章 12: Little beggar

When Penny came home, Allison and Charles were anxiously waiting for her in the family room. Their children were still in their school uniform with a look indiscernible. The second they saw her with Haines, the couple could only sigh in relief and sprinted to Penny to ease their anxiety.

"Penny, I thought something already happened to you!" Allison squatted in front of the chubby girl. "Why did you leave without telling anyone? Where did you go?"

Charles stood behind his wife, looking a little troubled.

Seeing their troubled faces, Penny felt guilt. "I didn't mean to worry you…"

"Tch! As if!" Slater jumped, yelling like a dog. "She probably left because she wants to snag more attention from mom and dad! Otherwise, there's no reason for her to leave the house!"

"Slater…" Nina held his arm to stop him. "Don't be like that. Maybe Penny just misses her aunt or she's unhappy with how things had been."

Huh?

Did Penny look unhappy at all?

Hearing Nina's assumptions, Slater's anger boiled even more. "Unhappy?! How can she still be unhappy when she eats everything she wants and has Mom and Dad's attention all for herself!?"

The couple looked at Slater worriedly.

Could it be that their actions until now made Penny unhappy? And that she was simply too shy to say that?

"Mom, Dad, this only shows how ungrateful she is!" Slater continued to fire shots at her, pointing at Penny accusingly. "Even if you give her the world, she wouldn't be satisfied and would want more! She —"

HICCUP!

Slater stopped when he suddenly heard a hiccup. Allison and Charles followed the noise, and their eyes fell on the plump little girl in front of them.

"Slater is right…" Penny hiccuped, squeezing every tear she could at the moment. "How can I be unhappy when mom and dad have been so welcoming of me? It was the first time I felt so warm during winter because my auntie always asked me to stay out in the cold. I just saw the kitten from the window and I thought it needed help."

Finally, everyone noticed the cat she was hugging and the little toad in her hand.

"Maybe Slater and my aunt are right," she added in between her tears. "I'm more suited to be a little beggar because I do not deserve even the ounce of the world."

Slater's anger shifted to confusion.

Where in his sentiments did she hear him say she should be a little beggar? He wasn't that mean!

"Oh, Penny, that's not true!" Feeling sorry for her, Allison pulled her into her embrace. "You deserve the world, Penny. Your aunt is just being mean — she shouldn't say that to a little girl."

"That is right." Charles tapped Penny's shoulder mildly. "Who said my daughter is more suited to be a little beggar? You are my princess! I'd like to see who dares say another harsh word toward you."

Penny broke out with more tears, crying dramatically in Allison's arms. Charles, on the other hand, felt sorry for her. Ever since she came, Penny kept tight lips about her life with her auntie. Hearing how she would usually spend her winter broke his heart.

Haines, who was watching this unfold, blinked in confusion.

The little girl he knew might look adorable and innocent, but there was cunningness in her eyes. It was unbelievable to see her acting her age.

"Tch." Slater clicked his tongue, backing down. "I didn't say she should be a beggar. All I'm saying is…"

Charles glared at his son, making Slater's ears droop.

"Since she's fine, I'll go back to my room," Atlas spoke, seeing that everything had settled. "I have an exam coming up, so I'd appreciate it if no one disturbs me."

The firstborn carried an air of nonchalance, leaving the family room without a second look.

"My training is canceled, but I still want to keep my body in condition," the second son, Hugo, lowered his head a little. When he lifted his eyes and it fell on Penny, he sighed a bit. "Penny, don't cry anymore. If you want to go out next time, make sure you tell someone so we won't get worried."

The couple's expression softened as Hugo finally shared a word with Penny. As for Penny, she was a little scared.

'Why did Hugo sound so nice?' she wondered in horror, remembering this guy and Atlas would never waste a breath on her. 'Did he feel sorry when I said what Jessa was doing to me?'

"Slater?" Allison called, but Slater just frowned deeply.

"I'm not going to apologize because I didn't tell her she should be a beggar!" Slater exclaimed before he walked out. This time, he was a little too flustered he forgot about Nina.

Nina smiled weakly as she gazed at the couple, only to see they had their focus on Penny again.

"I see." Allison smiled as her eyes swirled with affection. "Did you name them yet?"

Penny shook her head.

"How about we go back to your room and we can think of what you will name them?"

"Okay."

Having said that, Allison ushered Penny back to her room. Charles followed behind them just to make sure his wife had calmed down and also Penny was okay.

Nina stood all alone in the family room, staring at her parents and that new girl who was slowly stealing everything from her. She didn't realize Haines was still in the room until he spoke.

"It's okay." Haines placed a hand on top of her head, offering the little lady a smile. "Please understand that Penny has been away from home for 13 years. They were just trying to make up for the lost time."

Nina pressed her lips. "Uncle Haines, can you help me with my assignment? My tutor couldn't make it today."

"Oh." Haines wanted to agree, but after working himself like a dog, he truly needed rest. "I'm a little tired, but Nina, you're very smart. I'm sure you can do it on your own. If not, then you can ask for Atlas's help."

Haines was still polite, but Nina frowned.

"I'm going to rest early," he said, not noticing the dissatisfaction in the girl's eyes.

Haines didn't idle and dragged himself to his room. Penny's disappearance worked for him because he was able to return early and now he could rest.

Nina tried to understand Haines because he looked so haggard. But when nighttime came, she would accidentally stumble on Haines and Penny in the living area, with Haines seemingly helping Penny understand his laptop.

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