Chapter 4 The Reconciliation

The following afternoon, in the quiet expanse of the living room, Michelle's eyes, weary from anticipation, flickered to life the moment Precious graced the doorway. A radiant smile etched itself across her face, erasing the lines of worry that had marred her expression.

"Honey," Michelle's voice softened, drawing her away from the sleek bar area nestled in the corner of the living room, her steps purposeful, carrying her toward Precious. "I'm sorry, honey,"

Precious, though internally relieved at her mother's apology, kept her emotions in check. The art of apologizing was foreign to her; she detested admitting her faults. In her world, she was rarely wrong. Apologies were meant to come her way first, absolving her of any initial blame.

"I'm sorry too, Mom," she managed, her arms encircling Michelle in a firm embrace. Behind the hug, a fleeting smile graced her lips.

Michelle slowly released her grip, "You know," she began, "I've been waiting for this moment, honey. I couldn't sleep peacefully after the incident last night. And when you ignored me this morning, I felt shattered... Please, don't ever shut me out like that again, okay? You know I can't bear being distant from you."

"Me too, Mom. I can't stand being angry at you for long, and I don't want you to be angry with me either. The thought of distancing myself from you hurts me deeply. You're all I have left, and I can't let anything ruin our relationship."

"Don't say that, honey. Your father is also here for you. We both are, and we'll always be here to care for you. Just don't stay angry anymore," Michelle said.

As Frederick's name came up, Precious experienced another emotional shift, but she made a conscious effort not to let his presence disrupt the moment.

"I understand the complexity between you and your father right now," Michelle continued, endeavoring to empathize with Precious's emotions. "I still think it's worth giving him a chance to explain his perspective. I'm sure it won't hurt to hear him out... However, I respect your decision. I know you're still hurting, and it might take some time for that pain to fade away... But please, honey, don't completely shut your father out of your life," Michelle urged, her words causing Precious to feel somewhat guilty.

Michelle drew her in, enveloping her in a tight embrace as both of them succumbed to tears.

Few minutes after Precious settled in her room, she brought out a textbook from her bag and sat on the bed. Promptly after, Nanny Christina entered, her eyes catching the struggle etched on Precious's face.

"Busy, my dear?" she inquired, settling down beside her.

Precious looked up, her eyes weary from the battle with the textbook laid on the bed in front of her. "Not really. I just can't seem to grasp this subject. Our exams are approaching, but these topics still baffle me."

"Mathematics?" Nanny Christina said in surprise, taking the book gently, her eyes scanning the complex equations.

"Exactly, Nanny. This is mathematics, not some household chore. It's pure calculation," Precious retorted firmly.

Nanny Christina smiled, playfully nudging Precious's arm. "Don't be naughty. You know, back in my younger days, I was quite good at it. But time has a way of fading such skills."

"Hmm, as they say, old things have passed away," Precious teased, eliciting a smile from Nanny Christina.

"To be honest, I'm glad you've made peace with Michelle. It warms my heart to see you both reconciled."

"Me too, Nanny. You know I really can't stay angry at her for so long. Even if I don't show it more often, I still love her very much. She's the only family I've got left."

Nanny Christina's gaze softened, "I just hope you can find it within you to extend the same understanding to your father."

"No," Precious replied firmly. "Perhaps, not just yet. Not until he truly realizes the pain he inflicted on me all those years."

"But hasn't he suffered enough?" Nanny Christina asked gently. "He's been through so much already."

"I haven't even begun to do anything, compared to what he did to me."

Nanny Christina reached out, her gentle touch rested upon Precious's chest, "Your heart is heavy with resentment. I just hope a day will come when your anger towards your dad subsides."

In an instant, Precious's attention shifted away from the book in her hands. Out of frustration, she set it aside, her gaze drifting elsewhere.