Chapter 9
Stella tumed her head to see Keen railing behind Haynes Although he was talking to Stella, his womed gaze was on Rachel.I
In the past any sight problem with Rachel would send Haynes and Keen into a tizzy
One time, all four of them went to the park. No one knew if Rachel pot sunstroke or if one of her sudden illnesses acted up. I
Whatever was ache suddenly looked like she was about to faint Haynes and Keen rushed to her side. Haynes, in his panic, even knocked her down!
Dady no one seemed to notice. The irony was that when Haynes saw her bandaged hand, he asked her how she got hurt
A weak voice snapped Stella out of her thoughts
Keen, I want standing property it wasn’t your mom’s fault Rachel said, shaking her head at Keen, tears slipping down her cheeks, making her look pitifults my own body it’s just too fra
Keen pouted. But || saw with my own eyes. Mom pushed you.”
Then he turned to Stella, his face serious. “Mom, you’ve always taught me to admit my mistakes. You’re an adult. You won’t go back on
your word, are your
Sheila had gone to great lengths to ensure Keens health, but she rarely needed to be concerned about his studies.
At five keen had mastered three languages, his eloquence unmatched. Even at such a young age, he could often leave adults at a loss for words, Haynes mother always said Keens inte gence was just like Haynes‘ when he was little
And then, Keen was tuming the tables on her for Rachel
anadut and keen’s mother Stella knew she had to set an example. How could she ask her child to do something she couldn’t do? If she went back on her word, how could she continue to teach him right from wrong?
Stella looked at the two figures, large and small gathered around Rachel. Suddenly, she felt like they were more of a family than she was with them. Even though shed long since given up on the father and son, Keen’s attitude still stung her heart.
I
She looked down into Keen’s eyes. “You’re right. I did tell you that you should apologize when you make a mistake. But T
I
Stela paused, emphasizing each word, “I didn’t make a mistake, so why should I apologize?”
In the past, Stella would have compromised for Keen. But today, she didn’t
Keen instinctively replied, “I saw you push Rachel.”
Stella didnt argue and smiled. “Who says pushing her means I was wrong?‘
“But Mom, you said hitting people was wrong
Stellas voice was calm also said we shouldn’t bully others but should never let others walk all over us. If someone keeps crossing your line, you shouldn’t hold back”
Despite being clever, Keen was still only five years old. He hadn’t anticipated Stella’s response and was momentarily speechless.
Just then, Antoney’s voice came from the side. “Keen, you shouldn’t speak to your mother like that“?
Hearing Antoney’s voice, Haynes and keen turned to him as if only noticing him.
Keen said, wide–eyed. “Mr. Watson?”
