Redmption 39


    I picked up the toothbrush holder, filled it with water, and began brushing my teeth. I didn’t spare a


    nce at Hammy. But she didn’t take her eyes off me, scrutinizing me from head to toe and back


    again.


    “Maddie, this is Hammy Smith,” Kelly introduced.


    My mouth was full of toothpaste as I nodded at Hammy.


    She had a round face, but she wasn’t overweight. She was dressed in a floral dress, and her


    makeup showed she had put effort into her appearance.


    “Hammy, this is Madeline Crown. Isn’t her skin as smooth as I said?” Kelly asked as she washed


    some clothes by hand.


    When Hammy’s eyes met mine, she looked insecure. But she didn’t admit it, saying, “She’s young.


    Of course her skin is smooth. I wasn’t bad at her age.


    either.”


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    Kelly pursed her lips. Hammy rolled her eyes. Watching their subtle conflict felt


    like aedy.


    As I finished brushing my teeth, Hammy asked, “Ms. Crown, are you here to visit some rtives?


    Or are you here just for fun?”


    “Fun,” I said, rinsing out the toothbrush holder.


    “Did youe alone? Didn’t your boyfriend tag along?” Hammy’s question. made meugh.


    “I’m single.” My answer made her face visibly darken.


    “Brandon took a liking to her and has asked me to matchmake them. Hammy, don’t you think they’ll


    make a good couple?” Kelly asked supportively.


    Hammy’s lips twitched, and she finally said, “He’s just a toad. Even if a toad wants a swan, the


    swan has to want him back.”


    In her jealousy, she had inadvertently admitted that I was the swan.


    Kelly looked at me. “Maddie, didn’t you say that you dreamt of getting married to Brandon?”


    Chap 39


    “Yes…”


    Hammy was speechless. Her gaze turned resentful and angry. She then


    dered, “Ms. Crown, let me make this clear to you. Brandon is my man. Don’t


    dare go after him.”


    you


    I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Well… have you two made out?”


    Hammy’s face flushed, reminding me of the scene where Brandon had supposedly tossed her out.


    “You haven’t made out, aren’t dating, and aren’t married. Then, whatever happens between him and


    me isn’t your business, right?” I replied without politeness.


    Hammy couldn’t find the words to respond. She red at me and Kelly before storming off.


    “I’ve never seen someone so shameless. It’s embarrassing for us women. Kelly chuckled, wringing


    out clothes to hang them up.


    “Mrs. Rhodes, let me help,” I offered.


    The clothes were hung on a thin steel wire in the yard. I hadn’t noticed it before, but now, I saw


    Brandon’s green vest among them.


    My mind shed to the image of him wearing that vest with his muscles taut as he washed his hair.


    Lfelt my cheeks heat up for some unknown reason.


    I didn’t see Brandon that day, nor the next. When I asked Kelly about it, she said that Brandon had


    returned and then left again. I got the feeling that he was deliberately avoiding me.


    Could it be that my rejection had embarrassed him?


    But why should that concern me?


    I didn’t dwell on it. Three dayster, I had already adapted to life in this small valley. I especially


    enjoyed the lively street markets in the afternoons.


    Whether or not I had anything to buy, I always took a stroll. I sometimes picked. up some fruit or


    vegetables.


    Today, the watermelons at the market looked good, so I bought one. But as I approached the


    house, I suddenly slipped as I stepped on something.


    My ankle twisted painfully, and I began to fall. Suddenly, a pair of strong arms


    caught me around the waist.