Chapter 32  “I practically mised Amanda, so I know her like the back of my hand. She’s an angel who wouldn’t hurt a fly, let alone her own sister What could she possibly gain from it? You have let Nicole pull wool over your eyes time and again.”  Nicole came in with tears streaming down her face. “Grandma, I know I left the Kennedy family when I was little and didn’t get the chance to be there for you. But you can’t just badmouth me because you prefer Amanda. I’m your granddaughter too–how can you play Favorites like that?”  “You sly bitch, you’re the one causing chaos in the Kennedy family. What has Amanda ever done to you that you’d ruin her big day?” Grandma grabbed her walking stick and swung it right at Nicole’s head. “You little troublemaker. Ill teach you a lesson for stirring up trouble and making Amanda vanish. Il beat your ass!”  Grandma had been bedridden for ages and didn’t have much strength left, but Chase still jumped in and shielded Nicole, taking the hit  on his back instead  kandma was livid. “Oh, look at you two, making eyes at each other right in front of me. Now I know you’ve been even more bold at the Reyes house. You’ve turned my dear granddaughter into such a wreck.  I had slowly become withdrawn and insecure, always second–guessing everything. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was fishy between Chase and Nicole, which left me in a cycle of pain and healing. It messed with my head and left me dependent on medication all year long.  grew quieter and quieter. A change Grandma noticed, and it pained her deeply. The rest of the Kennedy family had their eyes glued to Nicole, and no one seemed to care about my feelings or notice my change  “Mom, you’re being too harsh. Nicole’s been with the Reyes family for years, and Chase has always treated her like a sister. If people hear you talk like this, what will they think of Nicole?”  Grandma looked heartbroken. “You’re only worried about what folks will think of Nicole. Have you even considered Amanda’s feelings? Chase is her husband!”  Tears trickled down Grandma’s wrinkled face. Just because I’ve been stuck in bed doesn’t mean I’m blind. Open your eyes, use your heads, and think–do you really believe Amanda is as you believe?”  Her words made everyone stop and ponder as if replaying everything in their minds.  Grandma went on, “I heard she vanished on her wedding day and hasn’t been seen since. Yet here you are, letting this little troublemaker fool you. Amanda is your child, too! How can you be such a cold–hearted mother with no love for your own child?”  Chase looked shocked, still holding Nicole. “Grandma, what are you saying? Amanda hasn’t come home?”  My parents and siblings exchanged puzzled looks. They probably thought the same thing–that I had returned to the family home to visit Grandma early.  They hadn’t seen me and assumed I might have gone to make Grandma’s favorite blueberry cake like I always did when I visited.  My mom looked bewildered. “Hasn’t Amanda come back home?