apter 9
I went to Brittany’s extracurricular classes
<
and cancelled them all, getting refunds when I
could.
I also called all the tutors and told them not
to come anymore.
I paid the cancellation fees and the deposit on that expensive study–abroad program.
I wasn’t going to be a sucker anymore!
Three days later, Brittany came home with a big smile.
She’d obviously had a great time at Jake’s mansion.
My mother in low not hook from youett
hanks
く
My mother–in–law got back from vacation
with suitcases full of souvenirs.
There was a gift for everyone–Brittany,
David, Aunt Carol, even her dance partners.
But there was nothing for me.
The family gathered to open the presents, laughing and comparing gifts.
I sat on the couch, watching.
Finally, my mother–in–law remembered I was there.
“Sarah, go get groceries and make dinner,”
<
she ordered.
“I’m starving. I couldn’t eat anything on that
trip.”
She sighed.
“What kind of wife are you?” she said.
“I’ve been home for how long now, and you
haven’t even offered me a glass of water.”
Aunt Carol joined in.
“Sarah, I want lobster,” she said.
“Go to the store and get some. Hurry back,
<
we’re all starving.”
Lobster was a twenty–dollar–a–pound
delicacy!
I said calmly, “Make it yourself. The kitchen’s right there. I don’t only know how to cook.”
David frowned.
“Sarah, don’t talk to my mother like that,” he said.
“She’s not feeling well, can’t you see that? It will make her cough. Just make dinner!”
I shrugged.
<
“Why can’t *you* make it?” I asked.
“Or Aunt Carol? What, do you guys have a
disease of the rich where you can’t lift a
finger?”
My mother–in–law’s face turned red.
She started yelling at me, pointing her finger
in my face.
Then she turned to her son.
“I can’t stand this woman,” she shouted.
“Get her out of my house!”
<
David looked disappointed.
He turned to his mom.
“Mom, we’re going out to eat tonight,” he
said.
“Sarah’s been working hard, so let her rest.”
Brittany grabbed her grandma’s arm and
dragged her toward the door.
“Grandma, I forgot to tell you,” she said.
“Sarah called my mom, and she’s treating us
all to dinner tonight!”
く
“After that, she’s driving me to my violin
lesson,” she continued.
“I’m going to play for the school performance,
so that’s awesome.”
She whispered in her grandma’s ear, “She’s
been acting crazy lately, so stay away from
her.”
They left, not even saying goodbye to me.
I laughed bitterly.
Yeah, right, her mom was going to invite me
to dinner!
L
