Chapter 24
Hearing Saskia’s words, Katniss got all choked up again. The tears she just wiped away started making a comeback.
Life’s been a real grind for Katniss. Back when she was with Aurora, she was the baby of the family. Sure, things were tough, but at least no one messed with her.
But after she got back to the Manners family, even though they had honey, she was pretty much invisible, and only Clara got all the
love.
Katniss agreed to Saskia’s request, not wanting to stress out Wesley’s family, and also to dig into what had led to Saskia’s depression
and suicide.
Seeing Katniss nod, Saskia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She checked her watch and freaked out–it was already 12:30. She had to hustle home to whip up lunch.
“It’s late. I gotta get home and make lunch for my mother–in–law,” Saskia said, all flustered. “Katniss, pack your stuff this afternoon. I’ll swing by to pick you up after school.”
Katniss knew Saskia’s mother–in–law was a real piece of work, so she didn’t argue, just found the nearest bus to send Saskia off.
Saskia was now a stay–at–home wife with no job and no cash. Every time she needed money, she had to beg her mother–in–law. Maybe that was part of why Saskia would develope depression. No matter what, Katniss had to figure it out.
When Saskia got home, she saw her family sitting on the couch, looking all ticked off.
She threw on her apron and apologized, heading into the kitchen to get lunch going.
Kieran Scott stormed into the kitchen, glaring at Saskia as she prepped the meal, and snapped, “Why are you late and not making lunch? We’re starving here.”
Saskia quickly explained, “I was late ‘cause I had to deal with something with Katniss. I’m really sorry. Next time, I’ll get the meal ready ahead of time.”
Kieran’s face stayed hard as he barked, “You need to apologize to my mom right now. Don’t piss her off again, got it?”
Saskia’s eyes flickered, and she bit her lip, nodding reluctantly.
“I’ll apologize right away,” Saskia said, putting away the ingredients. Even though she felt crappy, she explained patiently.
Kieran grumbled, “You’re married now. Why are you still so wrapped up with your family?” Before Saskia got back, his mom had chewed him out for over ten minutes.
Saskia was beautiful and sweet, always listening to him, which Kieran liked. But she couldn’t win over his mom, always leaving the old couple annoyed.
Saskia paused while washing the veggies, saying, “It was Katniss. There was a break–in at home, and my parents were worried. Since I live nearby, I went to check.”
“Katniss? That girl from your uncle’s family?” Kieran remembered seeing her once at their wedding. Katniss was pretty cute.
Saskia didn’t expect Kieran to remember.
Kieran asked, “Is she in college now? Is she seeing anyone?”
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Saskia looked at Kieran, puzzled, replying, “No, why do you ask?“
“I think Katniss looks pretty good. If she’s not seeing anyone, I could set her up with someone, Kieran suggested. ‘My cousin’s son is still single. You met him our wedding. If it works out, it would be great for both families.”
Saskia replied, a bit annoyed, “Katniss is still young, and your cousins son is a total mismatch.”
She remembered the guy well, thanks to Kieran’s mom always bringing him up. He was in his thirties, unmarried, wasting his days on video games and booze, with no real job. No way she was setting Katniss up with someone like that.
“What do you mean ‘mismatch‘? If he likes Katniss, it’d be a blessing for your family. Be careful, all that book reading might leave her single forever!” Kieran said, coughing from the kitchen fumes.
After a few more words, he quickly bailed from the kitchen.
“Tell Katniss about the setup. She might go for it,” he instructed Saskia. “Didn’t she move out? Bring her home for a meal.”
Saskia pursed her lips, saying coldly, “You hate the kitchen smell. It’s hard to clean your clothes. You should go out.”
After sending Saskia off, Katniss bolted towards the classroom to save time.
On the way to school, Katniss had a moment to think about the little episode at the coffee shop. This part–time gig was busy but full of interesting stories. But the real drama always happened in the classroom.
Luckily, the school wasn’t far, and she made it just before the bell rang.
“Did you hear? Katniss actually sent her fourth brother Simon to the police station herself. He’s gonna be there for a week. Clara’s so worried she can’t even eat.”
“Clara’s the real sibling. Katniss doesn’t deserve to be a Manners. She didn’t even spare her own brother. No wonder she got kicked
out.”
A few girls were whispering. When they saw Katniss walk in, they immediately shut up. Katniss shot them a cold look, and they scattered like scared rabbits.
A bunch of cowards who pick on the weak..
The more the Manners family got riled up, the happier Katniss felt.
Maximilian’s moves were seriously impressive. Not only did he put the Manners family in their place, but he also got Simon punished.
This whole scene really lifted her spirits!
Katniss thought she should properly thank Maximilian for all his help.
Felix said they lived near her house, probably in some rich folk neighborhood, so they should be easy to find.
In the afternoon, Katniss went to audit a medical class. Juniper, seeing her working so hard, could only shake her head and sigh.
She asked, “Katniss, do you really need to switch to the medical department? It’s so exhausting every day. And it’s really not
necessary.”
Juniper was the only daughter of a coal mine owner, spoiled since birth. She felt for Katniss and wanted to help, but Katniss always refused.
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Katniss organized her desk, saying lightly, “It’s fine. It’s good to learn more while we’re young. You go home. I’m heading to class.”
Juniper sighed helplessly, watching Katniss leave with her books.
After the medical class, it was nearly six o’clock. Even though it was autumn, it was still pretty hot outside.
Katniss walked out of the classroom, spotting Saskia by her bike, sweating like crazy, as if she had been waiting forever.
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