“Don’t take Mia’s words or behaviors too seriously. It’s just a little bit hard for her to accept your sudden appearance,” Cody suddenly said as he drove the car, “She’s not a bad kid.”
Thea blinked, “I know. I’m not mad at her.”
Cody turned to her and smiled, “Uncle Drew said he would talk to her about this.”
“I know,” Thea shrugged, “I really don’t mind.”
When Cody pulled over before their house, he seemed quite reluctant to go, “See you tomorrow then?”
Thea smiled, “See you.”
When they went back to their house, Grace decided to get Thea some freshly cut fruit and snacks.
But she had already had enough in Weston’s house. So she went to her personal gym to do some workouts.
After working out, Thea went to take a shower.
When she went to the parlor, her Mom and Granny were still in the kitchen.
She thus switched the TV on.
Her historical drama had aired its finale. She switched from channel to channel and then stopped at Yolanda’s new drama.
The script was a bit bullshitting, but it was not bad overall.
When Granny came into the parlor, she instantly grabbed the remote and switched the channel, “Why are you watching her? That girl’s quite unpleasant. Let’s find a good reality show to watch.”
Thea stretched and rolled over. She didn’t want to fight for the remote with Granny anyway. Her Mom had been making her flavored chicken breast jerky as snacks because Thea needed to stay in shape.
It was healthy, and it wouldn’t make her gain too much weight.
Thea cheered a little as she enjoyed her snacks. Her Mom was a great chef. Everything she made was wonderful.
Grace smiled as she watched Thea eat those snacks.
“Honey, why don’t you go to Weston’s to stay for the night tomorrow? I noticed Mrs. Weston didn’t want you to go at all.”
Thea groaned, “Come on, Mom… You promised that you wouldn’t push me.”
“But Fritzi’s such a poor woman. She needs you.” Grace sighed.
“Fine… I will find a way to see them more, okay?” Thea picked the jerky mindlessly, “Just don’t push me away.”
“Honey, what are you talking about? I will never push you away.” Grace hurried to say.
“Grace, give it a break,” Granny frowned, “The girl has gone through enough. Just let her take a breath and live a peaceful life.”
“Okay.” Grace sighed.
Thea smiled secretly, knowing her little trick had just worked.
****
Meanwhile, in Weston’s, Mia had locked herself in her room for hours. She had been crying the whole time.
Thea Todd was her older sister? Mia found it hard for her to accept that girl.
Her Dad and Mom had been so happy about getting Demi back. But Mia found it hard for her to get as excited as them.
She knew she should be happy.
It was just so hard for her to absorb the truth.
No wonder her Dad attempted to send her to a boarding school after she slapped Thea in the hospital.
He had only given up the idea because Great-grandpa insisted that he shouldn’t do it.
Mia got even more desperate as she thought about Thea’s pretty face. Her Mom and Dad would love that woman so much when she came back.
And she wouldn’t be the most loved and spoiled daughter in this house anymore.
Mia got even sadder as she buried her face into the pillow, crying even louder.
Fritzi wanted to go upstairs to check out her daughter. Mr. Weston stopped her, “It will take the girl a while to truly accept her sister. Just give her time, and she will be fine.”
Logan didn’t want to see his Mom being so sad, “Mom, Demi’s back. Why are you still looking so sad? Everything will be fine. You know how spoiled Mia is. Just let her be, and she will think it through eventually.”
Drew looked at his boy proudly. He was happy that Logan was not like his little sister.
After Mr. Weston went back to his room, Mia still went to the girl’s bedroom to check her out.
“Mia, Honey, would you open up the door? Your Dad and I have something to tell you.”
Mia pouted, “Can’t you guys come here tomorrow? I really don’t want to hear anything right now.”
Drew was a bit annoyed, “Mia, open the door quickly. We need to talk.”
Mia was a bit afraid of her father. After a couple of minutes, the door just cracked open.
Mia’s eyes were still puffy.
She looked away as her parents sat on the sofa near her bed.
Drew looked at his little daughter and began, “We’re here because we want you to know that both you and Thea are our daughters. And we won’t ditch you just because we have her back. You guys are both our babies.”
Fritzi stood up and walked to Mia’s bed, grabbing Mia’s hand, “Why are you upset, Mia?”
Mia sniffed, “I… I don’t even know. Why does it have to be her? I don’t even like her.”
Fritzi held Mia to her side, “Why don’t you like her? Thea’s such a sweet girl, isn’t she?”
“But everyone likes her.” Mia sobbed, “She always gets everyone’s attention. I just don’t like that.”
Drew winced, “So you’re saying that you don’t like your sister just because she took away all the attention? And you will only accept her when everyone pays attention to you?”
“It’s not like that! You don’t understand, Dad,” Mia protested.
Fritzi shot her husband a harsh look before turning to Mia again, “Honey, I know what you’re thinking… But both you and your sister are my babies. I will never love you any less after she shows up.”
Drew shook his head. Mia was worrying too much.
“Mia, just like your mother said, both you and Thea are our daughters. We will treat you both equally and never be biased,” Drew assured her.
Mia sniffed as she leaned forward to hug her Mom, “I know… I will try to accept her.”
“I know you can think this through, sweetie,” Fritzi kissed Mia’s hair, “I’m so proud of you.”
Still, Mia didn’t like this idea, but she didn’t tell her real thoughts to anyone.
She didn’t get much sleep that night.