Chapter 6
I wrapped my arms around her, my own tears falling.[]
Being the oldest, she had it even worse than me. []
Pulled out of school at fifteen by Mom to work, finally getting on her feet–only to be tricked back home because some guy was offering a fat dowry. []
They married her off to that limping old creep.]]
He either hit her or screamed at her. []
One day, she ran home for safety, but Aunt Karen dragged her right back to him that very night.[]
After that, Mom avoided her like the plague, afraid that lame bastard would ask for the dowry back–which Uncle Jake and Mom had already blown.]
In three years, my sister had two daughters.[]
The creep decided he didn’t want to “feed three women” and kicked them all out.[]
“…Shouldn’t we give Mom and Dad a little something? I mean…. they raised us…” she asked hesitantly.[]
“Don’t be stupid. If murder was legal, Mom would’ve finished us off years ago,” I said flatly, then tightened my grip on her hand.
“No one loves us, so we’re gonna love ourselves.“[]
She held my gaze for a long moment before finally nodding.]
When she cashed in the $750,000 ticket, I stayed far back, watching her walk out with roughly $600,000 after taxes.]
By then, I was already on the bus back home.[]
Money wasn’t enough.
I wanted the people who’d hurt me to get what they deserved.[]
“What?! My gold necklace is gone?!” |
The crash of something breaking came through the door. I took a deep breath.]
“I swear, it was right here in this drawer.“[]
“Only Old Sam and I have been in this room–well, and Liam,” Mom muttered, pacing.[]
“You saying Liam stole your necklace?” []
Uncle Jake roared, snatching a broken plate from the floor and nearly hurling it at her face. []
and Could You Love Me Brau?
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Chapter
“Are you outta your mind? You don’t even know who’s family anymore!“]]
“Why not accuse someone else?!“[]
Liam burst into tears and bolted behind me the second I stepped in.[]
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dad folded up his paper, frowning.[]
Mom’s wailing stopped.]]
“I mean–damn it, Jessi–you’ve lost it!” Uncle Jake shot a glance at Aunt Karen. []
“Who here is the outsider, huh? What’s your last name, what’s mine?“[]
“Who’s really not one of us?!“]]
Mom froze.]
Aunt Karen quickly stepped in. []
“Sis, Jake’s your brother. And Liam’s just a kid–he wouldn’t steal anything.“[]
Realizing how that sounded, she quickly added, “We’ll just replace it if it’s gone.“]
Liam piped up too. “Yeah! Why would I steal?“]
“Family’s what matters. We gotta stick together,” Aunt Karen cooed, patting Mom’s chest. []
“When Liam grows up, he’ll buy you one even bigger and heavier.“[]
“This is nothing. We just gotta keep the peace.“[]
Mom’s face softened. []
“I didn’t mean it like that, Jake.“[]
But Uncle Jake wouldn’t drop it. []
“Come on, honey. We’re the outsiders now! Jessi’s a Sam family woman… Come on, Liam!“]
I stepped in fast. []
“Uncle Jake, maybe you should ask Liam if he even wants to go.“[]
Liam glanced at the snacks in my hand and changed his tune. []
“Dad, I wanna stay at Aunt Amy’s.“[]
Aunt Karen grabbed Uncle Jake’s arm and pretended to scold him.[]
“Knock it off, Jake–she’s your sister!” ]]
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Chapter 6:
She shoved him into the bedroom, then turned to take my backpack. []
“Long day, huh, Amy? How’d it go?”
I ignored Mom’s surprised look. []
“Ugh, didn’t find a job. Wasted a few bucks on scratch–offs, though.“[]
Aunt Karen’s eyes lit up instantly.]
♡ros
