Chapter 269
Gina let out a sigh before speaking, “Lizzie, honey, I know things are different nowpared to back in
my day. Whatever is going on, you have to talk to us, okay?”
Lizzie nodded, her eyes welling up as she wrapped her arms around Gina, “Mom…”
“What’s the matter, pumpkin?” Gina was taken aback, “Lizzie, has someone been picking on you at
school? If anyone’s giving you a hard time, you have to tell me…”
Sniffing, Lizzie said, “I’m okay, Mom. It’s just I watched this horror movie onlinest night, and it’s still
freaking me out a bit.”
fasis
Gina chuckled and said, “You’re a big girl now, still getting scared over a
She paused, then continued, “Lizzie, I know you’ll have you own little.
run into any problems, feel free to talk to me about it, okay?”
“Sure, Mom.” Lizzie nodded again.
silly movie. It’s all make–believe.”
But if you ever
“Alright, go freshen up and let’s have breakfast,” Gina said, patting Lizzie’s shoulder.
Lizzie went to wash her face.
Halfway through breakfast, Malcolm finally rolled out of bed.
ber, if
Gina promptly handed him a toothbrush with paste and ran the water for him to wash his face, tending
to him with meticulous care.
Once cleaned up, Malcolm walked into the kitchen and nced into the pot, “What’s for breakfast
today?”
“We’ve got some oatmeal, and I picked up some donuts,” Gina replied, “I’ve already dished out your
oatmeal, and it’s on the table.”
Malcolm frowned, “Donuts again?” They had been on a donut streak for a month now.
Gina untied her apron, smiling. “Well, what are you in the mood for? I’ll go and get it.”
Malcolm considered for a moment, “How about grabbing a bagel and a couple of those sausage
biscuits? “Okay,” Gina nodded, “Just wait here.”
Normally, this would seem like a routine exchange.
But now, Lizzie was seething with anger.
She felt like Gina’s love was being thrown away.
Ever since she saw Malcolm with that mistress, she couldn’t stand to see Malcolm taking Gina for
granted.
Gina was so good to him. How could he treat her like this?
“Don’t indulge him if he doesn’t appreciate it, Mom.” Lizzie blocked Gina’s way.
“What’s gotten into you?” Gina said, helpless.
Lizzie took a deep breath.
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Malcolm walked out of the kitchen, hands on Lizzie’s shoulders, and said with a smile, “What’s wrong,
my dear? Why are you mad at me? Did I do something wrongtely? Tell me, and I’ll fix it right away.”
He was still the same reasonable and approachable father, but all Lizzie could see was his hypocrisy.
Thick, tant hypocrisy.
“It’s nothing.” Lizzie shrugged off Malcolm’s hands, “I’m off to school.”
Malcolm watched Lizzie retreating back, shaking his hear
helplessly.
Lizzie was growing up, developing her own thoughts and feelings.
Although Malcolm found it odd, he didn’t dwell on it.
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It was natural for kids to have their little secrets and their moods. Parents shouldn’t pry too much into
their children’s private lives.
Distracted, Lizzie walked to the school gate.
Yesterday, it was her waiting for Tanya and Anthea.
Today, it was them waiting for her.
“Lizzie.” Tanya waved.
“Annie, Tanya,” Lizzie trotted over.
“You okay fromst night?” Tanya asked, “You left before we finished eating. Annie’s mom even gave
us each a big goody bag. Oh, and this is yours.”
Tanya handed Lizzie a tote bag.
Lizzie looked up at Anthea, “Please thank your mom for me.”
“It’s nothing,” Anthea replied, noticing Lizzie’s appearance, “You didn’t sleep wellst night, did you?”
Lizzie looked particrly drained.
Anthea, with her knowledge of natural remedies, could tell something was off.
“Yeah,” Lizzie nodded, “had nightmares all night.”
Anthea reached into her backpack and handed Lizzie a small dark bottle, “This is a natural sleep aid,
with no side effects. Give it a try.”
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“Thank you, Annie,” Lizzie took the bottle with both hands.
Anthea smiled lightly, “No need to thank me.”
Throughout the day, Lizzie was out of sorts, especially noticeable as she stood in the cafeteria line at
lunch, frowning and sighing, clearly preupied with her thoughts.
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