Mrs. Johnson was slightly startled upon hearing Samuel's words, hastily countering, "Samuel, how could your mother ever abandon you? Don't talk nonsense, your mother..."
"If you hadn't repeatedly tried to manipulate my life, we wouldn't have ended up in this situation." He turned to look at his mother's tear-filled face, knowing that if he didn't take a firm stand now, the conflicts between Amanda and him would surely flare up again because of her.
Since he was a child, Mrs. Johnson had always spoken ill of Amanda to him, instilling a loathing for her from early on.
Children are easily influenced, and even after reaching adulthood, it was hard for him to shake the prejudices he'd developed against Amanda.
Had it not been for Mrs. Johnson, the road with Amanda might not have been so difficult.
He had already missed her for too long; he couldn't afford another mishap with Amanda.