Turns out, nobody ever loved me.
So this time? Nada. I was just… numb.
“Sweetheart, you still a little overwhelmed?
Don’t worry, Mom will take you upstairs and
you can pick any room you want!” My mom
grabbed my hand and started hauling me
toward the stairs.
Dad followed, grinning like an idiot, and
punching in a number on his phone. “Gotta tell
Mark to get his butt home.”
<
Mark, my bro just replied, “Busy.”
Dad frowned, and Mom got all flustered. “Your
brother’s a real go–getter, honey. He’s pretty
much running the company. He’ll be here on the
weekend.”
Last time, I’d believed her.
This time, whatever. I could play along.
Upstairs, every room was decked out like a
freakin‘ princess palace. All bright colors and
girly stuff.
“Okay, Sarah, take your pick! Any room is
yours!” Dad said, still smiling that fake–ass
smile.
My eyes locked onto the one closest to the
stairs.
Inside, sitting on the bed, was a giant, fluffy
<
Last time, I’d been all over that panda. And
since I was convinced my parents were the best people in the world, I’d grabbed that room
without a second thought.
I liked that panda.
But Mom and Dad’s faces kinda changed. They exchanged a quick look, then Mom said, all bright and chirpy, “Oh, Sarah, we forgot to mention, that’s Brittany’s room.
“Brittany has been so good about making sure you feel welcome, you should take the master.
It is the biggest room. She even cleaned out all
her stuff so you could have first pick!”
I’d blinked, totally touched. “Brittany gave up
her room for me? That’s so nice of her!”
I still wanted the panda, wanted that room.
Mom and Dad just looked at each other again,
<
like they wanted to say something but couldn’t.
But I was too excited. I ran inside and gave that
panda the biggest hug.
Just then, Brittany walked in with her backpack.
