S31 30. Diana’s Change
In the dining room, everyone turned as Frank came back with the broom and dustpan. “Where should throw this?”
Abigail pointed her finger. “Just put it there. I’ll handle it later.”
Frank walked towards the corner. From his listless movements, everyone could guess what had happened.
“What were you talking about earlier?” Philip asked, cautiously.
Frank let out a faint sigh as he approached Kara. “Not much. Grandma wondered why I could hold a broom. She suspected me as always, and she didn’t answer when I asked for her lenience for the children.”
Without waiting for orders, Kara put her arm around his waist. She didn’t say a single word. However, Frank felt his burden suddenly lighten.
Rubbing Kara’s head, Frank turned to the twins. “Kids, have you finished breakfast?”
The twins nodded.
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Now it’s Daddy’s turn to have breakfast.”
Frank raised the corners of his lips. “Then how about you two play in the living room?”
Louis’ lips suddenly pursed. “Oh, I know. Daddy wants to have a
conversation with the adults. Little kids like me and Emily should not
interfere.”
Emily chuckled. “You protest too much, Louis. Let’s play in the living
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room. Don’t delay the adult meeting.
A second later, Emily jumped down from the bench. Louis followed with puffed cheeks. As the two toddlers left, Jeremy whispered,” What’s your solution?”
Unbeknownst to him, Louis and Emily didn’t actually go into the living room. They stopped near the door, pressing their ears against the wall.
“It seems that we have no hope. Grandma’s hatred is really deep- rooted. Our presence in her life brings no benefit, while our departure does not give her a sense of loss.”
“I think Grandma will be very grateful and relieved if we leave the farm,
Barbara said lightly.
Philip nodded. “Yeah, I also think so. Grandma even kicked me out. She couldn’t stand the bad memories that haunt her anymore.”
“Sorry,” Frank furrowed his brows. “Because of our family, your relationship with Grandma was broken.”
Philip shrugged. “I’m sad and disappointed, but what can I do? I will marry Barbara, become part of your family, even though my last name is not Harper.”
While Barbara grabbed Philip’s fingers, Jeremy tapped on the table.” So, shall we go home early?”
Frank reluctantly nodded. “Yes, but after I discuss it with Louis and Emily.”
“I really feel sorry for them. They were really looking forward to this. holiday.” Barbara sighed heavily.
Behind the wall, Louis and Emily exchanged glances. Their faces were equally gloomy. Their shoulders dropped.
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“Do you mind if we don’t go to the party?” Louis held Emily’s shoulder.
The little girl shook her head. “It’s useless for us to join the party without feeling happy.”
A second later, Louis grabbed Emily’s hand and pulled her towards the middle of the door. Standing up straight, he said, “Daddy, it’s okay for Emily and I to go home now. The important thing is that Grandma isn’t sad anymore.”
Instead of smiling proudly, Frank stared wide-eyed. The people around him also showed the same expression. “Grandma….”
The twins also widened their eyes. They just realized there was someone behind their backs. When they turned their heads, their shoulders immediately rise, pinching their necks.
“H-hello, Grandma. Are you hungry?” Louis remembered that Abigail had said that. Diana would look for food when she was hungry.
Diana cleared her throat. Lifting her chin and glancing away, she muttered, “I’m hungry.”
Frank quickly pulled a chair for Diana. “Please sit down, Grandma.”
The twins tiptoed towards the living room, while Kara got up from the dining table.
“Stay where you are,” Diana said.
Kara’s eyebrows arched high. “Me?”
“Hmm, and you guys,” Diana glanced at the twins, “go back to the dining table. I have something to talk about.”
The two toddlers’ lips immediately pursed. However, without asking any questions, they returned to the bench, sitting between Frank and
Kara.
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In an instant, the atmosphere turned awkward. Kara’s hands went back and forth. She wanted to serve Diana, but remembered that she
was forbidden from touching any equipment.
“Barbara,” she called, whispering.
“No need to tell other people. Just do it yourself.”
Kara’s back straightened. Without saying much else, she took two
sandwiches for Diana.
“You still don’t know my portion, hmm?”
Kara blinked stiffly. “Sorry.” Swiftly, she returned a piece of sandwich.
Diana cleared her throat. “Thank you.”
Everyone was stunned.
“Did I hear it correctly?” Philip whispered.
“Grandma did say thank you.” Barbara elbowed him so he wouldn’t get too close.
“That’s huge progress.”
Diana heard the whisper. All her nerves turned stiff. “I heard you guys will be leaving soon.”
Frank nodded. “I think that’s what’s best for all of us.”
“That’s a shame. In fact, I was just about to invite Louis and Emily to the party.”
The twins’ mouths spontaneously opened wide. Their eyes sparkled brightly. “Grandma invites us?”
“Yes.” Diana bit her sandwich without expression.
“Is that okay? Don’t you hate us, Grandma?” Emily’s sweet voice came
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again.
“The children at the orphanage need new friends. If you can be good friends to them, maybe I can reconsider my opinion of you.”
In an instant, the twins’ faces turned cheerful. While looking at Kara, they let out laughter.
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