The Substitute Bride

"Sue…" Sheryl couldn't help but sigh deeply. "My Grandma is rather fragile now. Let's not bother her."

Amy put on an amicable smile and slightly waved her hands to brush off the remark. "It doesn't matter. Look at me. I have a healthy body. Cooking is no big deal for me. Just tell me if you want to eat anything and I'll prepare it nicely for you. My little girl, please take care."

"Thank you Grandma Amy." Sue smiled and looked at her with deep appreciation. "I should get going now."

"That fast?" Though Sue was not her real granddaughter, Amy had always treated her with as much love as she did to Sheryl. At times, she even felt more affection for her because of her situation. Amy's heart went out to Sue who had been mistreated horribly by her own family. She wanted to give the girl as much care and love as she could. After living under the same roof for many days, Amy had grown very fond of their new family member and found it hard to let her go.

"Yes, Grandma Amy." Sue nodded in understanding. She held the same sentiments in her heart and felt reluctant to part with Sheryl and Amy, but it was time for her to leave. "I can't live off you for too long. It's time for me to go. Thank you so much for everything. You made it feel like home."

Amy smiled at that. "I'll send you off, then." She brought Sue to the door and watched as she loaded her things into Anthony's car.

As she thought about the memories that were made in that house, Sue paused and turned around. She thought of the immense care and concern Sheryl and Amy had given her and felt a surge of sadness overcome her that could almost make her cry. She looked at the two kind faces that she would never forget. "Sher, take Grandma inside. It's hot out here."

"We'll go back inside after you leave," Amy stated firmly before Sheryl could even have a chance to respond. Still reluctant to let her leave, Amy reminded Sue in a worried tone, "If you're bullied, tell me. I'll handle it for you. I'll always be here for you."

"Grandma Amy, rest assured. I'll take care of Sue. I promise," Anthony eagerly tried to comfort and assure Amy. For what happened to Sheryl, Arthur had already been furious with him before. If Amy were to bear such anger for him, he would have no way to deal with the guilt.

Amy scoffed at his assurance and warned him with a scornful scare, "Easier said than done, especially with you, someone with a bad record. I'm not just going to take your word for it. Remember, Sue is also my granddaughter. If I ever find out that you have done anything irresponsible or uncaring to her, you'll regret it."

"I understand. I will treat her well," Anthony said solemnly in embarrassment. What she said was true, after all, so he had no right to argue back.

When they got settled in the car, Sue wa

that we could go shopping tomorrow to look for anything else you might need. How about that?"

"That's not necessary, but thank you," Sue replied flatly. She was rather satisfied with the room and she could see that Laura did put a lot of thought into it. "This is a really nice room," Sue continued. "I don't need anything else."

Laura waved her hands in denial. "No, no, this is far from nice." She was delighted to hear it, though, feeling content with Sue's response. "I was really excited to hear that you would come and stay with us. It's just that I didn't have much time to prepare. Otherwise, I would refurbish the entire room for you."

Sue was elated to see Laura treating her so kindly.

Before she came, the only worry she had on her mind was Laura. She still remembered Laura's attitude towards her in the past, and she was rather scared to see this woman again. Now, though, it seemed that everything was going well. There was absolutely no need for her to worry about that.

Moved, she held Laura's hands and expressed her heartfelt gratitude, "Aunt Laura, thank you so much."

"No need to thank me," Laura said as she waved it off. As the talked, Anthony managed to take care of the luggage and brought her things into her new room. "Just put it down there," Sue said to him. "I can handle the rest later."

"No, please," Laura intervened hurriedly. "Look at your belly. You're pregnant, now. You can't do these things by yourself. Anthony," she turned to him, "open up her suitcase. I'll help her tidy up the rest of her things."

"I can do that myself, Aunt Laura. It's no problem, really," Sue insisted and rejected Laura's offer. Laura's attitude had been a tad too hospitable for her to believe and get used to, so she had to insist, "I can arrange my own stuff. It's nothing tiring at all. Just let me do that, at least. I'm fine."