CHAPTER SEVEN
A Turn of Table
I walked into the big house, holding Velma's hand tight. My heart was beating fast. I hadn't been here in years.
"Mama, where are we?" Velma asked.
"This is where I grew up, sweetie," I said. "But it wasn't a happy place."
I remembered hiding from my mean stepmother, feeling scared all the time. The maids weren't allowed to talk to me. I was always in trouble for things Lucy did.
But now, I was different. I was strong. I wasn't scared anymore.
We went through the big silver gates. They looked old but still nice. A guard checked who we were.
"You can go in, ma'am," he said.
As we walked, I saw people looking at us. They seemed confused. I guess they didn't know who I was anymore.
We got to a big door. I stopped and knelt down next to Velma.
"Sweetie, when we go in, I want you to put on your headphones and watch your show, okay? Sit where I put you and don't move."
Velma looked confused. "But aren't we meeting your family? Won't that be rude?"
I smiled. My
