Chapter 387
Layna was a spitfire, stubborn and unyielding, even to the point of twisting right from wrong. Despite her young age, her actions were telling of the kind of person she would grow up to be.
If Layna continued down this path, she was bound to become an unruly and unreasonable woman, with skewed values.
Anastasia was at her witâs end. âLayna, I canât believe youâre thinking this wayâ¦â
Salma attempted to pacify the situation. âAlright, alright, sheâs just a kid. Sheâs new here, perhaps sheâs just not used to it. All kids are possessive, and we just need to guide her slowly.â
Anastasia was at a loss with Layna; she was just too stubborn. Taking a deep breath, Anastasia said to Salma, âMom, can you watch over Pattie for a bit? Layna, come to my room with me.â She needed to correct Laynaâs bad habits and give her proper guidance.
Layna felt exceptionally overjoyed and followed Anastasia to her room after receiving Anastasiaâs attention.
Sitting on the edge of her bed, Anastasia patiently began, âLayna, all these years, I have not fulfilled my responsibilities towards you, and for that, I am deeply sorry. I brought you back here because I want to make up for my shortcomings and to guide you to a better future.â
Layna didnât understand these words and just stood there quietly.
Anastasia spoke gently, âIf you want a Barbie doll, you can tell me or ask your sister. Taking something that belongs to someone else without asking is impolite, and itâs also stealing. I hope you understand the importance of honesty, kindness, and respect. Do you understand?â
âDuncan never taught me any of that.â Layna pouted. âMom, my sister has her own room, and I donât. She has loads of pretty clothes and toys, and I donât. Do you not love me? Do you only love my sister and brother?â
Anastasia explained, âYouâve just arrived, and we only have so many rooms. We didnât have time to prepare one for you. But weâre moving tomorrow, and youâll have your own room then. Youâll have the clothes and toys you want. I treat you and your sister equally. Even if you donât like your sister, you canât bully her. Can you try to be friends with her? Can you promise me that?â
Layna didnât really like her sister, but she didnât want to upset her mom either. âAlright,â Layna agreed reluctantly. Anastasia felt relieved. After talking with Layna, Anastasia called Pattie into the room. âPattie, your sister just arrived. You must be patient and understanding, okay? No fighting. I hope you two can become good friends.â
Pattie nodded obediently. âOkay.â
Anastasia felt she had done her part in guiding the two girls and hoped there wouldnât be any major problems. However, she was unaware that Layna continued to pick on Pattie behind closed doors.
Layna called Pattie into the playroom while Anastasia was resting and Salma was doing laundry. She threatened Pattie to hand over all her toys and pretty clothes or else she would beat her up. Remembering her motherâs words about becoming friends with her sister, Pattie agreed and handed over her toys and clothes.
âLayna, I have lots of toys. Letâs play together.â Pattie was generous and shared all her toys.
Layna was envious of all the beautiful toys. âDid Mom buy all these for you?â
âSome were bought by Mom, some by Dad and Grandma, and some by Grandpa and my godmotherâ¦â Pattie politely said. âFeel free to play with them.â
Feeling envious and jealous of Pattie, Layna pushed the toys aside. âI donât want your used toys. Iâll ask Mom to buy me new
ones.â
Pattie didnât understand why Layna was suddenly upset. After all, she had agreed to share her toys.
Layns walked out of the playroom and said to salma, Crandall want new reyes will you buy them for me?â
Anastasia was asleep after a restless morning, and Layna didnât dare disturb her.
After hanging the laundry, Salma replied, âAlright, Iâll take you.â
She wiped her hands dry and called out to Pattie, âPattie, put on your shoes. Grandma is taking you to the supermarket.â