I didn’t say a word.
I just slipped out.
As soon as I got home, my parents rushed to
greet me.
When they didn’t see Brittany, they frowned.
“Riley, where’s Brittany? Why are you alone?”
I thought about how they blamed me last time for ruining Brittany’s chances and wouldn’t
even claim my body.
I wasn’t in the mood to be nice.
“Probably still busy with Blake. The drug
seemed pretty strong.”
Mom’s angry face shifted into a beaming
smile.
“I knew Brittany had it in her! Unlike some
people who can’t do anything right. We raised
you for 20 years, and you’re still a waste of
space!”
Dad didn’t even glance at me.
He started urging Mom to make some soup,
claiming it would help Brittany have a boy.
I couldn’t be bothered to argue.
I sat down on the couch to catch my breath.
As
as the soup hit the stove, Brittany
walked in.
She limped, and her neck was covered in
bruises.
She didn’t seem to know who she’d spent the
night with.
The second she saw me, she started yelling
about how I’d screwed her over.
She said I hadn’t kept watch and I should
have bought her some meds to clean up
afterward.
Mom instantly lost it.
She slapped me across the face, snarling, “I
knew I couldn’t count on you! Useless! What
a waste you are!”
“Your sister finally gets a shot, and you don’t
help? Opportunities are falling from the sky,
and you can’t even pick them up! You’re
destined to be a broke waitress for the rest
of your life!”
I held my face, and I couldn’t help but laugh
at how ridiculous she sounded.
“I make money with my own skills. I’m not
selling myself!”
Dad lost it and grabbed an ashtray off the
table, throwing it at my head.
Blood instantly soaked my clothes.
He didn’t seem to notice; he was too busy
yelling.
“Waitressing, waitressing, that’s all you think
about! By the time you make enough, your
mother and I will be dead!”
“You’re useless! And you insult your sister!
You’re worthless!”
“I should’ve sold you off! That would’ve been
easier!”
“Marrying some bum for a few thousand
dollars? Do you think I am a charity case?”
