"Mom, do I have to greet that Viola Harris with a smile? Dream on!"
"You, you!" Mrs. Wilson's words carried disappointment, "You weren't like this before. You were a well-mannered young lady, educated and sensible, how have you regressed over the years?"
Melody Sheffield felt embarrassed being criticized by Mrs. Wilson in front of her children, "Mom!"
"When Viola comes in the future, be polite, I don't expect you to like her, but don't disgrace The Wilsons and make people think our family values are what you're showing!"
The words were somewhat heavy-handed.
Mrs. Wilson had been the matriarch for decades, her authority hadn't waned over time, and when she was serious, she was quite intimidating. Melody felt wronged, yet didn't dare say more, while Skylar Wilson and Effie Wilson both lowered their heads, pretending they hadn't heard anything.
