chapter656

Nathaniel felt miserable, like he'd just swallowed a bug and couldn't get rid of the

taste.

"I'm fine, Mom. I just want to be alone for a bit."

He pulled out a chair, sat down, and stared into space, looking like he was questioning his whole existence.

Mabel shot him a look and let out a little snort. "This boy. Always locking horns with Chris. He's gotten obsessed, honestly."

Cameron and Kylie exchanged glances. Everyone knew the Robinsons and Jeffersons were rivals in politics. It wasn't something they could fix, even if they wanted to.

Trying to change the subject, Elliot spoke up. Aunt Mabel, how have Grandpa and Grandma been lately?"

Any conversation about the Robinsons and Jeffersons always ended up killing the mood, so this was a welcome change.

At the mention of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Mabel sighed. "They're about the same as always. Some days are good, some aren't. Your grandpa is as stubborn as ever. He refuses his medicine, won't rest when he should. I worry all the time that his stroke will come back."

Lydia's curiosity got the better of her. Grandpa had a stroke?"

Mabel turned to her, hopeful. "Lydia, you know medicine, right? If you have time, could you check on your grandparents? It would mean a lot.

Lydia nodded right away. "Of course. As long as they're okay with it, I'd be happy to."

Kylie lowered her eyes, sadness flickering across her face.

If she hadn't chosen Cameron over her own family all those years ago, maybe her parents wouldn't still be shutting her and her kids out.

Mabel smiled warmly. "Leave it to me." She looked at Kylie and continued, "Don't be too upset. Your parents have wanted to make up for a long time, they just haven't had the right chance. If Lydia's visit can help smooth things over, that would be wonderful."

Mr. Robinson was stubborn to his core. He clearly missed his daughter, but his pride wouldn't let him say it out loud.

"Thank you, Mabel. I'm grateful," Kylie said softly.

She missed her parents too, and wanted nothing more than to be a good daughter to them while she still could.

"Lydia is our family's little lucky charm. If it weren't for her, I would be in a hospital right now."

Lucinda watched all of this unfold. Mabel doted on Lydia. Everyone's attention seemed glued to her. The feeling was suffocating.

Lucinda felt like she could barely breathe.

How ridiculous. She never should have come to this dinner.

The food tasted bland in her mouth, every bite like chewing cardboard. The others were all in high spirits, laughter bouncing around the room but she felt like a total outsider. No, more than that-she felt invisible, as if no one even noticed she was there.

When dinner wrapped up and everyone was getting ready to leave, Mabel said goodbye to Lydia first, then turned to Lucinda. Lucinda, heard you wont first place at that international piano competition. That's amazing. I'm really proud of you."

Lucinda's voice trembled with hurt. Aunt Mabel, I thought that now my sister's back,

none of you would care about me anymore."

Mabel shook her head right away.

"How could you even think that,

Lucinda? Don't be silly. Your parents already said it no matter what, you're still the Norwoods' daughter. We were just excited to see Lydia today and talked to her a bit more. What, are you feeling a little jealous now?"

She ended with a teasing smile.

Lucinda flushed with embarrassment. Aunt Mabel, you're teasing me. I'm not jealous, really."

"That's good. That means you're sensible, a good kid." Mabel patted her shoulder, her words gentle but hinting at something deeper.

The meaning was clear. If you did get jealous, then you weren't being mature.

Lucinda was fuming inside. Her aunt really knew how to twist the knife with those subtle digs.

When they got home, Lucinda marched straight upstairs, too angry to say a word.

Grace noticed and called after her. Lucinda, did something happen at the Robinsons' tonight? You look upset."