When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 161

When the topic came up, Carrie couldn’t help but feel a little jealous at first. But as soon as she heard everyone complimenting Nelly, she jumped right in. “Of course. My mom won an award. How could she not be amazing?”

“No wonder you draw so well. It must run in the family.”

With all the kids praising her, Carrie’s mood soared.

Ms. Olson might have been a professional artist, but her mom also had some hidden talents. Thinking about it, Carrie found herself looking at Nelly with a bit of awe.

While everyone else was beaming at Nelly, she caught sight of April standing quietly in the corner. April was squeezed near the classroom door, her big eyes shining as she stared right at Nelly.

“April?” Nelly called, walking over to her right away.

April’s face lit up with a smile as soon as Nelly came closer. “Ms. Stewart,” she said sweetly.

She’d spotted Nelly through the window of the next classroom and had rushed over. Nelly took a closer look. “You look thinner. Have you not been eating well lately?”

April’s little face looked pale and her chin seemed even sharper than before. The last time they’d met at an event, April was wearing the kindergarten uniform. Today, she was in her own clothes—a loose, old gray sweatshirt that hung down to her knees. It was clean, but obviously didn’t fit.

April nodded, her big, watery eyes reflecting all of Nelly’s concern. She stood so quietly it made Nelly’s heart ache.

“What are you doing here? She’s my mom, not yours,” Carrie blurted out, remembering how upset she’d felt last time. She dashed over and planted herself between Nelly and April.

Nelly laid a hand on Carrie’s shoulder. “Carrie, that’s no way to talk.”

“I’m not being petty. I just… don’t like it when you act like someone else’s mom.” Carrie frowned, her voice tight with hurt.

But she remembered her promise to Nelly. She couldn’t throw a fit; she had to be a good daughter.

Nelly pinched her cheek gently. “When did I ever say I was going to be someone else’s mom? Silly girl.”

How could someone be this possessive at such a young age? Who did she get that from?

“Ms. Stewart, Carrie… are you free for lunch? I have a favor to ask.” April’s voice was soft and careful, her eyes flickering as if she’d been thinking for a long time before she finally spoke.

Carrie answered right away, “We’re not free. If you have a request, ask your own mom.”

But the words were barely out of her mouth before Nelly gave her cheek another, slightly firmer, pinch.

Carrie’s eyes filled with tears. She fell silent, pouting.

Nelly gave her a reassuring smile, then turned to April. “What is it, April? Tell me.”

“I want to treat you to lunch,” April said, her voice barely above a whisper. She bit her lip and blinked up at Nelly, looking both nervous and hopeful.

“Lunch?” Nelly was confused. “Doesn’t the kindergarten serve food?”

April looked up at Nelly. “Last time, after we won the prize, my mom said you should always be thankful.”

Nelly smiled softly at her. “So you want to thank me?”

April nodded again, a little more firmly this time. Then, as if she was afraid Nelly would say no, she added, “It’s… my birthday today. I just don’t want to eat alone.”

Carrie looked surprised. “What about your parents? Aren’t they coming to celebrate with you?”

As soon as she said it, she remembered that April was in the boarding class. The kids there only went home every now and then. Their parents didn’t visit often.

April had no answer. She just stood there in silence.

Nelly remembered the family picture April had drawn before and felt a pang in her chest.

After a moment, she gently patted April’s hair and then turned to Carrie. “Do you want to go with us?”

Carrie froze. She’d been planning to say no, but Nelly was already agreeing? And did she really mean to leave her out, her own daughter?

“Of course I’m going! I’m my mom’s daughter. You should be thanking me too. But honestly, I don’t think you can buy much good food with that little bit of money…”

She trailed off when she caught Nelly’s warning look.