Chapter 22
On Sunday, Mirabella’s package arrived. It wasn’t particularly large, yet it was surprisingly heavy. Shawn, who had mustered the strength of Hercules and enlisted his wife’s help, finally managed to heave the box from the doorstep into the living room.
Delilah eyed her husband, puffing and panting, and teased, “Don’t forget to take that supplement Mira sent you, hon.”
Shawn’s forehead was a symphony of throbbing veins. Exhausted, he had no desire to speak.
Mirabella descended the staircase just in time to witness the scene. She headed to the kitchen for a glass of water.
“Honey, your package is here.” Delilah called out to her.
With a nonchalant hum, Mirabella set down her glass and approached.
“What on earth did your friend send you? It’s so heavy,” Delilah said, her curiosity piqued.
Mirabella’s eyes lowered slightly as she rolled up her sleeves, answering casually, “Oh, just a bunch of knick–knacks.”
As she spoke, she bent down and effortlessly lifted the box, her slender frame seeming to harbor boundless strength.
“I’m heading upstairs,” she declared, her voice betraying no sign of strain.
Beside her, Shawn, who had struggled so mightily, was flabbergasted. Was his daughter a strongwoman? The box must have weighed at least fifty pounds. How could she lift it with such ease?
Delilah, too, was taken aback. In that instant, her mental image of a delicate and dainty daughter began to crumble.
Mirabella had always been strong and was unaware of the psychological shadows she cast on her parents by merely lifting a box. After a year in her current body, which had initially felt feeble, she had undergone extensive conditioning and training that had left her in the best shape so far. To her, a box weighing forty or fifty pounds was a trifle.
After hauling the box to her room, Mirabella spent the entire afternoon tinkering with its contents, scarcely leaving her sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Delilah made several trips to her daughter’s door, contemplating a knock but ultimately deciding against it.
It wasn’t until dinner time that Mirabella emerged, a trace of fatigue gracing her delicate features.
Emmitt was present at dinner as well, which surprised Mirabella. Since picking her up from the airport, he had not once returned home. Whether he was simply too busy or reluctant to accept her as his sister, she didn’t know. And frankly. it didn’t matter to her.
At the dinner table, Emmitt’s expression was a mix of emotions. “Mirabella, Mom told me you’re transferring to Parkside High School?” he asked. She mentioned choosing Parkside High a few days ago, but he thought she was just boasting. Deep down, he had little respect for her, which was why he didn’t bother to come by after dropping Summer off at the Gilbert family. Had it not been for several calls from his mother, he might not have returned even today.
You could only imagine his shock upon seeing the acceptance letter from Parkside High School that his mother had shown him.
Mirabella was focused on her meal, and only after a considerable delay did she lift her head to meet Emmitt’s gaze with her own clear eyes, replying. “Yeah… I am. I’m going to register tomorrow.”
Meeting his sister’s pure gaze, Emmitt felt as if something was lodged in his throat, and it took him a moment to murmur. “Then… I’ll take you to school tomorrow.”
“Oh, there’s no need. I can take the bus. You’ve got your things to do.” Mirabella responded, thinking she was being considerate and helpful.
Hearing this, Emmitt’s discomfort intensified.
Chapter 23
