Dear Bully, you are too late
Before I could protest, she had already placed a generous portion on my plate.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
"You're welcome." She smiled. "And Alyson, I want you to stop looking so nervous around us."
I looked up.
"This is your home too now, okay? You don't have to ask permission for every little thing."
My throat tightened.
"Yes, ma'am."
Mrs. Hartley laughed softly.
"And please, call me Aunty Sarah. You're making me feel old."
Everyone chuckled.
Everyone except Leon.
I kept my eyes on my plate and focused on eating.