When She Walks Away (Teresa) novel Chapter 92

Teresa couldn’t even remember how she got back to her room, or how she somehow ended up sprawled on the couch.

She lay on her side in the dim room, gazing into nothingness, her mind a total blank.

She had no idea how much time had passed before Yolanda finally came back.

“Mom?” Yolanda called out as she stepped into the dim room, her voice echoing softly in the shadows.

Teresa came back to herself and answered in a distant tone, “I’m here.”

Following the sound, Yolanda sat down next to her.

“Mom, how’s Grandma been lately?” Yolanda suddenly asked.

Teresa didn’t look pleased at the mention of Linda. She figured Yolanda must’ve heard Naomi bring up her mother, so that why Yolanda asked.

Teresa’s reply was cold and distant. “She’s fine.”

Yolanda leaned in closer, resting her head on Teresa’s shoulder. “Mom, I want to go see Grandma.”

Teresa didn’t really know what Yolanda meant by that, but she didn’t agree.

Without even thinking, she shot it down. “No, you’ve got preschool. School comes first.”

was probably

Yolanda thought for a second and then gave in. “Okay, how about when winter break comes? I’ll go with you to the Sullivan Mansion to see Grandma, and we can spend Christmas there.”

Teresa wondered, ‘Christmas? If that really happens, Mom would be over the moon.

‘But Yolanda never liked anyone from the Sullivan Family. If she goes, the Sullivan Mansion will be anything but peaceful.

Teresa didn’t say no outright. She just said, “We’ll see when the time comes.”

Kids always changed their minds on a whim. Yolanda might want to go now, but by the time winter break came, she could easily change her mind.

Besides, Naomi was the one Yolanda cared about most.

Yolanda was getting tired, so she just curled up in Teresa’s arms. She took Teresa’s finger and asked, “Mom, does Grandma make yummy food?”

Teresa was taken aback, her mind drifting back to the last time Yolanda had visited the Sullivan Mansion.

Linda had cooked everything herself that night, but Yolanda turned up her nose at the food before even tasting it.

Even now, just remembering it made Teresa’s heart ache. She didn’t want to answer Yolanda’s question, so she dodged it and said. “Go to bed I’m tired

Yolanda let it go, sat up from Teresa’s arms, and said, “Goodnight, Mom.”

“Goodnight, Teresa replied.

Yolanda climbed back into bed and was asleep in no time.

Teresa was still wide awake on the couch. The memories of that night kept flooding back, and she couldn’t help but cry

She hardly slept at all that night When the heavy rain started pouring down in the middle of the night, it made it even harder for her to rest

By seven o’clock. Teresa was already up

She shipped on her coat and went downstairs, only to find Charles already there.

Teresa blinked in surprise when she saw him, but quickly composed herself

1/3

11:22 AM P P

Chapter 92

Charles was buried in his magazine, and when he heard footsteps on the stairs, he glanced up. It was rare for him to greet anyone, but he nodded at Teresa and said, “Morning.”

“Morning. Teresa replied.

After their quick greeting, Teresa started toward the kitchen to make breakfast, but Charles suddenly called out, “No need to bother today. Let’s just go out for breakfast.”

Teresa looked a little surprised, but after thinking it over, she agreed. “Okay.”

Once she said yes, Charles went right back to his magazine.

Actually, the whole idea of eating out today was Yolanda’s suggestion. She mentioned it to Charles last night before heading to her room.

When she ate at home all the time, she started craving something different.

Since she wasn’t making breakfast, Teresa had nothing else to keep her busy. The rain was still pouring outside, showing no stopping.

The autumn rain came with a chilly wind.

But after the rain, the air always felt so much fresher.

W

11

–

Teresa pulled her coat tighter and headed to the doorway. She pulled up a chair and settled in, just watching the rain.

Instead of Yvonne, it was Monica’s voice that came through when Teresa picked up.

Teresa hesitated for a moment before replying, “Yes, but it’ll be a bit late.”

sign of

Monica cheered. Then she added, “Aunt Teresa, I learned how to make egg pancakes online. I woke up super early and made breakfast for Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, and Dad.

“They all tried it and said it was delicious. I saved some for you too. Can you pick me up after school tonight, and then we can go back to the Sullivan Mansion together?”

Faced with Monica’s enthusiastic invitation, Teresa just couldn’t say no, so she agreed, “Okay,”

Monica got even more excited. “Yay! Aunt Teresa is picking me up after school! Yay!”

She thought back to what she’d just said to Monica If Yolanda were still close to her like before, Teresa knew she wouldn’t have been able to say she loved Monica the most

The ram was still pouring outside. Teresa hugged her coat tighter and turned around, catching Charles watching her

Still, Teresa didn’t back down at all. She met his gaze and said, “Charles, can you pick up Yolanda from school tonight? I need to head over to the Sullivan Mansion for a bit. I got something to take care of.”

She didn’t bother explaining what it was about.

But Charles had overheard the whole thing anyway.

Charles narrowed his dark eyes at Teresa, something unreadable flickering in his gaze. His voice was flat, with a touch of sarcasm. “So you’re heading back just for Monica?”

Teresa owned up to it without hesitation. “Yeah, she made me something to eat.”

The look in Charles‘ eyes sharpened instantly. His voice dropped, serious. “I’ve got an important meeting tonight. I can’t pick up Yolanda.”

He turned her down flat, not giving Teresa a chance to protest.

Teresa didn’t take it to heart. She just said, “Then have Sharon pick her up.”

Charles closed his magazine and shot to his feet, looking down at Teresa from above. He stared at her for a long moment, making no effort to hide his anger.

Teresa didn’t back down. She met his gaze, staring right back at him.

After a long silence, Charles finally looked away and said, “Suit yourself.”

With that, he turned and headed upstairs.

Teresa watched him go, her voice cold. “Alright.”

After waiting a bit, Teresa went upstairs to wake Yolanda up.

Once Teresa had helped Yolanda get ready, the two of them headed downstairs together. Charles was already downstairs, dressed and waiting for them.

“Morning, Dad,” Yolanda called out cheerfully.

After greeting Yolanda, Charles looked at Teresa. “It’s pouring outside. Let me drive you both.”

Without looking up at him, Teresa kept helping Yolanda into her raincoat and replied, “No need. I’ll drive myself.”

Charles didn’t say anything else.

Once Yolanda was all set in her raincoat, Teresa took her hand and started toward the door.

But just then, Yolanda tugged on her hand and said, “Mom, it’s raining really hard. Can you carry me?”

Teresa looked down at her and nodded. “Okay.”

Teresa scooped Yolanda up, hooking the umbrella handle over her neck so she could keep her hands free. Just as she was heading out the door, Charles reached over and took the umbrella from her. “Let me hold it.”

Instantly, Teresa’s eyes grew red, tears threatening to spill over.