Chapter 2

"Claire Walker! What gives you the right to freeze your sister's card without asking me?

"Turn it back on right now! She's waiting to pay for something!"

Mom was screaming into the phone, but my voice stayed calm.

"Mom, I earn that money. I decide how it's spent."

She exploded.

"What do you mean, you decide? You've really gotten full of yourself!

"Your money is family money!

"So what if your sister spends some of it? You're the older sister. Of course you're supposed to take care of her!"

I finally raised my voice.

"Mom, I was born two minutes before her!

"Two minutes. That's it. Why does that mean I have to spend my entire life supporting her? Why am I supposed to work myself to death for her?

"There is nothing wrong with her. If she wants money, she can get a job and earn it herself!"

Mom went silent for a moment.

Then she dragged out the same ridiculous story she'd been using against me since childhood.

"You have the nerve to say that? When you were born, you screamed so much that you traumatized your sister!

"Why do you think she couldn't even walk until she was three and everyone called her slow?

"You owe her for that. You'll be responsible for her for the rest of your life!"

Something inside me finally cracked.

My throat tightened as I asked the question I'd swallowed for years.

"Mom... am I actually your daughter?"

There was an awkward laugh on the other end.

"What kind of question is that? Of course you're my daughter.

"You really know how to hurt your mother's feelings.

"I've always treated you and your sister exactly the same. I've never favored either of you."

I laughed, and there was nothing warm in it.

"Exactly the same? No favoritism?

"Mom, do you actually believe that when you say it?"

Silence swallowed both ends of the call.

After a long pause, Mom finally asked carefully, "Did you see the post about the car I bought Chloe?"

I said nothing.

She immediately started making excuses.

"You already have a car to get around in. And you never told me you wanted a new one.

"Is this really worth throwing a tantrum over?

"When you girls were growing up, what did you ever ask for that I didn't give you?"

I waited until she finished.

Then I spoke slowly and clearly.

"Fine. I'm telling you now. I want a new car too. I want it now."

Mom hesitated for a few seconds.

"All right. I'll buy you one.

"Spend the next few days looking at models and colors."

"No need. I want the exact same make, model, and color as Chloe's."

"Fine, I got it. Can you turn your sister's card back on now?"

"Of course."

Then I hung up.

A few minutes later, Chloe texted me.

"Don't be stupid. Mom is never going to buy you that car.

"You'll never be allowed to compete with me in this family. Mom is just stringing you along. Do you get it now?

"So do yourself a favor and turn my card back on.

"If you behave, I might even put in a good word for you with Mom."