Chapter 90
Sheila stepped into the room.
She walked over to the bedside, her expression etched with worry as she glanced at Henry. “Jessica, is Henry alright?”
Jessica knew Sheila could read sign language, so she skipped typing on her phone and signed directly.
“It’s appendicitis, but he’s okay now. The surgery’s done.”
“How did he get appendicitis all of a sudden?”
Jessica shook her head.
Sheila’s face softened with sympathy. “Poor thing, must have been so painful for him.”
Sheila pulled up a chair and sat down next to Jessica.
Jessica frowned, her mind drifting.
Timothy had suddenly started doting on her, buying her cake, acting unusually close, and upending one of her long–held suspicions.§
Because she loved him so much, she was utterly defenseless against his gentleness.
Now her heart was wavering…
Sheila was Timothy’s aunt, but since they were the same age, they never acted like aunt and nephew. That strange lack of boundaries made it awfully hard for Jessica to feel comfortable around her.
After all, both Phelps and Sallie had dropped hints about Sheila and Timothy’s relationship.
Now, with Sheila showing up uninvited, Jessica’s emotions were even more tangled.
Sheila’s presence felt like a constant reminder of everything Jessica had seen and heard lately.
For a moment, Jessica almost gave in to the urge to ask Sheila outright–just to get the truth out. But she stopped herself; it felt too abrupt, too inappropriate. Besides, ever since Sheila had first appeared before her, in both words and actions, she’d seemed to be on Jessica’s side.}
If there really was something between Sheila and Timothy, would Sheila ever admit it? And if word got back to Timothy, it would only make things worse–he hated that kind of confrontation.
Jessica prided herself on being above such behavior.
Still, it was only because she was so conflicted inside, desperate to know the truth, that she even felt the impulse.
She quickly tamped it down and sat quietly, not saying a word.2
Sheila, however, broke the silence.
Jessica, Henry’s out of danger now. You’ve been up all night–why don’t you go home and get some rest? I’ll stay with him.”
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Jessica’s hands moved swiftly. “It’s fine, I’m not tired. You, on the other hand, just got off a long flight and haven’t adjusted to the time difference. You should go get some sleep.”2
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Sheila considered this for a moment, then said, “Actually, Jessica, there’s something you should know, Last time Henry had a fever, the nurse who gave him the njection was his classmate’s mother. He asked me to pretend to be you–he didn’t want his classmates to find out about your situation. It’s almost morning, and once the day staff comes in, there’ll be more people around. He might run into someone he knows…“.
Sheila didn’t finish, but her meaning was clear.
Jessica got the message.
Sheila continued, “It’s not that I’m judging you for not speaking. Kids his age are sensitive and care about how others see them. I heard from Henry that you’re gentle and understanding, so I’m sure you can see where he’s coming from, right?”
Sheila spoke softly, her tone unfailingly polite and gentle. Even when she said something that stung, her voice was calm and pleasant.
Jessica gave a resigned little smile
She truly did understand how Henry felt.
She’d heard him admit, in his own way, that he minded her inability to speak.
If she stayed, it really would embarrass him.
and son.
Henry had only just started to open up to her again; until she’d sorted out the truth with Timothy, she didn’t want to make things even more strained between mother
But she had no intention of handing Sheila this chance, either.
Without answering, Jessica stood up and walked out of the hospital room.
Sheila watched her leave, the corners of her lips lifting in a subtle smile. Sensible woman, she thought. No wonder the Lawsons had agreed to let her marry Timothy.
