Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Natalie was caught off guard, unsure of how to answer the question. Besides, if there was a scuffle in preschool, it was supposed to be the Howard family who got the call, not her.

“I’m family,” she said cautiously, her reply evasive.

The principal nodded, “Here’s the thing. During playtime out on the playground, Nathan Howard lashed out and hit a couple of kids. Then it turned into a whole mess when others jumped in to help. Regardless of the reason, the one who throws the first punch should be the one to apologize.”

Natalie scanned the surroundings, counting six kids huddled nearby.

She couldn’t help but frown, “One against six? Are you sure?”

“That kid has some dirty tricks, like poking eyes, aiming for the jaw, and kicking where it hurts. Surprised he took on six?” the burly man who had spoken first now said, raising his tone with anger, “And this isn’t the first time your kid has lashed out for no good reason!”

It wouldn’t be a shock if these moves were Brian’s coaching, aiming for the weak spots in a fight. But Natalie still couldn’t believe Nate would start a fight without cause.

Facing a barrage of criticism about Nate’s supposed lack of manners, Natalie remained silent. Nate was still crying. She decided to wait until he finished.

She stood up, carrying Nate out to the hallway to sit down.

The sun was blazing outside, and his little cheeks flushed red. She was worried he might get overheated on top of being upset.

After a while, Nate subsided his crying, and his cheeks lessened in color. He calmed down enough to stop sniffling.

“Why did you fight, honey?” Natalie gently cleaned his tears and runny nose with a napkin, asking softly.

The tears Nate had managed to stop began to fall again as he sobbed, “Why didn’t you come yesterday?”

Yesterday? Natalie then remembered that she had promised to pick Nate up after school but had brushed it off, not realizing he had taken it to heart.

“So those six kids teased you because I didn’t show up?” she asked, furrowing her brows.

“Uh–huh…” Nate pouted, flowing his tears even more, “I’m not scared of them!”

Natalie finally understood. Nate had rushed into her arms crying not because the fight hurt him, but because she had broken her promise.

For a long moment, she said nothing, realizing the absence of a mother was casting a long shadow over his heart.

11.15

Chapter 36

She put Nate down, took his little hand, and turned to face the group of parents.

“Ready to apologize now?” the tall and muscular man demanded gruffly.

“‘Nathan is a child born out of wedlock, a bastard. He doesn’t have a mother.‘ Are these words you teach your children at home?” Natalie asked, her voice calm but her gaze fixed on the man.

“I… Don’t talk nonsense!” The man darted away his eyes as he retorted, stiffening his neck.

Natalie couldn’t help but smirk coldly, “So because you don’t know who his mother is, you have the right to insult him, is that it? I’d sure like to know what you think my brother Brian would do if he heard how you’ve been talking behind his back about his family and his son.”

The mention of Brian rattled the man, and the realization that their private words had become public schoolyard fodder left him visibly shaken.

He turned his frustration towards Natalie, pointing at Nate, “What’s this kid babbling about!”

Before he could finish his sentence, Natalie reached out and grabbed his finger.