NovelTrueChapter 888
The man left without another word, leaving Marguerite staring blankly at the ice pack on the table.
What now?
It seemed the misunderstanding between her and Silas was only getting worse.
But if she was honest, she had to admit all these problems started with her.
She'd made her choices-she couldn't expect unconditional trust from anyone else.
The fiasco weighed on her all day. As the workday ended, Chuck approached her desk.
"Marguerite, it's about tfor Hayes and Manley to get out of school. Summer break starts tomorrow-would you
like to cwithto pick them up?"
Marguerite caught her reflection in the glass. The swelling on her face was starting to go down, but Daphne's
fingerprints were still starkly visible.
Not wanting Hayes and Manley to worry, she dug out a face mask, slipped it on, grabbed her purse, and got to
her feet.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"Sure, let's go together."
Soon, they arrived at Cresthaven Sunshine Preschool.
Maybe because it was the start of summer vacation, the entrance was even more crowded than usual with
parents and children.
The kids' laughter filled the air. When Hayes and Manley clambered into the car, the very first thing they asked
was whether Marguerite had a good day.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Marguerite schooled her face into a cheerful expression, even though her heart still
ached from the day's events. She answered brightly, "Not bad at all."
Hayes eyed her, confused by the mask in the summer heat. "Mom, why are you wearing a mask?"
Marguerite winked at him. "I broke out a little today, sweetheart—just a few pimples. | didn't want anyone to see
them, so I'm covering up."
Manley burst into peals of laughter. “Ms. Marguerite is just like a teenager—she gets pimples too!"
Marguerite couldn't help but smile at Manley's teasing. There was something about the way children tried to
comfort you that always felt more genuine than when adults did it.
"Oh, Mom-our final grades cout! The school's rewarding the top students with a two-day learning camp, but
a parent has to calong. | already signed up!"
"Sweetheart, why don't you let Uncle Chuck take you? I'm swamped at work these days | really can't get away."
"But that won't work! | signed up just so..." So you and Dad could spend ttogether!
Actually, Teresa was also a top student, and neither of them had planned to join the learning camp at first. But
after talking it over, they realized it was the perfect chance for Mom and Dad to spend a couple of days together-
a golden opportunity!
Marguerite glanced over. "Just so what?"
"Just so Hayes could sign up!" Manley jumped in with a quick save.
"The camp's right here in
17.
Cresthaven We get to stay in tent hotels and go stargazing at night! Ms. Marguerite, please don't let Uncle Chuck
take him! If he goes, he'll just be on the phone with Auntie all the time. Hayes will end up eating takeout alone!"
Marguerite laughed again, charmed by Manley's antics. "What about you, Manley? Are you going?"
"Il... | can't, because I didn't make top marks. Only the honor students get to sign up." Manley stuck out his lower
lip, then rallied, trying to
console himself. "It's just as well. It's so hot outside, I'd rather stay hwith Grandma, watch TV, and eat ice
cream!"
Chuck, noticing Marguerite's indecision, turned from the driver's seat and offered quietly, "Marguerite, things
seem tense between you and Mr. Ward lately. He'll probably be at the office every day. Why not take Hayes and
get away for a couple of days? It'll do you good-help you clear your head, and maybe dodge strouble, too."
Chuck's reasoning made sense. Marguerite finally agreed.
In the backseat, Hayes listened to their conversation, rubbing his chin anxiously.
Things were tense between Mom and Dad? Why?
But it didn't matter-once he and Teresa set their plan in motion, surely all the misunderstandings would melt
away!
A little while later, Chuck dropped them off at the house.
Marguerite had barely stepped out of the car when her phone rang. It was Laura, one of the hospital aides. "Ms.
Lockwood, please can you talk to Mr. Winston for me? | swear, | didn't do it on purpose."
Marguerite was thrown. "What happened?"
"Just now, Mr. Winston wanted to use the restroom, so | helped him out of bed. | don't know what went wrong-he
just slipped and fell. But | was sure | had a good grip on him..."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
