Afraid Yvette would speak first, Janice forced a smile and softly said, “There was a misunderstanding between Ms. Zeller and me. I thought she was someone Sheldon brought home. He treated Bon so badly, so I vented my frustration.”
Janice looked genuinely remorseful. Bonnie, sensing Janice’s wrongdoing, felt guilty, knowing she’d inadvertently caused the conflict. “I’m sorry, Yvette. Janice was wrong,” Bonnie apologized. Janice, feeling further disdain for Bonnie, froze.
Xavian was right, she mused. Bonnie was a coward, a bookworm. And she called Yvette her friend? Why humiliate herself with such a groveling apology?
Bonnie’s tone firmed. “Janice, apologize to Yvette.” Janice cursed Bonnie silently. She’d hoped playing the victim would suffice, but Bonnie forced her apology. Infuriated, Janice muttered, “I’m sorry, Ms. Zeller. I shouldn’t have acted like that.”
Yvette, hands in pockets, fixed a calm gaze on Janice. Then, silently, she turned and walked away, followed by Jeremiah, Emmett, and Charles.
Samantha leaned against the doorframe, observing Janice’s dissatisfaction. The act wouldn’t fool anyone; Yvette was sparing Janice out of consideration for Bonnie. Otherwise, the consequences would have been far worse. Samantha scoffed and turned to Andrew. “Let’s go. The car’s waiting outside Dungo Village.”
Bonnie helped Janice up. “Come on, let’s leave.” But as Janice looked at Andrew leaving, she stumbled, her ankle swelling rapidly. Tears welled. “My ankle hurts. I can’t walk. Go without me.” Bonnie refused. “I’ll carry you. I won’t leave you.”
Andrew remained silent. Initially, he tolerated Janice for Bonnie’s sake, but offending Yvette changed things. Yvette wouldn't provoke a conflict unless provoked first; Janice had clearly started it. He decided to distance himself. If Bonnie weren't present, he would have left with Yvette and Jeremiah.
When Bonnie offered to carry Janice, Andrew said, less friendly than before, “Forget it. I’ll find a cart.”
Bonnie was grateful. “You’re smart. There should be something in the yard.” Janice felt frustrated. Is Andrew clueless? Here's a chance to get close, and he's giving it up, she thought, doubting his loyalty. She believed it was poor timing for him to show interest.
Outside, Samantha, hearing voices, re-entered with a sharp, cold tone. “Ms. Sanders, I can help you walk. Is that alright?” Janice nodded reluctantly.
Samantha told Bonnie and Andrew, “You two go ahead. I’ll help her.” Andrew was relieved. He had no desire to assist Janice.
Three Jeeps waited at Dungo Village’s entrance. Charles asked Yvette, “What did Janice do?”
Yvette replied calmly, “Ran into me. She tried to bump into me, so I kicked her and knocked her out cold.” Emmett sputtered his water in laughter. It sounded effortless.
Jeremiah smiled faintly. Yvette added, almost indifferently, “I kicked her lightly. She’s just too fragile.” Charles stifled laughter. Even Mysonna’s top fighters couldn’t withstand Yvette’s kick. She could send a black bear flying.
Jeremiah buttoned Yvette's oversized coat, Emmett and Charles turned away, bracing against the cold. Yvette looked like a child playing dress-up. She said obediently, “I’m not cold.” She had an unusual constitution, insensitive to temperature.
Emmett and Charles exchanged glances. Yvette’s as unromantic as ever. Poor Jeremiah… they thought.
Jeremiah was used to it. He smiled. “I’m warm.” Yvette noticed he wore only a shirt. Is he ill? she wondered. She checked his temperature. “You’re fine.”
Jeremiah, knowing he was fine, played along. “I don’t feel warm anymore.” Emmett and Charles sighed. Can these two ever date normally?
They were a unique couple, perfectly unsuitable for anyone else.
They got into the Jeeps. No one wanted to ride with Janice.
By the time Samantha and Bonnie reached the entrance, Jeremiah had already left, speeding into the night.
Watching the Jeep disappear, Janice’s expression darkened. She ignored that Jeremiah was driving. Yvette is too much! I apologized, yet she refuses to forgive me. She’s so arrogant, she thought bitterly.