The Wrong Woman, The Wrong Move

For Sean's Sake

On the weekend, Sean brought Isobel back home to meet Grandma.

"Sasha." Sean came downstairs. "Izzie wants to try some of your homemade bread. Can you bake some for her?"

"Sure," I said, setting aside my work.

As I rolled up my sleeves and headed to the kitchen, Sean beamed at me. "Sasha, you're the best."

"Of course." I flashed him an indulgent smile.

Since our parents passed away, it had always been the two of us. We were the closest family we had, and I had always pampered him.

I took some eggs from the fridge while Sean lingered beside me instead of leaving right away. After a while, he suddenly asked, "Sasha, will you give me anything I want?"

The kitchen fell silent.

He went back to his bubbly demeanor again after a few seconds. "I heard a car outside. It must be Grandma. I'll go greet her!"

He left. After what felt like ages had passed, I sighed.

By the time the bread was ready, dinner had already been prepared. Isobel came downstairs and linked arms with Grandma, saying, "Agnes, I have good news for you."

Grandma, who had been quite unhappy with Sean's choice of girlfriend, suddenly burst into laughter after hearing Isobel whisper in her ear.

"That's wonderful! That's some great news, indeed. Hurry up and sit down—don't tire yourself out."

"Agnes, I'm fine," Isobel replied gently.

Placing the freshly baked bread in front of her, I said, "It's still quite hot. Let it cool before eating it."

Yet she didn't seem to hear me. She continued chatting with Grandma instead.

"Agnes, can I come visit you whenever I'm free?"

"Of course! I'd be happier than anyone to have you here."

Feeling somewhat awkward, I simply withdrew my hand and sat down.

Now that Isobel had Grandma wrapped around her finger, she finally turned toward the bread in front of her. Disgust filled her expression as she screeched, "This is way too greasy! Who put this here? Don't they know that pregnant women can't indulge in sweet stuff?"

Since Grandma's future great-grandchild was involved, she immediately got all worked up and slammed her hand on the table. "Who put it here? Do they want to get fired?"

Just then, Sean walked in and caught only the tail end of the conversation.

"Sasha baked it for Izzie. What's wrong, Grandma?"

Grandma swerved toward me with a distant look in her eyes. "Sasha, Izzie is pregnant now, and she can't stand sweet or greasy food. Don't serve this kind of food from now on."

Sean tried to interject, saying, "Grandma, I was the one who—"

"Sean, I feel like going for a walk," Isobel suddenly said. "Will you come with me?"

"Sure." He turned toward Grandma and me. "I'll take Izzie outside for a bit."

He gave me an apologetic look, and I returned it with a smile to reassure him I was fine. As I turned around, I caught the triumphant glint in Isobel's eyes.

I frowned, fully aware that she had framed me on purpose. But for Sean's sake, I held back.

It had been ages since Grandma last received wonderful news, and she couldn't stop smiling.

"Sasha, please don't ever do this again," she chided. "A woman has to be extra careful during the early stages of pregnancy. You're Sean's sister, so you have to take care of them. Won't you have to rely on them too when you get old?"

What she said didn't sit well with me, but considering her old age, I said nothing.

"Let's go, Grandma. I'll take you back."

…

I had been so busy that the next time I saw Sean was in my office.

"What a rare guest," I remarked with a chuckle.

Scratching his head, Sean said, "I happened to pass by with Izzie, so I figured I'd drop in. I didn't expect the new building to be this luxurious… Sasha, does the whole building belong to us?"