3 — CLAIRE, THE HYPOCRITE.

ASTRID

“Catrina!” My father snaps, pulling his wife away from me.

I massage my throbbing cheek with one hand, still reeling from shock.

My mother finally calms down, but she doesn’t seem the least bit remorseful that she hit me.

“I am not a violent person, Astrid. You realize that, don’t you? I only hit you because you pushed me. Your words were not very kind.”

My blood boils with rage as I wait for an apology. Of course I get none. The emotional manipulation is so obvious, it makes me sick to my stomach.

“Just a few hours ago, you called Nathan good for nothing. Suddenly, he’s the best option because he proposed to Claire?” I ask bitterly.

Mrs. Montessori takes a deep breath. From her expression, you would think she was dealing with an unrepentant, recalcitrant child.

“You’re well aware of Claire’s heart condition, Astrid. Nathan may not be the best man in the world, but your sister is in love with him and he loves her too. If you insist on holding onto your relationship, Claire’s condition might get worse. She won’t be able to handle the heartbreak.”

“And what about me!” I whisper, tears of frustration pricking my eyes.

“All my life I’ve compromised for Claire. I forfeited my admission to Harvard just because you didn’t want Claire to feel bad that she didn’t get in.

I gave up my position as valedictorian of my class because you felt it would make Claire look bad that her little sister was more intelligent than she was. I even gave up my dream of being an athlete because Claire couldn’t compete due to her bad heart.

Now, you’re asking me to abort my child and give up on my marriage because of Claire?! I’ve had enough, mother! I’m tired of compromising for Claire! I’m a human being too. I’ve got feelings too!”

“I am not denying the fact that you’re human, Astrid. I’m aware of all the sacrifices you’ve made for Claire and I’m thankful to you. But I’m also sure that this little sacrifice will cost you nothing. Besides, I’m sorry to burst your bubble but Nathan doesn’t seem to love you very much.”

I open my mouth to argue but she raises a hand, cutting me off.

“Oh, don’t think I haven’t noticed the tension between both of you lately. You barely talk to each other and when you do, you’re constantly arguing. This marriage of yours is a ticking bomb. It’s better to let it go and end things while your heart is still intact. Less damage if you ask me.”

An ugly, violent emotion rises in my chest, and I’m stunned to realize that it’s hatred.

I’m even more shocked that it took me this long to come to terms with the fact that I despise my entire adoptive family with a passion.

Six years ago, Claire told me that the only reason her parents adopted me was because her elder brother, Kane, had run over a teenager while drunk driving with his friends at midnight.

This incident sparked a controversy against the Montessori family in the media and they decided to redeem themselves by adopting a pathetic teenage girl suffering from dyslexia.

I’ve always just been a pawn in their dirty game.

I despise all of them — my mother, father, Kane and Claire. Especially Claire.

“…besides, you will be handsomely compensated. Any amount of money you want is yours, in addition to a brand new high rise apartment.”

My eyes narrow in confusion. “Why would I need a brand new apartment?”

“Because you’re moving out of the town house, honey.” My mother says without missing a beat.

What?

“Why would I move out? Nathan and I bought that house with our own money.”

Her expression hardens;

“Don’t be selfish, Astrid. You know that Claire would definitely want to move in with Nathan once they return from Dubai. You can’t share a house with them. They will need their privacy so you’d have to move out.”

For a second, I’m too stunned to speak. This entire situation feels like a dream. A bloody nightmare.

Finally, I take a deep breath to control the bitterness that threatens to consume me whole. Then I lift my chin and face my parents.

“Mum, dad, I do realize that I’m an orphan and I have no one else to call family, but there is truly a limit to what I can take.

I will not move out of my home. If you want your daughter to live with Nathan so badly, please ask them to move into the high rise apartment that you so kindly offered. I am not going anywhere.”

My mother’s eyes flash with lightning;

“You really think you’ve got the power to challenge me, don’t you? Remember that we moulded you into the person you are today. I got you your fancy job and paid for your expensive education. After everything we’ve done for you, this is how you choose to repay us?!”

I open my mouth to respond but I’m suddenly interrupted by a shrill scream; “Please don’t argue because of me! P-please, stop fighting.”

I recognize that fake baby voice even before I set my eyes on its owner, but nothing prepares me for the devastating sight that greets me when I turn to the door.

Claire and Nathan. My adoptive sister and my husband. The two people who betrayed me.

My eyes fall to their firmly intertwined fingers and something ugly burns in my throat.

Even with those fake tears rolling down her cheeks, Claire looks as stunning as ever. Her blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes perfectly complements Nathan’s flawless good looks.

Together, they give off the aura of New York City’s power couple, and it hurts like hell that Claire really seems like the ideal woman for him — smart, gorgeous and most importantly, not dyslexic.

The room is oddly silent as my gaze strays to my husband’s face. Nathan’s eyes are ice cold as they rove over my hospital gown and the IV hooked to my wrist. There’s no iota of remorse in those dark depths, and that hurts me more than I can say.

Before I can put myself together, Claire flies across the room and throws herself at my feet, grabbing my legs with both hands and wailing at the top of her voice;

“Please forgive me, Astrid. Please…. I’m so sorry for hurting you. Nathan and I did not intend for things to turn out like this between us, I swear. We t-tried to ignore our love but it just wasn’t possible. Please don’t be angry at mum and dad. Punish me instead…!”

For the first few seconds, I remain frozen, clearly shocked to my bones at her sudden and fake display of remorse.

I look up, assessing everyone in the room. Their fierce gazes are equally fixed on me, almost as if they’re silently daring me to push Claire away after she has tendered such a “heartfelt apology.”

As usual, they expect me to smile and extend my forgiveness. Just like I’ve been doing for the past ten years.

Well, they’re about to be sorely disappointed.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” I snap, my tone so sharp, it could cut glass.

“You probably think I’m a fool, Claire, but your crocodile tears will not work on me this time. You’re only wasting your time and embarrassing yourself.”

“Astrid!” Mum screams, her eyes wide with horror. “How can you be so selfish? Your sister is begging for your forgiveness…”

“I have run out of forgiveness to give, mother! My forgiveness barrel is empty! And how dare you stand there and call me selfish when your whore of a daughter has been sleeping with her own sister’s husband? Please take your daughter out of my sight before I do something drastic.”

Finally, Nathan steps in;

“Astrid, don’t call her a whore. I understand that you’re upset, but you can take out your anger on me. Leave Claire out of this.”

Oh, the audacity of this man.

I gently raise my legs to move backwards and the next few seconds play out like a scene out of a horror movie.

One moment, Claire is sobbing quietly at my feet and the next, she lets out a high pitched scream and deliberately throws herself backwards, crashing to the floor a few feet away and making it seem like I had kicked her.

Dazed, I watch as Nathan rushes to her side, falls on his knees and cradles her in his arms. She’s sobbing uncontrollably and pointing at me.

“All I wanted was her forgiveness but she kicked me! Have I really committed the greatest crime?”

Nathan whips his head in my direction, his eyes blazing with contempt;

“Astrid, what have you done…?!”