Chapter 15
Sylvia looked sweet and adorable, and her outfit was perfectly suited to her age. Anyone would want to hug and shower her with affection.
It was out of place to be associating her with words like “ugly” or “disgusting“.
Sylvia had grown up surrounded by compliments, and this was the first time someone had ever said something so mean to her.
Sylvia burst into tears and chung tightly to Celeste.
Celeste immediately held her and said, “That’s not true, Sylvia. You’re not disgusting at all. You’re beautiful and so, so cute. Don’t you think so too?”
Sylvia’s sobs softened as her spirits lifted a little. Before she could respond, Jordyn’s reddening eyes filled with Indignation as she watched Celeste continue to hold Sylvia and praise her.
“I… I don’t like you anymore! I don’t want you to be my mom!” Jordyn shouted before running off.
Celeste quickly reached out and caught her.
Jordyn’s hurtful words had taken her by surprise. While Celeste was upset, she didn’t want to scold her in public and cause her further embarrassment.
Pulling her into a hug, Celeste kissed her forehead. “Alright, don’t be upset…”
Jordyn felt her anger subside slightly at the kiss. But now, her frustration turned into a flood of tears, and she demanded petulantly, “Then… then you can’t hug her anymore! And you can’t say she’s cute!”
It fin
It finally dawned on Celeste why Jordyn was acting out–she was jealous.
Though she’d just declared she didn’t want Celeste as her mom anymore, the moment someone else seemed to take her place, Jordyn couldn’t stand it.
The realization amused Celeste.
She didn’t promise anything but kissed Jordyn again to calm her. She carried both children away from the crowd for some privacy.
Taking the opportunity, Jordyn shoved Sylvia out of Celeste’s arms.
Sylvia had a gentle temperament despite her young age. While she adored Celeste, she didn’t harbor the same possessiveness Jordyn did. Besides, Jordyn’s fierce demeanor intimidated her a little.
Still holding Jordyn, Celeste spoke softly, “Jo, I know you’re very cool, but everyone has different tastes. You love being cool and stylish, but some people like being sweet and adorable.
“You can’t call someone ugly or disgusting just because their style isn’t the same as yours. We should respect everyone’s preferences. Do you understand what I mean?”
Celeste knew her daughter was exceptionally smart. While some children might not grasp what she was saying, Jordyn certainly could.
Jordyn did understand. She knew she had been wrong to say that about Sylvia. But deep down, she couldn’t stand seeing Celeste holding and being kind to other children.
She pursed her lips, refusing to speak.
Celeste gently tousled her hair and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. “It’s okay to make mistakes as
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Chapter 15
long as we learn from them. But you can’t say things like that to others again, alright?”
Celeste’s continued warmth and care cased Jordyn’s temperat last. She leaned into her embrace and nodded while sniffling “Okay.”
Celeste smiled and kissed her cheek before turning to Sylvia and saying, “Sylvia, this is Jo, my daughter. She knows she made a mistake. Would you forgive her?”
Sylvia hesitated as she was still a little wary of Jordyn. However, Celeste’s gentle tone reassured her, and she nodded obediently. “Okay, I forgive her.
“Thank you, Sylvia,” Celeste said with a smile, then looked at Jordyn “Jo, what do you say?”
Jordyn lifted her head from Celeste’s arms. “I’m sorry.”
Sylvia offered a shy smile. “It’s… It’s okay.”
With the situation resolved, Celeste breathed a sigh of relief and led both children to the classroom.
Donna came to take Sylvia, and Celeste crouched down to speak gently to Jordyn. “It’s over now. Head into your classroom, okay?”
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