Chapter 65
It was perfectly natural for Joshua to remember those humiliations
Back then, no one among the Frasers had ever treated him as an equal, let alone as a person deserving of respect.
But how am I supposed to apologize?
Shirley’s thoughts spiraled as she remained silent. She glanced at Wendy, who had already endured a harsh scolding earlier. If even she had been reprimanded so severely, how much worse would it be for me?
Shirley knew her own actions had been far more excessive than Wendy’s. There had been times when she and Maddy conspired to frame Joshua for things he hadn’t done.
Wendy, noticing her silence, didn’t press further. Instead, she left the conversation hanging, turned, and walked straight into 27th Street High. She eventually found Agnes, Joshua’s homeroom teacher, and handed her a container of soup. “This is for Joshua,” Wendy said. “Please give it to him later.”
Joshua was preparing for SATS, and Wendy couldn’t shake the fear that he might falter under the pressure.
With nothing else to say, she exited the school grounds and returned to her car. Without a word, she started the engine and drove home.
“Eat this first, Frankie!” Maggie said enthusiastically. “This is deep–sea fish oil that I bought specifically for you. It’ll boost your memory. Make sure you finish it all!”
She turned and set down another bowl. “And this! Ginger stew. You must finish it too. It’s great for relieving fatigue!”
Her tone turned slightly worried as she added, “Your teacher told me your grades have dropped a bit recently. You didn’t do well on this month’s exam, probably because you haven’t been eating right. Take this chance to relax and have a proper meal. Let me take care of you.”
By the time Wendy and Shirley walked into the house, they saw several people eating in the living room.
Maggie had likely spent hours simmering a large pot of tonics. She carefully ladled a steaming bowl and placed it in front of Frankie, urging him to eat it. “Finish this, Frankie. It’s good for you.”
The supplements were extraordinarily expensive. Maggie had specially asked someone to get them from overseas to enhance Frankie’s memory and reduce fatigue. Nearly every week, she instructed Katherine to prepare a fresh batch for him.
In the past, Wendy had agreed that Frankie should have these. After all, she and her sisters had been given similar treatments during their youth. For him to receive the same now felt only fair.
But now, Maggie seemed to have forgotten one crucial detail: there was another son living with them. Joshua didn’t even have enough to eat, let alone the privilege of consuming these rare and costly supplements.
Katherine and Leonard had mentioned that Joshua often snuck downstairs late at night to eat leftovers. He always moved with caution, fearful of being caught and scolded.
As she watched the scene before her. A wave of discomfort swept through her.
Shirley noticed the redness around Wendy’s eyes and immediately understood what she was thinking. An unfamiliar ache stirred in her heart as well, though she said nothing.
“Wendy, Shirley, you’re back!” Frankie called out with delight. He was in the middle of enjoying the exquisite deep–sea fish oil and caviar when he noticed them enter.
1
Wendy took a deep breath, composing herself before stepping inside. She managed a polite smile and greeted him. “Frankie, how’s your preparation for the SATS? Are you feeling confident?”
Frankie beamed. “It’s going well! I’ve put in a lot of effort, so I’m hoping for good results.”
“Don’t stress yourself out too much! Just keep a calm and steady mindset, Maggie said quickly, noticing how much pressure her adopted son seemed to be under. Her tone was gentle, filled with motherly affection, and her face softened as she tried to ease his worries. “Go into the exam with a relaxed attitude. Even if things don’t go perfectly, it’s really not a big deal. Our family doesn’t depend on a college graduate.”
“I understand, Mom. I’ll do my best to take the exam!” he replied quickly, his tone full of earnestness as he nodded.
Maggie smiled affectionately, and her tone was filled with encouragement. “That’s great! You’ve always worked so hard and done so well. If you stay focused, I’m sure you’ll do just fine on the exams. There’s only a month left. Why don’t you ask Wendy and Shirley for advice? See how they managed to stay calm and collected. Remember, it’s crucial not to let nerves get the better of you during the test!”
“I understand! I’ll definitely ask for their advice!” Frankie nodded eagerly, his face lighting up with obedient enthusiasm.
Watching this exchange, Wendy felt a sudden surge of grief swell in her chest. It was too much to bear. Without a word, she turned and headed upstairs.
Noticing this, Shirley hurried after her, worry etched across her face. “Wendy, what’s wrong?” she asked softly.
Wendy’s eyes rimmed with redness, tears threatening to spill. She took a shaky breath and said softly, her voice tinged with bitterness, “Shirley, do you think Joshua is really our biological brother?”
Shirley froze, visibly taken aback. “I… well…” she stammered, unsure how to respond.
Wendy’s voice grew heavier, laden with sorrow. “I remember how Mom used to make special soups for us when we had exams coming up. You and I both benefited from that care, didn’t we? But it seems she’s completely forgotten that Joshua also has his SATS coming. He doesn’t even have enough to eat!”
Her voice cracked as she continued, tears now rolling freely down her cheeks. “And now Mom’s even cut off his monthly allowance of 70 dollars. Why? Shirley, why is this happening?”
Shirley also felt a sense of guilt tugging at her heart. After thinking for a while, she murmured, “Wendy, it’s because Mom favors Frankie. Look at him. He’s so well–behaved. I think Mom’s hatred for Joshua has only deepened after what happened. You know, when he held that knife against her… How could she not resent him after that?”
“But he’s still her son by blood!” Wendy cried out, her voice trembling. “How can she be so blatantly unfair? Actually, I understand Joshua. I see where his despair comes from!”
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