When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 164

Nelly gently wrapped her fingers around April’s small hand. The moment she spoke, April’s eyes lit up with hope.

She liked Nelly. She liked Carrie. Honestly, she loved hanging out with both of them. If she ever got another chance, she definitely wanted to join in again.

Carrie nodded, showing she was all for it, while April tucked her ticket away as if it was her most prized possession.

On their way back, Carrie’s stomach started to growl. It was already getting late, so Nelly found a burger place right by the daycare. Not exactly the healthiest, but what kid could resist burgers and fries?

Nelly, who had already snacked on half of Carrie’s treats that afternoon, wasn’t really hungry. She just ordered some herbal tea to sip on.

As Carrie and April pored over the menu, Nelly’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was the daycare teacher.

“Hello?”

“Where are you right now? April’s mother is here, and she’s been waiting a long time. She’s really worried…”

The teacher sounded anxious, and Nelly instantly apologized for being late. She explained that the kids had just ordered food, and they’d head back as soon as they finished.

But before she could say more, another woman’s voice cut in. “Where is April right now?”

It was Victoria. Her voice was ice cold, full of barely contained anger.

Nelly told her the name of the restaurant. Before she could even finish, the call ended abruptly.

April’s whole body tensed. “Was… was that my mom?”

“Yeah, she’s probably just worried about you,” Nelly said softly.

Victoria’s harsh tone lingered in Nelly’s mind. She couldn’t help feeling uneasy for April. Whenever her mom came up, April always seemed nervous, like she was bracing herself for something.

April stood up from her seat. “Maybe I shouldn’t eat. I should just go back…”

“It’s alright. She’s coming to get you, so I can explain everything. You should finish dinner first,” Nelly reassured her.

Carrie tugged April back down. “It’s just a little late, no big deal. It’s your birthday. Your mom won’t be mad.”

April glanced at Carrie, looking like she wanted to say something but couldn’t. Her face had lost all its color.

Even when their burgers and fried chicken arrived, the food barely registered for April. Carrie ended up putting some in April’s hand before she finally took a tiny bite.

April’s worry made Nelly even more anxious. She urged Carrie to eat quickly so they could get back sooner.

Nelly couldn’t believe how over the top Victoria was being. Yes, she was worried about her daughter, but this was too much.

“Mom, it’s not Ms. Stewart’s fault. I wanted to play. I begged her…” April’s voice was tiny and trembling. She kept her head down, cheeks burning, tears slipping down her face.

People at nearby tables started to stare.

April felt ashamed. Guilty. Deep down, she’d always known these moments of happiness didn’t really belong to her. She’d just wanted too much. Now she was being punished for it.

“Get over here,” Victoria snapped, cutting her off. She just wanted to drag April away. Carrie, though scared, couldn’t help but blurt out, “But it’s April’s birthday. Why are you being so mean?”

“Victoria, April’s just a kid. It’s not really her fault. This was my idea. I’m sorry…” Nelly just kept apologizing, feeling helpless.

Watching Victoria, Nelly was genuinely worried about what would happen to April at home.

“So now you think you don’t need me? You want a new mom, is that it?” Victoria’s anger only got worse as more people looked their way. April’s tears and hesitation just made her more furious.

Without warning, Victoria grabbed the nearest cup and threw the contents right at April’s face.

The herbal tea had just been served. It was still scalding hot.