chapter377

Lucinda's face went completely stiff, her fingernails digging painfully into her palms.

Grace, standing off to the side, looked like she was about to explode. What was wrong with this family? Had they all completely lost it? Why was everyone suddenly taking Lydia's side? Lucinda was the one who'd always been here, doing her best to take care of everyone. And now, instead of praising her, they were going on about Lydia, the girl who was never around? It was enough to make her scream.

Lydia spoke up, her voice calm. "Sorry for worrying everyone. But while I was out, I found some really good herbs. Some help with heart health, some are great for boosting energy, and others are even good for your skin. I'll make them into medicine for you all to try."

The moment she finished, Mr. Norwood, Cameron, and Kylie looked even more moved.

"Lydia, really, you should think more about yourself." Kylie's eyes were red with emotion.

Lydia just smiled. "I'm fine, honestly."

"Alright, enough of that. Go wash your hands so we can eat," Cameron said, giving Lydia's head a gentle pat.

During dinner, Cameron and Kylie sat on either side of Lydia, constantly filling her bowl with more food. The pile of dishes in front of her just kept growing, no matter how much she ate.

Lucinda couldn't help but comment, her tone dripping with jealousy. "If only I knew medicine too. Then I could help take care of everyone's health."

Mr. Norwood spoke up right away. "Everyone has their own gifts, Lucinda. Just be yourself."

If it hadn't been for Lucinda's so-called nourishing soup, he wouldn't have ended up needing surgery twice. Medicine wasn't for everyone. It was obvious Lucinda wasn't cut out for it.

the

Grace, who'd been quietly serving at the table, jumped at the chance to chime in. You're right, sir. Lucinda might not know medicine, but she's really talented in other ways. piano. Maestro Richie signed her up for the International Piano Competition. You have to be at least Grade Five to even enter, and Lucinda's almost at the top level."

Grace had been mentioning this nonstop the last couple of days, and now she

brought it up again, making sure Lydia heard every word.

Mr. Norwood didn't think much of it.

They'd always praised Lucinda's

piano skills before. He smiled.-

"That's true Lucinda is quite the

pianist Good

teachers make goods

students, after all."

Lucinda finally felt like she mattered again. She sat up a little straighter, pride

flickering in her eyes.

But then Mr. Norwood turned to Lydia. "Lydia, do you have any interest in the piano?

If you'd like, we could ask Maestro Richie to teach you too."

Grace's face fell. She wished she could take back her words. Why had she mentioned Richie at all?

Lucinda realized what had just happened and shot Grace a sharp look. Way to go, she thought bitterly.

Cameron and Kylie looked at Lydia with hopeful smiles. "That's right, Lydia. Maestro Richie is the best pianist in the country. Would you want to learn from him?"

All eyes were on Lydia, but she just answered simply, "I'm not interested."

Lucinda perked up, practically

beaming. She looked at Cameron

and Kylie, her voice smug. See,

Mom, Dad? My sister's really.

focused on medicine She's not into piano. You shouldn't push her.

Grace quickly agreed. "Exactly, sir, madam. Lydia's real gift is in medicine, not music. And learning the piano takes years. If she's not interested, it's better not to force her."