Sylvia brushed off Chris''s probing question with the straightforwardness of someone who knew exactly what she wanted. Chris was visibly stunned, his jaw practically hitting the floor. It took him a moment before he hesitantly asked, "Are you sure?" "Yeah."
"Alright then."
With that, Sylvia got what she came for and left as swiftly as she had arrived.
Chris shut the door behind her and immediately grabbed his phone to call Rupert.
"Rupert, Sylvia just dropped by," he blurted out the moment the call connected. "Mhm," came Rupert''s nonchnt reply.
Chris paused, a bit taken aback. "You knew she would, didn''t you?"
"Mhm."
Leaning back in his chair, Chris twirled a pen between his fingers, a smirk forming. "Your dear niece really can''t pull one over on you, huh? But aren''t you worried she might stir up trouble?" "It''s fine." Rupert''s tone was calm, almost reassuring.
Chris scoffed. "Easy for you to say. It''s your niece, your problem. But still, you shouldn''t throw me under the bus."
"Throw you under the bus? About what?"
"Did you tell her my nick name is Christine? It''s driving me nuts!"
"I didn''t mention it," Rupert reassured.
Chris''s pen dropped to the floor, a chill running down his spine.
Chris muttered, ncing around the room as if expecting an apparition, "I''m nning to visit the church with my mom tomorrow, for some peace of mind!"
"You still believe in that stuff?"
"I didn''t used to, but now? I have to. Ever since Sylvia grilled me about that children''s organ donation issue, I''ve been having this recurring nightmare. I''m on an operating table, and there''s this kid, about seven or eight, holding a scalpel and going for my kidney! And the kicker? The kid''s face looks just like Sylvia when she was young!"
Chris shuddered at the thought.
Rupert''s voice turned icy. "You know what she looked like as a child?"
"I... After all I''ve said, that''s what you pick up on?" Chris clutched at his chest, nearly hyperventting.
"Goodbye."
"I..." Chris stared at the disconnected call, grimacing and muttering under his breath.
...
It was the wee hours of the morning when Sylvia, along with Naomi and Edwin, returned from the hospital.
Sylvia tucked Naomi into bed, while Edwin stood by, wracked with guilt.
"Edwin, you should get some rest too."
"Sylvia, I''m so sorry for everything," Edwin''s voice was hoarse with emotion.
"Edwin, finding you was the best thing that happened to us. It wasn''t your fault."
Sylvia poured him a ss of warm water.
Edwin clenched his fists, sighing heavily. "The Simpsons areing over tomorrow. If you and Naomi don''twant to face them, I can
handle it alone."
"No. We have to be there. But whatever I do, please don''t intervene. Just take care of my mom, okay?" Sylvia looked at him earnestly. "You..."
"Trust me."
"Alright. Whatever happens
tomorrow, I''ll take the fall. The Simpsons think they can bully- anyone with Rupert backing them," Edwin mmed his fist on the oak table.
en
Naomi whimpered in her sleep, causing Edwin to rush to her side anxiously.
Seeing this, Sylvia quietly left the room, leaving the two to their tender moment.
...
The next day.
Sylvia, Naomi, and Edwin headed to a diner.
Naomi had insisted on doing Sylvia''s makeup, determined not to give the Simpsons any reason to scoff at them.
Despite her hoarse voice, Naomi''s resolve was unwavering, and Sylvia couldn''t bring herself to refuse. She let her mother doll her up.
The mother-daughter duo, already striking, became the center of attention with just a touch of makeup, even though neither had slept well. Bridget, who had been chatting with the Simpson elders, found herself instantly sidelined.
She nced at Sylvia with a hint of displeasure, then leaned closer to Rupert and chuckled. "Rupert, Sylvia''s makeup is quite exquisite today. Unlike me, I barely know how to apply any. Just pped on some sunscreen and came over.
Kooks
like I need to take a few lessons from Sylvia."