Chapter 34

"Beth?" A soft voice came from behind Bethany, almost like a whisper. Bethany quickly closed the report and turned around. "Aunt Tina?" To her surprise, it turned out to be Tina. The latter was dressed in a hospital gown, her face bare of makeup and pallid. Tina's expression lit up with joy when she saw Bethany, and her eyes sparkled. "It's you! I was worried I might have confused someone else for you. What's going on? Are you feeling unwell?" Tina asked gently. "No. I'm here for a regular check-up." Bethany shook her head, her emotions all over the place. Since the birthday party, she had avoided Samuel Reyes Tina; she had been too embarrassed to face them. It was the first time Bethany and Tina had crossed paths in over a year. How could Bethany tell Tina the truth now that she knew? "The only thing that matters is that you're okay." Tina beckoned Bethany over and continued, "You cannot afford to be sick. Come and sit by my side. It's been a year, Beth. Why do you look so t