8
When I came out with the cup, Brittany and
Lucas had already gone out to hang out with
friends.
Mom and Dad were sitting on the couch:
“We’re going to have a family education
interview in a few days. Brittany’s going on
vacation, so you can take her place.”
Г
I knew this was the compensation they were
throwing at me.
In the past, I would have seen this as
evidence that Mom and Dad were starting to
love me and agreed without hesitation.
But now I just drank tea:
“No, I’m busy.”
Dad frowned: “What could you possibly be
doing?”
“Exams.”
“It’s just one day, does it even make a
difference if someone with your skills takes
the exam? This is a parent–child education
interview, the child must be present.”
They didn’t know my real grades.
In order to get their attention, I skipped class,
fought, and messed around, but my grades
weren’t actually bad.
They just automatically put me in the bad kid
category.
I finished the medicine and put the cup on the
table:
“No, this exam is important.”
“Hey now, anger also has a limit.”
Mom was a little displeased: “You made
enough of a fuss yesterday, don’t get so
く
angry and never end it.”
Saying that, she pulled a gift box from under
the table.
It was a new Chanel bag:
“I had the butler order this for you last night.
Aren’t you just upset that we didn’t celebrate
your birthday? This isn’t a freebie, so take it
and calm down.”
This was the first time they had given me a
proper birthday present.
In the past, I probably would have been
ecstatic.
Unfortunately, it all came a little late.
I didn’t want it anymore.
“Thanks, but I’m going to school, I don’t use
bags, give it to Brittany.”
Mom and Dad were stunned.
Chapter Two
I mean, I was the girl who always took what
they gave me, happy with even the smallest
scraps, treating it like proof they cared.
But now, I just grabbed my backpack and
headed out without even glancing at the gift.
“Hold it right there!” Mom said, a little pissed.
“Are you going to keep this up? We gave you
the gift; why are you still acting like this?”
I turned around. “I’m not acting. I just don’t
want it.”
“You!” Her eyes welled up. She started to get
up, but Dad stopped her.
He snorted. “Just leave her be! She’ll be
begging us to take her on that show soon
enough!”
I didn’t say anything. I just turned and went to
catch the bus.
