Novalie asked Raeleigh, "He's here, isn't he?"
Raeleigh was taking a bite of her food when she heard the question. She raised her head to look at her grandmother. Novalie smiled and said, "I'm your grandmother, so I know everything. What did he do this time to make you angry?"
Raeleigh shook her head. "No, he did not do anything. It's my own problem."
"Then, why are you hiding here? I'm used to eating alone. You should be joining them for breakfast, right? What are you doing in my room then? What is he going to think of you? If something is bothering you, then you should discuss it with him. You should not keep it to yourself. He'll be anxious, not knowing what to do."
Novalie felt that Raeleigh was good in everything, even in her schoolwork. If there was one flaw about her, then it was that she liked to keep everything to herself whenever she found herself at a dead end.
Raeleigh took a bite of her breakfast and said, "I know."
"Don't just say it, do it. Actions speak louder than words. Who are you worried about?" Novalie said as she picked up a sausage and put it into Raeleigh's plate. "You're about to be a mother. Don't make yourself look like an unhappy woman. You were the one who was willing to have this baby. He did not force you. It's the beginning of parenthood for you, and it's the same for him too."
Raeleigh knew her grandmother meant well. She wasn't mad at her grandmother even if her words were harsher. She just fixed her eyes on her grandmother and nodded.
Suddenly, there were two knocks on the door. Raeleigh turned around and saw Jepherson entering the room with a plate of brioche in his hand. He knew that this was Novalie's favorite and Novalie never thought she would be able to eat it again. She did not expect that Jepherson, her grandson- in- law, would actually cater to her pleasure.
"Is that for me?" Novalie asked as soon as she saw him. Jepherson closed the door behind him and placed the brioche on the table. He sat on one side and said, "I have been wanting to make it but I just kept forgetting. When I saw Raeleigh going upstairs, I suddenly remembered. Thankfully, we have some ingredients and I was able to bake it for you."
"Have you eaten?" Novalie asked. Raeleigh did not say anything. It was as if she was angry. Novalie could not bear to see Raeleigh like this. Raeleigh always did not seem like herself when something was bothering her. Novalie had an idea what to do.
Even if the sky was falling, there was still someone above to take the fall first. What was she afraid of?
"Not yet," Jepherson said. Novalie looked over at her granddaughter and said, "Raeleigh, why don't you go and get a plate and tableware for Jepherson?"
Raeleigh put down her tableware, stood up, and said, "Alright, give me a minute."
"There's no need. You're pregnant. It's inconvenient for you to move around. I'll go." Jepherson was about to get up, but Novalie immediately said, "Jepherson, sit down. She can do it. Every woman will eventually have their own children. She should move around anyway. This way, it would be less painful for her when she goes into labor."
Only then did Jepherson sit down. Raeleigh walked to the door, opened it, and went out.
Novalie stared at the closed door before taking a bite of the brioche and said, "Raeleigh has been a bright child ever since she was young. She is very strong. She's also very diligent and calm when doing things. If someone needs help, then she'll definitely be able to come up with a solution."
"However, if she was the one who needed help, then it's a whole new different story."
"When she finds herself at a dead- end, she'll forever be stuck if no one offers her help."
"She is pregnant at such a young age, so there must be many things that she can't let go. She's a person who doesn't like to talk. You are a man and you cannot act like her. You have to help her."
Novalie was very kind. If it were someone else, then she would not give them a second look, but Raeleigh was her granddaughter. She had to tell him no matter how reluctant she was.
Jepherson thought for a moment and said, "Thank you for your reminder."
Novalie looked up at Jepherson and said, "The next time you come up to eavesdrop, make sure to tiptoe when you walk."
"I wasn't eavesdropping. You must have misheard. I wouldn't dare to disturb you."
"Forget it. I was just babbling."
Jepherson used Raeleigh's fork and placed some food onto Novalie's plate. Then, he asked, "Grandma, do you have any idea why Raeleigh is in such a bad mood?"
Novalie thought for a moment and said, "I do know, but I can't say it. Initially, this matter has nothing to do with you, but I have no idea why she had to get you involved."
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