The greatest love

THIRTEEN

Maddie

Maddie's father and brother arrived later in the evening. Timothy exclaimed when she saw Maddie. “Maddie! Are you sick?” He ran to hug Maddie. Maddie has never felt more love towards his brother.

Jonah pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. “Maddie darling, I’m so glad you’re okay. Please don’t ever do that to us again. Your mom and me and Timothy love you very very much. Don’t ever forget that.”

“I love you both and Timothy very much. I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking properly,” Maddie said through her tears.

The four of them spent the evening talking about everything, catching up for lost time. Jonah apologized for not spending time enough with the children. Allison also apologized for not spending enough time alone with Maddie, and Maddie apologized for not opening up more with her parents. They made plans for a family holiday soon.

Allison told Maddie that she does not have to go back to her old school. They will enrol her in another primary school in the neighbouring suburb. It is further away but they will make it work.

Maddie was pleasantly surprised when her mother told her the story of meeting with Ms Monroe the principal and Phoebe's parents.

“I thought you would be angry at me for cutting Phoebe's hair. Mr James and Ms Monroe were very angry at me,” said Maddie.

“Of course not honey, I thought your actions, while not right, was totally justified and understandable. I think that girl deserved more punishment for what she did to you for so long. If you had told me sooner, I would have pulled you out of that school sooner,” replied Allison warmly.