The Apple of My Eye novel Chapter 2023

Smiling, Sheryl caressed her children's heads. It was peaceful like this, with just her family. It seemed that the world's problems were a million miles away from them. However, every peaceful moment had to end. Her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts.

With one glance at her phone, she already knew who was calling without having to look at the Caller ID. Bringing it close to her ear, she shook her head. "What now, Isla?"

"You're still at home, aren't you?" Isla said exasperatedly.

"I…" Isla didn't even let Sheryl finish as she continued, "Get out of there and meet me, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life."

Isla usually wasn't so anxious. Sheryl glanced at Shirley and Clark, who probably heard what Isla had said, already looking disappointed that their mom would go out. Sighing, she turned back to her phone.

"Fine, I'll see you later."

She looked at her children once she hung up.

"Mom, are you going out?" Shirley frowned.

"It's Aunt Isla, Sweetie. I think it's something urgent," Sheryl said apologetically, running her fingers down her daughter's braids. "I should get going, but I'll be back soon. I promise." Shirley, however, didn't seem convinced.

"No! I don't want you to go, Mom. I want to sleep with you. What if I call Aunt Isla and ask her to change the time? Please, Mom!" Shirley pulled her mother's arm, begging as she continually jumped up and down on the carpet. Her eyes were already glistening from unshed tears.

At that point, Sheryl didn't even know what to say, feeling her guilt lodging in her throat.

"Shirley, stop. It must be an emergency, or else Aunt Isla wouldn't be calling Mom at this time. You need to stop and be a big girl, okay?" Clark said softly, taking over from his mother.

Sheryl glanced at her son, smiling gratefully. It was a good thing that she had a son old enough to understand the situation.

"But I want to stay with Mom. I don't want her to leave…" However, Shirley didn't listen to any of them. She lowered her head, pillow held close to her body, as she sniffled. Her voice was already thready, sounding as if she was about to cry.

Sheryl rubbed Shirley's back. "I'm sorry, Sweetie, but you know Aunt Isla. She must really need my help now." She leaned over, just long enough to tuck a stray hair behind Shirley's ear. "I promise I'll stay at home with you tomorrow. Is that okay?"

"No." The young girl was adamant.

"Shirley, do you still remember what our teacher told us?" Clark butted in before his sister could throw another fit.

Sheryl shot him a grateful look when he did so. Shirley slowly lifted her head to look at her brother. There were already tears running down her cheek, but she calmed herself.

"Yes." Shirley finally nodded, much to Sheryl's relief.

"Mom has her own problems to deal with, so we should support her, okay?" He held onto his sister's hand, slowly uttering his words. "Let's go to the bedroom, yeah? I'm sure Mom will make it up to us over the weekend." Slowly standing up, Clark kissed his mother on the cheek before assisting Shirley to do the same.

Although still a bit disgruntled, Shirley followed as she stood on tiptoes to kiss her mother on the cheek. Saying a soft 'goodbye, ' she headed with Clark back to their bedroom.

When they were a few steps from the bedroom, Clark turned his head back and smiled when he saw the proud look on Sheryl's face.

He really had grown up to be more mature than people his age. Sheryl couldn't help but be reminded of Charles, seeing as how her son had inherited most of his traits.

Both of them were thoughtful and considerate, always putting others ahead of themselves.

"Good night," Sheryl murmured and left the apartment.