Chapter 1980
Shirley hadn't noticed, but the boy in the corner had been watching her the whole time, as if she radiated light.
The room fell silent for a moment, and then the woman plopped down on the ground, starting a tantrum.
"Damn it, what do you think you're doing? I'll have you know, Abner is our child, and what I say goes. Who are you, some stranger from the city, to poke your nose so far into our business? And how long do you think you can keep this up? I'm the one who's going to be providing for him, not you! Abner, think about it. She might be backing you up now, but she's going to leave soon!"
"I'm taking Abner to study in Greenfield!"
The words came out more forcefully than Shirley intended, surprising even herself.
But then, she relaxed. She couldn't leave Abner with these people; not one of them was reliable.
Her gaze fell on Abner, who was holding her hand, his eyes warm and tender.
"Abner, would you like to come with me to Greenfield?"
The money she made from her part-time job translating was enough to sponsor a child.
Plus, the apartment she rented was close to the nearest high school, so he could walk there.
It dawned on Shirley that she had already figured everything out.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
The woman was still making a scene. "You can't take him! That's kidnapping! I'll sue!"
"Fine, if you won't let us go, then give me the $6,000 I've sponsored."
Shirley played her cards right, knowing the woman wouldn't want to give up $6,000, probably having already spent it.
Keeping Abner was just a way to get cheap labor; why would she give up $6,000 for that?
Shirley rummaged through her bag and pulled out an additional $2,000.
"Or, if you agree to let me take the child, this $2,000 is yours, too. From now on, we go our separate ways. Let's get the mayor and this official to witness, and put it in writing Everyone signs, so there's no trouble if this ends up in court."
The woman's eyes lit up at the sight of $2,000, enough to cover her family's expenses for a year.
And since she had already spent the $6,000, she couldn't produce it.
She hesitated, thinking of the chores Abner could do at home, like herding, cooking, and babysitting. Without him, she'd have to do it all herself.
The official, seeing Shirley's determination, grew anxious, mainly worried she would talk to the authorities at Solstice College, which could lead to an investigation.
"Ms. Dorothy, let's settle this. You won't have to return the $6,000; just take the $2,000, and we all sign the agreement. That will be the end of it."
The woman knew she was in the wrong but getting $2,000 for nothing was a win for her.
She figured Shirley, who was still so young and naive about the costs of raising a child, was just acting on impulse. She expected Shirley would send Abner back in a few months. en.swhovels.net
With a sigh, she stood up and took the money.
"Alright, let's sign."
Shirley, tense until now, relaxed slightly as everyone seemed to agree. Her palms were sweaty with nervousness, still unsure how these people might retaliate.
Her heart racing, she swallowed hard and looked back at Abner, her voice soft and sincere.
"Abner, do you want to come with me to Greenfield? Maybe I did act impulsively, but I truly mean well. You shouldn't be stuck here; you're meant for greater things. Just seeing your handwriting made me believe you're not meant for this fate."
tel.
She finally understood why she had impulsively come to Maplewood.
Abner's handwriting was so beautiful, it convinced her he was destined to see the world.