Chapter 9
Marie didn’t look at Noelle. She merely turned to head to the living room with lan in her arms. After a few steps, she said a little angrily, “Stop standing at the door and come in! The neighbors will think I’m being mean to you if they see this!”
Ian waved happily at Noelle. “Come in, Mommy!”
Noelle smiled and headed inside with Ian’s knapsack over her shoulder. Almost out of habit, she bent down to change into lounge slippers at the foyer. Only then did she notice that her slippers were on the outermost rack.
“Mom…” Tears welled in her eyes and trickled down her face.
“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Ian hopped out of Marie’s arms and ran to Noelle, hurriedly wiping her tears.
“I’m just happy, lan,” Noelle choked out.
Marie dropped her stern look and sighed. “You and Ian are staying here now that you’re back. Your father’s gone to the market–I bet he’ll rush back there to buy more fish when he finds out that you’re here.”
“Fish! Mommy loves fish! Grandma, you’re the best!” Ian beamed and did a happy dance.
“Oh, my darling!” Marie gathered him in her arms and kissed him again. “How about you sleep with me from now on?”
“Okay!” Ian leaned into her embrace. “I like you, Grandma!”
Noelle wiped her tears at the happy reunion and smiled.
“Mommy’s smiling! She looks so pretty when she smiles!” Ian clapped. Then, his joy turned to sorrow. “Mommy never smiled when we were at home. She cried every night.”
“What? Noelle cried every night?” A furious voice came from the door. Everyone turned to see Philip standing there with a bag full of groceries. They widened their eyes at him.
“How dare Hector treat you like this! I worked for his father for 40 years–how dare he mistreat my daughter?” he snarled.
Noelle’s heart clenched. She knew Philip and Hector’s father were still in contact, but she no longer wanted to have anything to do with the Yarrow family after the past five years of suffering.
“Grandpa!” Ian cried, distracting everyone.
“Oh, my darling! You’re finally here!” Philip hurriedly put the bag of groceries down You’re just like me–handsome as can be!”
took Ian from Marie’s arms. He looked him over and said, ”
what
I me you like, and I’ll cook them for you!”
Noelle couldn’t help laughing when she saw the helpless look on Marie’s face.
“Come on, Ian. I’ll take you to the market so we can get fish and more meat!” Philip
“You’re the best, Grandpa!” Ian wrapped his arms around Philip’s neck, and they happily
Noelle watched them with a smile, feeling warmed.
eamed T
the house.
“I’m glad you’re back, Noelle.” Marie looked away. “I told you, Hector isn’t the man for you.tever it is, I’m just happy that you’re home now. Stay
with your father and me; don’t worry about a thing.”
Noelle hugged Marie from behind, making her lose her composure. “Things must’ve been hard for you, my darling…”
They hugged each other, and Marie patted Noelle’s back. “I’m so glad you’re back…”
After a while, Philip returned with a few bags of groceries. Ian hopped and skipped behind him while holding some candied apples. He held it up to show Noelle. “Look, Mommy! Grandpa bought this for me!”
Noelle dried her tears and nodded with a smile when she saw how happy lan was. It had been a long time since he’d been like this.
At noon, Philip prepared a feast. Ian helped to set up the table while saying, “Grandpa’s amazing, Mommy. He cooked like he was performing magic tricks!”
Philip was still holding a spatula. He stuck out his chest proudly and said, “Of course! I can make you anything you want, Ian!”
The family of four gathered around the table. Philip and Marie piled lan’s plate high with food.
“Grandma, Grandpa, I can’t eat anymore!” His cheeks bulged with food, reminding Noelle of the hamster she’d had as a child.
“You’re still growing, Ian. You need to eat more!” Marie said.
I’ll buy chicken wings later. We can have them for dinner!” Philip rubbed Ian’s head with a smile.
Noelle felt comforted. This was the home she’d always wanted.
That night, she and lan drifted off to sleep in a cozy embrace. For the first time in a long time, they had sweet dreams.
