Chapter 3

On the third day, Mom called me. My hands trembled with anticipation when I saw her name. I hoped they had finally remembered me.

I inhaled deeply and answered my phone.

Mom's voice came through, "We're on our way home. Megan is craving some fried chicken. Prepare some for her. Also, cook her favorite dishes like pan-seared trout, seafood chowder, and roasted ribs as well."

Mom paused, and I thought she was finally going to ask about me. But the very next moment, that last bit of hope was shattered.

"Remember, after you're done cooking, go back to your room. Don't come out again."

I stared at my phone after the call ended and let out a bitter laugh.

Not once had Mom asked how I'd spent the past three days. I'd also heard Dad promise to buy Megan a bracelet and Kendrick praising her at her request.

During those few minutes on the phone, he never seemed to run out of praise for her.

Tears rolled down my cheeks and onto my lips. It turned out that tears of pain tasted just as salty.

Not only did I prepare the dishes Mom had requested, but I also made Dad's, Mom's, and Kendrick's favorite dishes.

Then, I returned to my room.

Before long, my parents returned. I could hear them and Kendrick fussing over Megan.

I paused in the middle of packing my things. I didn't have much, not even enough to fill a single backpack.

To my surprise, Kendrick actually came and asked me to join them.

"Aren't you scared that Megan will have another episode?"

He revealed the mask in his hand. "I know this isn't fair to you, but it's for Megan's sake. You wouldn't want her to have another episode, right?"

I calmly put on the mask and followed Kendrick to the dining room.

It was the first time I had seen Megan in three years. She looked even more beautiful than before, dressed in designer clothes I'd seen in magazines. I didn't recognize the jewelry she was wearing, but it looked incredibly expensive.

Mom pointed to a spot farthest from Megan. "Sit there."

I did as she told me to. Just as I was about to remove my mask, Kendrick grabbed my wrist.

"Megan will have an episode if she sees your face."

The pain in my wrist made my chest tighten. "Why did you make me come out here, then? So I could sit and watch you enjoy the dinner I prepared?"

Dad threw his cutlery onto the table. "You should be honored that Megan asked you to join us."

Honored? I chuckled.

"She's the one who caused me all my suffering. You can leave that honor to someone else," I said, ignoring the anger on my parents' faces.

"Mia, I have something for you." Megan walked over to me. In her hand was the protective charm I had once given Kendrick. There were claw marks on it now, courtesy of Megan's dog.

Megan said, "I'm sorry. Lilo accidentally stepped on it."

I nodded and took it. Then, I tossed it into the trash.

Both Megan's and Kendrick's expressions changed. He stood up and walked over to me. "Why would you throw away something that precious?"

I smiled. "Precious? You gave it away without a second thought and even let a dog pee and leave claw marks all over it."

Unease flickered across Kendrick's face as he avoided my gaze. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "Forget it. We can get another one some other day."

I didn't respond.

Dad spoke, "Remember to discuss it with us before submitting your college applications."

I raised an eyebrow. "The deadline has already passed."

Dad's expression darkened. "Why didn't you talk to us first? You just went ahead and decided everything yourself?"

I clenched my fists. Even though my heart ached, my voice was unbelievably calm. "I wanted to discuss it with you, but you were hundreds of miles away, enjoying yourself with Megan. I called you dozens of times and sent you hundreds of messages, but you…"

My gaze settled on my parents. "You never answered."