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.

started shaking in anger. "What's that supposed to mean? Are you indignant? Get out right

not

mad. I'm sure Noelle didn't want

no power over you? Do you have no regard for

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

slip-up put her

left the greenhouse without another

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

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

speak up for Noelle," Matilda shot back "She must have lived such a comfortable life to act with such arrogance! Unlike you, she grew up in the countryside.

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

over to Noelle's side. Blinking, she said, "Noelle, you don't have to do this. Why

answer