Chapter 597: Chapter 597: "Dad Won’t Let Us Study.

That night, Michelle Fuller and her brother, Sean Fuller, both stayed over at Renee Jennings’s house.

Sean stayed in the guest room, while Michelle went with Renee Jennings to her room.

After they both showered and were lying in bed, Renee brought up that she had replied to Yvonne Morgan’s message for Sean.

Michelle clapped and cheered when she heard. "Perfect! That Yvonne Morgan probably thinks she’s all that, just waiting to see the shock on our faces when we ’discover’ she’s Sean’s girlfriend."

Renee’s lips curled into a playful smile. "I bet that’s exactly what she’s thinking."

"Oh, now I’m even more excited." Michelle rolled over, gazing at Renee’s profile in the dim light. "By the way, Renee, what do you think of Sawyer?"

Renee raised an eyebrow slightly. "Sawyer seems great. Why do you ask?"

"I wonder if she’s looking to date anyone." Michelle flopped onto her stomach, her eyes bright. "I want to introduce Sean to her. That kid looks like he’s dying to be in a relationship. Instead of letting some other girl trick him, I’d rather set him up with someone dependable."

Hearing this, Renee agreed it was a good idea. "Okay, I’ll find a chance to ask her for you."

"I’m counting on you!" Michelle puckered her lips and blew a kiss.

Renee said with a resigned sigh, "Oh, you. You’re obviously so concerned about Sean, but you always pretend you don’t care."

"As if I care about him," Michelle scoffed, lying back down. "Okay, time for bed. We have to go grocery shopping with Aunt Rae tomorrow morning."

"Are we really going?" Renee asked, surprised.

"We are. We have to," Michelle said firmly. "I promised Aunt Rae. I can’t break my word."

Renee was silent for two seconds. "In that case, can I get out of it?"

"Sure," Michelle said with a grin. "Sean and I can go with Aunt Rae, that’s fine."

The night passed dreamlessly, and the alarm went off right at seven o’clock.

The alarm woke Renee, who slowly opened her eyes.

She turned her head and saw Michelle sleeping soundly, completely oblivious to the alarm.

Renee chuckled, turned off the alarm, and patted Michelle’s arm. "Michelle, time to get up."

"Mmm?" Michelle’s eyes groggily opened a sliver as she shifted in bed.

"The alarm went off. Time to get up."

"Let me sleep a little longer."

Renee raised an eyebrow. "Alright, then Sean and I will go grocery shopping with my mom."

With that, she swung her legs over and got out of bed.

She had just slipped on her slippers and taken a few steps when Michelle shot bolt upright in bed, calling out in a stuffy voice, "Wait for me!"

She quickly threw off the covers and jumped out of bed.

Fifteen minutes later, the two changed into comfortable clothes and went downstairs wearing dark red and light pink baseball caps.

"Auntie, Sister Michelle, good morning!"

"Good morning, Auntie! Good morning, Sister Michelle!"

Zane and Jasmine, dressed in their kindergarten uniforms, tilted their clean, porcelain-like faces up to call out their greetings.

"Good morning, my dears, Zane and Jasmine." Michelle gently pinched the two little ones’ soft cheeks, grinning. "Aren’t you happy to see me?"

"Yes!" Zane nodded his little head emphatically.

"So happy," Jasmine said in her sweet, childish voice, tugging on her hand. "My brother and I would be even happier if you’re still here when we get home from school!"

The little girl’s words made Michelle’s heart soar. She nodded eagerly and promised, "Of course. I’m not leaving tonight. I’ll wait for you to get back from school so we can play together."

Zane’s eyes brightened, and a smile bloomed on his little face.

Meanwhile, Jasmine raised her little hands and cheered, spinning in circles. "Yay, yay! We get to play with Sister Michelle! This is the best!"

"Time to head to school. Put on your backpacks and say goodbye to everyone," Diana Jennings reminded them gently.

Zane and Jasmine obediently slung on their little backpacks and waved goodbye.

Michelle watched the two little figures leave, then glanced at the clock on the wall and frowned. "It’s already seven-thirty. Sean is so unreliable."

The words had barely left her lips when Sean’s energetic voice rang out. "I’m here! Good morning, everyone!"

Michelle shot him a glare. "You’re late."

"I’m not late. It’s seven-thirty, right on time!" Sean looked at Rhea Dempsey and grinned. "Right, Aunt Rae?"

"Yes, right on time," Rhea Dempsey said, holding a grocery basket. "Let’s get going then."

Sean, ever perceptive, reached for the basket. "Let me carry that, Aunt Rae."

The four of them drove to the largest farmers’ market nearby.

Rhea Dempsey stopped in front of a small stall selling pomegranates.

The others also stopped.

Sean followed her gaze and, assuming she wanted to buy pomegranates, spoke up. "Aunt Rae, do you want to get some pomegranates? We can buy them at the supermarket later. The quality of the fruit is a little better there."

"Quiet down," Michelle said, pinching his arm. "Aunt Rae must have a reason for stopping here."

Sean pouted but nodded obediently. "Okay, I’ll shut up."

Renee noticed that the sellers were two children. The girl, who seemed to be the older sister, looked about ten years old. Her long hair was draped over her shoulders, the ends tangled and messy. The boy was small, about Zane’s size, with hair so long it was getting in his eyes.

’But isn’t it Monday today?’

Rhea Dempsey had the same thought. She gently prompted them, "Kids, it’s already past eight o’clock. Why are you still here selling pomegranates? You should hurry off to school."

The little girl shook her head and said timidly, "Ma’am, we don’t go to school. Do you want to buy some pomegranates? They’re big and sweet—only five dollars a pound!"

"Not in school?" Rhea Dempsey’s brow furrowed, a sense of urgency in her voice. "Why not? You’re at the right age to be in school. You won’t make any real money selling pomegranates."

A flicker of disappointment crossed the little girl’s eyes. She bit her lip and remained silent.

The little boy beside her, holding a bag of soda crackers, mumbled, "Dad won’t let us."

"Why not?" A look of displeasure crossed Rhea Dempsey’s face.

Michelle found it both absurd and heartbreaking. Her tone grew stern. "What could your parents be thinking, not letting you go to school? What good will selling a few pomegranates do? You should be studying. An education is your only chance to change your future."

Sean quickly chimed in. "Yeah, that’s right! You have to get an education!"

The little girl’s gaze dimmed, and she slowly lowered her head. She looked completely dejected, like a lifeless little doll.

The little boy tilted his head back to look up at the adults, his eyes full of pure, innocent confusion. "Ma’am, do you want to buy some pomegranates?"

"Kids, where are your mom and dad?" Renee asked gently.

The little boy was about to speak, but was stopped by his sister.

The little girl clapped a hand over her brother’s mouth. She looked up and glared at Renee’s group, her tone suddenly turning hostile. "It’s none of your business! If you’re not buying, then get out of the way of our stall!"

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