arrogance! Unlike you, she grew up in the countryside. She has no

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 the back of

assuaging Matilda, she headed over to Noelle's side. Blinking, she said, "Noelle, you don't have to do this. Why couldn't you admit you were wrong?

Noelle refused to answer or even look at