Everybody was stunned, looking at Shirley's terrified expression. Much more surprised was her mother who took in her daughter's fright.
Her own daughter was so terrified of her that tears were streaming down Sheryl's cheeks. She stared at her daughter, wanting to ease her fear, and asked, "What's wrong Shirley? I'm your mom. Why don't you want me to hold you?"
But Shirley kept silent. Sheryl felt more and more disheartened seeing how her daughter reacted towards her.
Shirley buried herself into Charlie's hug. He held the young girl to reassure her. Seeing her daughter feel calmer, Sheryl felt better.
Arthur furrowed his brows and looked at the people in the room. "Now, don't just stand there. Leave. Shirley needs to be alone. Everybody gets out. Please."
He had witnessed Shirley rejecting her mother's touch. It might have been due to the psychological trauma the poor girl had suffered. All he knew was that she needed help, and he would help her get treated.
Abby led Amy by her hands and helped her out of the room. She felt guilty, seeing the sadness on Sheryl's face.
They all stood outside the door in silence. Arthur helped Sheryl out of the room. He patted her shoulder in comfort. "Don't be too worried. Actually, it's no use getting worried. Take care of yourself and prepare for everything that is about to happen. But for now, take it easy. Alright?"
"I understand, Grandpa." Sheryl lifted her head to look at him in the eyes and forced a small smile. But deep inside, she wasn't fine at all.
"I know someone who may be able to help us out. Don't worry. I will do everything I can to make sure that Shirley gets treated. I promise," Arthur swore to her.
Upon hearing Arthur's words, Sheryl felt a little more at ease and confident that Shirley would be better.
"Sher," Amy held Sheryl's hand and spoke gently. "I understand how you feel. And I may not be able to do anything now. If you ever need my help, just call me, okay? And stay away from Charles. I don't trust him," Amy said.
"Grandma Amy..." Sheryl said in disagreement.
Abby held a hand up to stop Amy from saying anything more. "Mom, this is none of our business. Sheryl is not a kid anymore. Who she spends time with is her call. She knows who's right for her and who can make her happy. So leave her be."
"One should not be judged by his looks alone. Just take Anthony. Such a fine looking man but we've seen him for what he truly is," she mumbled.
Amy continued, "Just because they're happy now doesn't been they're meant to be together forever. The most important thing is to find a person who truly loves her and cares about her. Someone kind. I think that Charles just doesn't deserve our Sheryl."
"Grandma Amy, please," Sheryl complained, urging her grandmother to change the topic. "This isn't about me. With Shirley's current state, I just can't make my feelings a priority. Charles is Shirley's father and I can't stop him from being with his daughter. But I promise that I'll be careful and consider what you're saying. I'll think about everything before I make a decision about my relationship with Charles."
After hearing Sheryl's promise, Amy felt more reassured and nodded her head slightly. "That's fine."
After a few more whispered warnings to Sheryl, she left.
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