Needle and lan took their seats on the train. He held his knapsack and sat there without kicking up a fuss. He looked up at Noelle and asked, “Mommy, where exactly are we going
She held his hand tightly. I’m taking you to Grandma’s house.”
“Grandma?” He lowered his head. “Will she want us? Or will she abandon us like Daddy did?”
Noelle’s guilt surged at the mention of Hector. Tears filled her eyes as she pulled lan close and held him. “Grandma isn’t the same as Daddy, Ian. Trust me, okay? I’ll give you a better life.”
They finally arrived at their destination after a 12–hour train ride–Harvale, Noelle’s hometown. She got onto a bus while holding lan, who was sound asleep. Harvale’s scenery flashed by, reminding her of pieces of her childhood.
“Home, huh?” she thought.
Her parents vehemently opposed her being with Hector, but she’d defied them and insisted on marrying him. Her mother, Marie White, had thrown a tantrum on the other end of the line, which was rare. “I’ll disown you if you marry him, Noelle!”
Her father, Philip Jensen, had tried to talk her out of it. “Noelle, give up on Hector. He’s in love with someone else, and you’re only going to suffer with him. I’m going to retire soon, so why don’t you come home with me and try to build a life in Harvale?”
Noelle hadn’t budged. She’d refused to listen to her parents. She’d thought that she could win Hector over once she spent enough time by his side–she’d make him see her sooner or later.
Who would’ve known that Hector would refuse to fall for anyone but Lindsey? He was even willing to put Ian’s life on the line for Micah’s sake!
“Hector Yarrow.” Noelle held lan tightly. She would never forgive Hector!
“Daddy” lan mumbled in his sleep.
Noelle’s heart throbbed dully, Ian was still young, but he was much more mature than other kids his age. The lack of his father’s love had forced him to grow up long before he was supposed to.
She rubbed his forehead to smooth out his frown. She said softly, “I’ll give you twice the love you deserve, Ian. I’ll make up for what Daddy didn’t give
The bus stopped, and Noelle got out with Ian. The sun shone down on her as she looked around at the familiar neighborhood. She was home.
The elderly gathered to play card games as always—some of them were Philip and Marie’s friends. When they noticed Noelle carrying lan, they greeted her warmly.
“Hi, Noelle! Bringing your boy to visit his grandparents?” a woman asked with a smile. She looked at Ian, who’d woken up and was rubbing his eyes bleerily. “He’s such a good–looking boy. He looks like you!”
“I’m moving back here, ma’am. I’m not leaving anymore,” Noelle answered with a nod.
“You’re not?” The woman looked surprised. Noelle expected her to probe for more information, but she merely laughed and clapped. “That’s great! You have no idea how often your parents talk about you!”
Another person playing a game said, “Exactly! Frank talks about you and his precious grandson every day, you know! As for Marie, she’s a softie on the inside. She sounds like she doesn’t care, but she misses you deep inside!”
Noelle felt warmed, which was something that hadn’t happened in a long time. It turned out there were still people who cared about her and Ian. Life with Hector had truly been too bitter for them. Thankfully, they were finally going home.
Noelle felt nervous as she stood outside her parents‘ home. She could still hear Marie’s threat to disown her like it had happened yesterday.
“Mommy, why aren’t you knocking? Is it because Grandma doesn’t want us here?” Ian looked up at her,
“I’ve been away for too long, lan.” Noelle tightened her hold on his hand. She hesitated for a while longer before knocking on the door.
“Who is it?” A familiar voice came from behind the door.
It made Noelle weep. “Mom…”
Marie opened the door to see Noelle and lan standing outside, their faces wet with tears.
“Grandma!” lan cried. He wrapped his arms around Marie’s legs and looked up at her, his teary eyes filled with joy.
“Oh, my. You must be lan!” Marie couldn’t withstand his attack, and her heart ached at the sight of him. She hurriedly lifted him into her arms and kissed him a few times.
“Mom.” Noelle repeated lowly.
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