Like in the past, Shelby could say nothing to her mother. Her words stuck in her throat as her mother continued saying needless things unsuitable for anyone's ears, especially not from a mother to her daughter, no matter her age.
This was the Clara that Shelby remembered from childhood, the Clara that she did not like.
"I-"
She started, but then a startled gasp left her as her phone disappeared from her hands. She turned abruptly, only for her head to bump lightly into a broad chest.
"Y-"
He pressed the loudspeaker button, and Clara's angry comments came out loud and clear in the room.