The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 180

Anastasia looked at Pattie, feeling all kinds of upset inside.

"Pattie, I've got you some snacks. Take them, but make sure your mom doesn't see, okay?" Anastasia handed over the snacks and added, "If you get hungry, eat some. If you run into any trouble, remember you can come to my place. Building 3, Unit 1, room 802, got it?"

Pattie, clutching the snacks, stared wide-eyed at Anastasia and gave a little nod.

Anastasia couldn't be sure if Pattie really understood her, or if she was just nodding absent-mindedly. Seeing the still healing scars on Pattie's exposed ankle, Anastasia felt a pang of sadness. She really wanted to take Pattie away.

If Pattie stayed in this household, her future would definitely be ruined.

Penny's voice drifted out from inside the house. "Damn kid, who's at the door? Where the hell did you run off to? Aren't you supposed to be looking after your little brother?"

Pattie quickly shut the door and went back to take care of her little brother, hiding the snacks.

Penny was busy playing poker, not bothering to care for Pattie and her son. She only glanced casually at the living room to check that the kids were there, then went back to her game.

Pattie amused the little boy with a toy, and his giggles made her laugh along. Only when she was with her little brother could she get a moment's rest. But if her little brother started crying, she'd get a beating.

Pattie remembered her dad saying they were a family and that her mom just had a bad temper. So even though she really wanted to go back to Anastasia, she didn't dare.

This was her home, not Anastasia's. Plus, she overheard part of a conversation between Salma and Anastasia in the kitchen last time. If Anastasia adopted her, it would only bring her trouble and add to her burdens. Pattie, being considerate, didn't want to be a burden to her.

...

After seeing Pattie, Anastasia was pretty down. Back at her office, she called Herman and told him about Pattie's situation. "I think we need to find a way to get Pattie into school." If Pattie could go to school, Penny wouldn't have a chance to hurt her.

Herman was also concerned about Pattie and said, "I'll have someone check out the local kindergartens to see if we can sort out Pattie's schooling."

"Good, if Penny refuses to pay the tuition, we can cover it," Anastasia said. "I won't feel at ease until Pattie is settled."

Herman felt the same way. Pattie's situation was like a thorn, pricking them from time to time, causing worry.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this."

After hanging up, Herman asked Nelson to handle Pattie's school enrollment. "Go to Wonderland Kindergarten across from Harmony Meadows and sort out Pattie's enrollment. Tell the principal to inform Pattie's parents that the tuition is waived."

"Sure, Mr. Salstrom, I'll go right away."

Herman added, "If Penny and her husband refuse to send Pattie to school, get the police involved."