13
My room was next to Brittany’s.
Across from Kevin’s.
Passing Brittany’s room, I saw the “princess
く
room.”
It was nice.
But I didn’t see it all.
Brittany slammed the door in my face.
Dad was awkward.
“Your room’s next door, big, too. I’ll show
you.”
I nodded.
Dad sighed.
“Your clothes, I saw them, throw them out! I’ll
take you, Brittany, and Kevin shopping.”
I nodded, said “Thanks, Dad,” Brittany started
whining, “Dad, can I get more?”
Dad laughed. “Sure, anything for Brittany.
That’s what I work for.”
Dinner, Kevin was shocked to see me.
“What are you doing here?”
“Here” divided us.
Dad slammed his fork.
“Kevin!”
“Ashley’s your sister! This is your home,
Brittany’s home, Ashley’s home!”
“I wanted you three to bond before high
く
school. And you’re treating her like that?! Be
a brother!”
Stepmom Sarah stood up.
She smiled, patting Dad. “Why yell? Ashley
came suddenly, it’s normal for Kevin and
Brittany to be surprised!”
She made Kevin and Brittany’s unwelcoming
seem like “surprise.”
“Is that right?”
Dad was unsure.
Kevin nodded.
“Yeah, Mom’s right. I’m not used to it.”
く
He looked at me, corner of his mouth turned
down in a sneer.
