Chapter8
Grandma was clearly tempted. She knew better than anyone how hard it had been-Charlotte caring for both me and her, all on her own.
Sensing victory, Linda pressed harder, piling on her pitiful act.
“Mrs. Lawson, to be honest, things at home are rough. My husband passed early, my son’s no good, and I rely on this little bit of pay just to get by. If you don’t take me back, I really don’t know how I’ll survive…”
Her voice cracked as a few well-timed tears slipped down her cheeks.
Grandma had a soft heart and couldn’t stand to see anyone cry. At Linda’s words, the balance inside her tilted immediately.
“Don’t cry, Linda. Let me… let me talk it over with Charlotte.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Lawson! You’re truly my savior!” Linda broke into grateful sobs, clinging to Grandma’s hand like someone just dragged from the depths.
No. She couldn’t be allowed back-not under any circumstance.
I lay in my crib, so anxious I could have burst into flames.
Just then, the kitchen door opened.
My mother came out carrying a glass of water. Her face was blank as she walked to Grandma’s bedside and handed the cup to Linda.
“Here, Linda. Have some water.”
Her voice was steady, giving nothing away.
Flustered, Linda accepted the cup with both hands, overjoyed. “Thank you, Mrs. Lawson. Thank you so much.”
But my mother didn’t answer her. She simply turned to Grandma.
“Mom, this is my decision to make.”
Her tone wasn’t loud, but it was crystal clear, carrying an unmistakable authority.
Grandma froze, and the smile on Linda’s face stiffened mid-breath.
My mother crossed to my crib, bent down, and gently tucked my blanket around me. Her eyes never left me,
as if she were speaking directly to me instead of anyone else in the room.
“My child is mine to care for. I don’t need outsiders interfering.”
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Then she straightened and finally turned to Linda, her gaze as cold as winter glass.
“Linda, we appreciate the fruit. But you can go now.”
It was a dismissal.
Linda’s face went ashen.
She flicked her eyes toward Grandma for support, but Grandma, after meeting Charlotte’s icy, unshakable stare, swallowed her words. She knew she had no place in this fight.
Realizing Grandma wouldn’t save her, Linda played her final card. sentiment.
She set the cup down, walked to my crib, and forced a smile uglier than tears. “Sweetheart… I’m leaving now. Be good, listen to your mommy, don’t give her any more trouble, okay?”
She reached out a hand toward my face.
“Don’t touch her!”
My mother’s voice cracked like a whip. She snatched me up and held me tightly against her chest, clutching me as if I were her last breath.
For the first time, I saw her lose control, saw her bristle with raw, unrestrained aggression.
Her eyes were sharp, blazing with hostility and warning, pinning Linda like she were a venomous snake.
Startled, Linda stumbled back a step, her face ashen.
The air in the room dropped to ice.
“Leave.”
Just one word, but it was sharp enough to cut stone.
Linda couldn’t stay another second. Snatching up her bag, she fled in disgrace, nearly tripping over herself as she rushed out the door.
The door slammed shut, muting the world beyond.
My mother still trembled faintly as she held me. I felt the hammering of her heart, the fierce protection wrapped around me like armor.
She had saved me. Again.
In her own way, she was fighting for me.
Grandma watched us, lips parting as if to speak, but at last only let out a long, weary sigh.
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“Charlotte, why make things so hard on yourself?”
My mother didn’t answer. She just carried me back to the master bedroom and shut the door.
She placed me gently on the bed, then slid down against the door, folding her arms around her knees and burying her face.
Her shoulders began to shake.
Soft, stifled sobs seeped into the quiet.
She cried.
For me.
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