The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 18 Chapter 18

Finally, Noelle clenched her fist and looked up at Sandra, who flashed her a doelike, innocent smile. After some staring, Noelle broke out in laughter. Then, she spat, "You're a bastard child."

Everyone had their sore spot. She had hit Sandra where it hurt. The bastard child insult was taboo for Sandra, whose expression soured.

Without thinking, she shoved Noelle to the ground. Engulfed in anger, she lost her calm and acted impulsively. It wasn't until she had lashed out that she realized she had done wrong

However, it was too late.

They heard Matilda's shocked gasps. "What did you do?"

Sandra froze on the spot. She quickly turned around to explain herself, but Matilda passed her by. Sandra's outreached arms hung awkwardly in the air.

Noelle was quick to recover. She got up from the ground with a chuckle. "I'm fine."

Her actions were reminiscent of Sandra's usual tactics, but her smile was more sarcastic than Sandra's.

missed the sarcasm in Noelle's expression. She merely

it wasn't what it seemed. I-"Sandra attempted to explain herself, but

Mr.

streamed down Sandra's cheek. Hendrix happened to run into Sandra crying

now. Wipe your tears away," Matilda instructed

she turned to Hendrix.

Swanson." He nodded at Matilda before

nothing. Noelle... She accidentally fell." Matilda was

and asked, "Mom,

"Yes," Matilda insisted.

Her family made up an excuse, claiming the

mumbled, "If you

"No,

even more as she began to speak. Although she was the perpetrator, she was good at