Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 135

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Inside the classroom, the other parents kept throwing sly glances Erica’s way.

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If Erica hadn’t been standing there with her fierce presence, they would’ve been way more blatant about trying to catch all the drama.

Stella acted like she couldn’t care less about all those sidelong glances, crouching down to meet Irene’s gaze and reassuring her in a gentle, even tone. “Ms. Jansen got hurt, so she couldn’t make it to the PTA meeting. But when she gets better, she’ll be back by your side.”

“Really?” Irene’s sobs slowed, her huge, misty eyes gazing up at Stella with hope. “Ms. Jansen really didn’t skip it on purpose?”

Stella said, “Really, she didn’t mean to.”

Irene pressed, “And she didn’t mean to ignore me either?”

Stella replied, “No.”

After that short conversation, Irene finally smiled, but Erica’s expression remained icy–if anything, the contrast made her look even more distant. Still, her eyes were full of aching concern for Stella.

I can’t imagine what kind of mindset Stella must have to keep bringing up Sylvia as a reason just to comfort Irene, Erica thought, her heart twisting with helplessness for her friend. ‘Just how many times does someone have to be disappointed before they end up showing such numb indifference?‘

Erica didn’t dare think too deeply about it. She blinked away the sting behind her eyes and, pushing down all that bitterness, suddenly said, “Stella, I could really go for a glass of that special vintage my dad’s got locked up in his cellar.”

Stella gave her a gentle smile over her shoulder. “Sure. Once we get home tonight, let’s go ask Mr. Russell for

some.

Erica managed a small smile. “Okay.”

“Mom!” Irene called out, her voice just needing Stella’s attention.

She couldn’t stand it when Stella’s focus wasn’t on her. “I want a hug.”

Stella’s smile faded, and she scooped Irene up. The little girl clung to her neck, that familiar baby scent drifting into Stella’s nose–but instead of the sweet, comforting smell she used to love, it now felt stinging.

Stella instinctively leaned her head back, putting a bit of distance between them. Only when a gust of wind swept through the window did that uncomfortable feeling begin to fade.

Stella carried Irene over to her desk and sat down. Erica dragged over a chair, but before she could even sit, Irene blurted out, “You’re mean! Just go away–I don’t want you here at my PTA meeting!”

Erica snickered, “As if I came here for you. I’m only here because of Stella, so don’t flatter yourself.”

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Chapter 135

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“Mom,” Irene complained, turning desperately to Stella for backup. “Can you please make her leave? I don’t want her around.”

“We’ll head out once the meeting is done,” Stella replied smoothly.

Irene still wouldn’t let it go. “No! I want her out now–tell her to leave right this second!”

“So

you

don’t want us to help out at your PTA meeting?” Stella asked, her voice gentle but unyielding.

It took a second for Irene to realize Stella meant “us,” not just “Erica.”

Irene scrunched up her little eyebrows. “I want that mean lady to leave… not you, Mom.”

Stella interrupted her. “We’re a package deal–you can’t have me without her.”

It was pretty obvious that she and Erica were sticking together.

“You want her instead of me?” Irene’s eyes went wide, looking at Stella like she just got stabbed in the back.

‘I’m supposed to be number one in Mom’s heart–nobody should matter more than me!‘ Irene’s chest hurt just thinking that.

But Stella didn’t hesitate for a second, and her reply crushed that little bit of confidence Irene had left. “That’s right.”

“You…” Irene’s lips quivered, and she was about to burst into tears again. “You’re a terrible mom! I don’t want you anymore–go away with her! I don’t want either of you at my PTA meeting!”

“Alright,” Stella said flatly.

She gently set Irene down, stood up, and started to head out, Erica in tow.

But she wasn’t actually leaving yet–at least not until the meeting was over.

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Watching Irene thrash around like a mad kitten, Erica raised an eyebrow. “What’s your deal, munchkin? What’s this got to do with you, huh?”

Irene’s face flushed scarlet as she yelled, “She’s MY mom! I won’t let her hang out with anyone else–she’s supposed to look after me and only me!”

She started kicking out at Erica in a wild tantrum. “Bad lady, let me go right now!”

Erica dodged her kicks, scoffing, “Wow, tiny as you are, you’re crazy possessive. Always want everything your way–bet you picked that up from Ms. Jansen. Can’t have it both

ways, kiddo.”

“Don’t you talk smack about Ms. Jansen!” Irene screamed, going full gremlin and trying to sink her teeth into Erica’s hand. Erica just slapped her palm over Irene’s mouth, squishing her lips into a pout.

Erica teased, “What’s with the biting? What are you, a little puppy?”

With her mouth smushed shut, Irene mumbled, “Lemme go! I’m gonna bite you for real!”

Erica had to admit, Irene looked kinda cute like that–but it didn’t make her soft, not even a little.

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Chapter 135

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Some kids just had a mean streak down to their bones; no amount of cuteness could ever hide that.

Erica turned to Stella, shooting her a look that clearly said, ‘Your call–how are you handling this one?‘

Stella was just about to say something–figuring she ought to go easy on Irene since she was Ernest’s kid- when Simon stepped in to lighten the mood. “Hey Irene, if you want to come along, you’re welcome to hang out with us tomorrow too.”

“She’s going too?” Irene blurted out, shooting Daisy a glare and pointing right at her.

Simon smiled. “That’s right.”

“Forget it, count me out!” Irene grumbled, arms crossed. “No way I’m hanging out with her!”

Daisy looked crushed, her lips trembling in a sad little pout as she glanced up at Stella. “Ms. Pretty, does Irene not like me?”

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