“What!"" Julie burst out indignantly.

“What the hell is the matter with her? She is Maria's grandmother. Why would she even think about ruining her granddaughter's relationship? What a malicious woman!" The more she talked about it, the more agitated Julie became.

Just then, Maria and Isla emerged from the kitchen, each with a tray of dishes.

“It's time to eat. Why don't we drop that subject?" Maria said with a bright smile.

“But that's ridiculous! Gosh, I'm so livid!" Julie was breathing heavily with rage, her fist rubbing her chest.

Maria shook her head. She looked quaint and lovely in her floral apron. She sat between Anthony and Julie, then edged her chair closer to Anthony's.

Anthony noticed it and couldn't stop himself from grinning.

He was just about to express how pleased he was when Maria interjected, “Mrs. Jenkins probably wanted to set you up with Barbara. Aren't you interested at all?"

"Oh, stop it, Maria!" Julie scolded.

She was worried that Anthony might get offended and it would put a dent to his relationship with Maria.

To her surprise, however, Anthony nodded and looked to be considering it seriously. "I did think about it. But after comparing the two of you, I believe you are the better option."

Maria giggled and put a slice of ham on his plate.

Julie blinked at them.

It struck her then that Anthony and Maria were secure with their relationship. They both knew they could trust each other under any circumstance.

“You shouldn't say such words, Maria,“ Julie still lessoned Maria. In response, Maria placed a slice of ham on her plate.

“Try it, mom, I'm sure you would like it."

Julie lapsed into silence.

She knew Maria had her ways of dealing with things and Anthony would never let anyone talk Maria into doing something she didn't want to.

Julie took a bite of the ham. Sure enough, it was delicious. Maria was gifted in cooking.

Time passed by peacefully until two days later, when someone came to the Lemna Yard.

Maria was on the swing Grover made for her a while back. It was hanging from a huge oak tree.

Anthony kept her company, sitting in his wheelchair to the side. Reuben sauntered into the yard unannounced, a smug smirk on his face. When he spotted Maria swinging up in the air, he huffed and screamed at her.

“Oh, dear Maria! How can you still have fun at a time Like this? Didn't you hear about the trouble you caused this time?"

Maria scraped her foot on the ground as she swung downward, and the swing skidded to a stop. She stared at Reuben, until the man bristled under her unwavering gaze.