"Sue…" Sheryl couldn't help but sigh deeply. "My Grandma is rather fragile now. Let's not bother her."
Amy put on an amicable smile and slightly waved her hands to brush off the remark. "It doesn't matter. Look at me. I have a healthy body. Cooking is no big deal for me. Just tell me if you want to eat anything and I'll prepare it nicely for you. My little girl, please take care."
"Thank you Grandma Amy." Sue smiled and looked at her with deep appreciation. "I should get going now."
"That fast?" Though Sue was not her real granddaughter, Amy had always treated her with as much love as she did to Sheryl. At times, she even felt more affection for her because of her situation. Amy's heart went out to Sue who had been mistreated horribly by her own family. She wanted to give the girl as much care and love as she could. After living under the same roof for many days, Amy had grown very fond of their new family member and found it hard to let her go.
"Yes, Grandma Amy." Sue nodded in understanding. She held the same sentiments in her heart and felt reluctant to part with Sheryl and Amy, but it was time for her to leave. "I can't live off you for too long. It's time for me to go. Thank you so much for everything. You made it feel like home."
Amy smiled at that. "I'll send you off, then." She brought Sue to the door and watched as she loaded her things into Anthony's car.
As she thought about the memories that were made in that house, Sue paused and turned around. She thought of the immense care and concern Sheryl and Amy had given her and felt a surge of sadness overcome her that could almost make her cry. She looked at the two kind faces that she would never forget. "Sher, take Grandma inside. It's hot out here."
"We'll go back inside after you leave," Amy stated firmly before Sheryl could even have a chance to respond. Still reluctant to let her leave, Amy reminded Sue in a worried tone, "If you're bullied, tell me. I'll handle it for you. I'll always be here for you."
"Grandma Amy, rest assured. I'll take care of Sue. I promise," Anthony eagerly tried to comfort and assure Amy. For what happened to Sheryl, Arthur had already been furious with him before. If Amy were to bear such anger for him, he would have no way to deal with the guilt.
Amy scoffed at his assurance and warned him with a scornful scare, "Easier said than done, especially with you, someone with a bad record. I'm not just going to take your word for it. Remember, Sue is also my granddaughter. If I ever find out that you have done anything irresponsible or uncaring to her, you'll regret it."
"I understand. I will treat her well," Anthony said solemnly in embarrassment. What she said was true, after all, so he had no right to argue back.
When they got settled in the car, Sue waved her new family off with a broken heart. After giving them enough time to bid each other farewell, Anthony started the engine and drove off.
It was not until the car was out of sight when Sheryl and Amy went back inside.
A few minutes into the drive, a soft sobbing sound filled the car. Tears were rolling down Sue's cheeks. Anthony stopped the car and handed her some tissue. With his eyes full of love, he asked tenderly, "What happened? Why do you suddenly cry out?"
"Nothing." After her one-word reply, Sue continued to indulge in her sorrow and kept sobbing as quietly as she could.
"Is it because you don't want to leave Sheryl?" Patting her on the shoulder, he tried to console her, "Anytime you miss them, I can always drive you up there to see them. Just because you don't share the same room doesn't mean you won't ever see her again."
"I know." Sue nodded and felt her emotions surfacing even more. After another sob, she felt the urge to open up to the caring man. "I just… can't help but feel sad. I've been living with Sheryl and Amy all this time and… it was the first time in my life that I've truly felt I was loved and cared for. They cared for me unconditionally and never expected anything from me. Amy is like a real Grandma to me. I..." Her tears didn't let her continue.
"My little girl..." Anthony gently stroked her hair and assured her in the softest tone he could muster. "From today on, I will treat you the way they have done. You're also my family, Sue. No matter what is waiting for us ahead, we'll face it together. Okay?"
"Anthony," Sue suddenly called his name. With a hesitant and doubtful look, she asked, "Have you really decided?"
Her insecure nature urged her to ask. She couldn't help but seek for the confirmation that she needed. Although Anthony had been determined to make things crystal clear for her, she still couldn't trust him completely.
For the last time, she wanted to be reaffirmed once again.
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