Chapter 21
The town was abuzz with the shocking news that Natalie had pushed Emma into the water, and the community was in an uproar, fearing for Emma’s well-being.
[Natalie, just an adopted Simpson, overstepping like that with Mrs. Spencer?] [Her actions are deplorable.] [Can you believe it? Mrs. Spencer’s nearly seventy, and Natalie just pushed her into the pool.] [I’ve seen her in action, always trying to please everyone. The Simpsons’ four sons, the whole family for that matter, can’t stand her. But who would have thought she’d go this far?] [It’s scary when someone like her finally snaps. Why target an old lady, though?] [Word is Jennifer jumped in to save Mrs. Spencer. Same family, such different actions.] [Jennifer’s the complete package – kind, beautiful, a piano genius, and a great dancer. It’s baffling why the Simpsons adopted Natalie. She seems to have nothing going for her.]
For a time, the news was nothing but a barrage of insults against Natalie, making her the most hated person overnight. Meanwhile, Jennifer, the puppet master behind the scenes, was too thrilled to sleep. Natalie’s existence was the perfect foil to her own image.
Jennifer schemed to convince everyone that Natalie had been mimicking her and had stolen her boyfriend. She intended to craft a convincing story to go public with, aiming to turn Natalie into an outcast.
In no time, the news skyrocketed to the top of the trending lists across all platforms. Then, another juicy rumor surfaced.
[Inside sources say Mr. Spencer is throwing a special thank-you dinner for Jennifer tomorrow night, to show his gratitude for saving his grandmother.] [Mr. Spencer is something else. His looks are out of this world, even more stunning than any woman’s.] [It’s a bummer we won’t get to see it live. I heard it’s by invitation only.] [Don’t sweat it. These events are always streamed live. Just grab your popcorn and tune in for the show.]
Over at Valerie’s, Natalie and Valerie were chowing down on some barbecue, sipping beers, and watching the drama unfold online. The comments were piling up faster than they could read them.
Natalie scoffed, “Is this the best Jennifer can do?”
In her past life, she let Jennifer take advantage of her, chasing a family warmth that never came. She was always being pitted against Jennifer, and her success led her to be her biological brothers’ target. She figured she must have been foolish in her past life.
Valerie, frowning with concern as she chewed on a lamb skewer, looked at Natalie with fiery eyes. “You’re just going to sit here and take it while they tear you apart and Jennifer plots against you?”
Natalie smiled mysteriously. “Valerie, their insults now will make our victory tomorrow even sweeter. I have a plan for tomorrow’s dinner. Don’t worry. I won’t be pushed around. Join me for a haircut tomorrow; I’m starting fresh and taking control of my second life.”
Valerie gazed at Natalie curiously, her piercing eyes trying to see through her.
Natalie knew Valerie could tell fortunes, and her heart raced. She wasn’t sure why she had a second chance at life, but she let it go, thinking it was maybe because of her many regrets. Feeling a bit awkward, she looked away from Valerie’s gaze.
Valerie frowned, staring into Natalie’s eyes. ‘Second life? No wonder her future is so unclear. What has Natalie been through to speak like that?’ she mused.