Chapter 521 Letting Go of Past Grudges
A week later, Seb, Susan, and the crew touched down safe and sound at the airport.
Seb had a snoozing Spring in his arms, Leon was lugging the bags, Kathy was holding Hayden's hand, Mary had some carry-on stuff, and Susan was holding the hand of an adorable little girl.
This little cutie was about three, rocking two braids and a red and black plaid dress, looking all kinds of cute.
Once they got out of the terminal, Susan glanced up at Seb. "Seb, I'm gonna take Amanda to Dorothy. You take Hayden and Spring home first."
"Got it," Seb nodded. "Rylee and Andrew invited us for dinner. I'll drop the kids off, then we can head to the hotel, cool?"
"Cool," Susan nodded and took off with Amanda.
In the taxi, Amanda looked up at Susan with big eyes. "Aunt Susan, will I see Mommy soon?"
Susan patted Amanda's braids and smiled. "Yep, real soon."
Avaloria was a city in the country of Averlake. Susan's honeymoon trip to Avaloria was actually a cover to bring Amanda back so Dorothy could spend some time with her.
Even though Dorothy hadn't said anything, Susan could tell she missed Amanda a ton. Dorothy had changed a lot, probably realizing her past screw-ups.
Dorothy now dressed super plain, no makeup, and was really quiet. It made Susan sad, 'cause Dorothy used to be her closest sister.
The doorbell rang twice, and footsteps came to open the door.
When the door opened, Susan saw it was Catherine. "Mom, look who I brought!"
Catherine looked down and, after a moment, pulled Amanda into a big hug. "Oh my God, Amanda, you've grown so much! I almost didn't recognize you!"
Seeing Catherine all excited, Susan closed the door behind her.
Amanda politely said, "Grandma," but she wasn't as hyped as Catherine.
Right then, Dorothy came out of the bedroom, hearing the noise. When she saw Amanda, she dropped whatever she was holding!
She could hardly believe Amanda was right there. She walked over, her hand shaking as she touched Amanda's face, and asked, "Amanda, is that you?"
"Mommy!" Amanda looked up at Dorothy, her brow furrowed, tears in her eyes.
Amanda was clearly emotional seeing Dorothy, but she kept it together. Amanda was polite, composed, and super self-sufficient, as Susan had noticed over the past couple of days.
Susan knew Amanda's personality was shaped by her upbringing, and Henry's parents had taught Amanda to be very polite. Honestly, it wasn't a bad idea for Amanda to stay with Henry's folks.
"Amanda!" Dorothy then pulled Amanda into a tight hug and cried.
Amanda looked up at the crying Dorothy and reached out her small hand to wipe away her tears.
Seeing the mother and daughter, Catherine was naturally in tears, and Susan's eyes were also red.
At this point, Catherine pulled Susan to the sofa in the living room, letting Dorothy and Amanda catch up.
"Susan, weren't you on your honeymoon? Why'd you bring Amanda back? Oh, right, did you plan to bring Amanda back from Averlake all along after your honeymoon?" Catherine asked, piecing it together.
Susan just smiled, seeing Catherine had figured it out.
Catherine couldn't help but say, "I'm so happy. I didn't expect you to be so forgiving, not holding any grudges against Dorothy and helping her out when she's in trouble."
Susan smiled and said, "Mom, we're always family. Besides, apart from you all, I don't have any other relatives."
"Yeah." Catherine nodded, feeling relieved.
Right then, Dorothy walked over, holding Amanda's hand.
"Susan, thank you for bringing Amanda back. It was all my fault before; I was out of my mind," Dorothy said, lowering her head and crying.
Seeing this, Susan stood up, took Dorothy's hand, and said, "Dorothy, we've been sisters for so many years. I hope you'll always be my family and that we can take care of Mom together!"
"I will," Dorothy nodded with tears in her eyes, then sat on the sofa, pulling Amanda into her arms, not wanting to let go.
Seeing the life return to Dorothy's eyes, Susan felt super relieved.
Susan then said, "Dorothy, Amanda's grandparents agreed to let me bring her back because I promised to return her to Averlake after her vacation. They've been very understanding, so you need to be considerate."
Hearing this, Dorothy hesitated for a moment and said, "I understand. Seeing how well Amanda has been raised by her grandparents makes me happy too. But Susan, could you talk to them and see if she can come back to stay with me during future vacations?"
"You are Amanda's mother. I think if you explain it to them sincerely, they will agree," Susan nodded.
"Yeah," Dorothy nodded with tears in her eyes.
As a mom herself, Susan totally got Dorothy's feelings, so she added, "Amanda getting an education in Averlake is something many kids can only dream of. If you miss her too much, you can visit her in Averlake. I can have Seb help you with the visa."
Hearing this, Dorothy reached out and held Susan's hand, filled with gratitude and guilt, and said, "Susan, you do make me realize how important family is!"
"Since we're family, you shouldn't have to be so polite," Susan smiled.
At that moment, Susan felt super emotional, but she didn't show it. After so many years, she and Dorothy had finally reconciled, something she never thought would happen.
"Seb's sister is still waiting for us for dinner. I gotta go. Mom, now that Amanda is back, make her some good food," Susan said as she stood up.
"I'll cook for Amanda. Mom has to go to the hospital every day to take care of Todd," Dorothy quickly said before Catherine could speak.
Hearing this, Susan looked at Catherine in shock.
Facing Susan's gaze, Catherine's face blushed, and she lowered her head, not daring to meet Susan's eyes.
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