Chapter 7
I acted like I didn’t notice and kept talking.]
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“No idea what got into me today–walked past the gas station and right up to the lottery counter. My legs just… took me there.“[]
“You little brat! Got too much money burning a hole in your pocket?!” []
Mom spun around, looking for something to hit me with. []
“I oughta beat the life outta you!“[]
Aunt Karen stepped in fast. []
“Well? How’d it go, Amy–did you win?“[]
I sighed and shook my head. []
“Missed it by a hair.”
“The jackpot was seventy–five grand–no, wait–seven hundred fifty thousand.” I hugged her. []
“I’ll try again tomorrow. Don’t know why, but I feel like something’s… calling me. “0
Her face bunched into a thousand wrinkles from grinning. []
“Alright then. You must be tired–Aunt Karen’ll fix you something to eat.”
I flopped onto the couch and played on the phone with Liam.]
“Liam,” I whispered in his ear, “I know where you hid it.“]
“Don’t worry–your big sis would never rat you out.“[]
He exhaled in relief. “That’s more like it.”
I even promised I’d help him sell the gold chain for cash.
Watching him glued to his phone game, I felt a little thrill.]
You like video games so much? Last time, you stole my phone and wrecked my whole life. []
This time, I’ll make sure you ruin yours with it.]
“Amy, you still awake?”
Around eleven that night, Aunt Karen slipped into my room.]
I’d been texting my sister about a business idea, but I shoved my phone under the pillow and blinked sleepily.[]
X744
“Just about to sleep. What’s up, Aunt Karen?“]]
She tucked my blanket with this fake tenderness. []
“Out of everyone, you’re the one I care for most. The one I love most,” she said, eyes glassy.
“If I could choose, I’d want you to be my daughter.“[]
Her act was flawless.
If I hadn’t seen her true cruelty in my last life, I might’ve believed her.
“I know, Aunt Karen.” I sat up, nodding obediently.[]
Her lips curled in sly satisfaction. []
“Good. I just couldn’t sleep, thought I’d chat with you a bit.“[]
Seeing I was playing along, she patted my hair and turned to leave.[]
“Aunt Karen, you’re so much better to me than my real mom,” I said, holding her hand. []
“Mom just yells or hits me. If only you were my mother….“]
I dropped my head, voice small.
“But she’s still my mom, so I’m gonna take care of her no matter what.“[]
In the dark, I caught the flash of hatred in Aunt Karen’s eyes. []
“You’re a good kid, Amy.”
I yawned, and she finally left.
Breathing in the stench from some busted cardboard box nearby, I made up my mind again–my days sleeping in a junk pile were numbered.
The next morning, I called my sister, but she didn’t answer.]
I was getting anxious when I heard Mom was in trouble.
“Kidnapped?” Dad’s voice shook over the phone. “What? Don’t hurt Jessi!“]]
He shot to his feet, and my stomach dropped. “What happened?“]
“Your mom’s been kidnapped. They told me to bring every cent we’ve got if I want her back.” |
He fumbled into his shoes. [
“Not that there’s any money left–she’s been sending it all to your uncle for years.“]
My chest tightened. []
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Dad had always known exactly what A Karen and Undle jake were doing–he jak dont care enough to stop in
“So after do we do?” I asked!
He dog through drawers, suting a few valuables into a bag. We divorce
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