Chapter 4

"The radio station isn't Jessica's personal territory and is owned by the military. If she can't understand that, she doesn't deserve to wear the uniform," Samson said to Celia, firmly and confidently.

"But Jess hasn't been home in days. I don't want you two fighting because of me," Celia said.

"She's just being stubborn. This isn't about you," Samson replied.

Then, the whole mood changed as I heard Celia laughing. "Sam, don't let go! Hold on, I'm going to fall! Ah…! I'm falling! Sam! Catch me!"

When I walked in, I finally saw what was happening. Samson was helping Celia learn to ride a bike out in the yard, holding her steady as she wobbled along. In the end, Celia shrieked, fell off the bike, and tumbled right into his arms.

"Sam, am I really that stupid? Why can't I get the hang of this after so long?"

Samson's voice was gentle. "You'll get it. Just keep practicing."

Celia's smile was radiant. "Sam, you're the best!"

I couldn't help remembering when I was learning to ride a bike as I watched the moment. I kept falling, no matter how hard I tried.

Samson eventually lost patience and took me to a hill, saying, "Just fall a couple of times, and you'll figure it out."

So, it turned out he did have patience. Just not for me.

"Jess, you're back!" Celia spotted me first, waving with a big smile.

I nodded. Samson walked right over, like it was the most natural thing in the world. "So, you finally remembered you still have a home?"

He reached for the box I was carrying, but I stepped aside. "It's fine. You're busy yourself."

Samson frowned. "You're really so…"

Just then, Celia called out to him, "Sam, the sun's getting so hot. I'm going to get burned out here! Can you grab me a sun hat?"

"Sure." He turned and headed inside. I was going to follow him.

"Jess." Celia blocked my way with the bike.

"What is it?" I asked.

She glanced toward the door to make sure Samson was gone, then turned back to me. The sweetness in her expression vanished, replaced by a cold sneer.

"Jessica, you get it now, don't you? I'm the one Sam really likes. If your brother hadn't stuck you with him before he died, Sam never would have given you a second look. If you have any self-respect at all, you'll back off and leave before you get kicked out and embarrass your family."

She paused, eyeing me up and down, then made a show of covering her mouth, like she'd just remembered something.

"Oh, right. I forgot! Your whole family is dead! No one survived! No wonder you're so desperate to hang onto Sam!"

She snickered behind her hand, her face full of smug disdain.

I felt my whole body go cold. My parents and brother had devoted everything to serving others, right to the very end. They had never let anyone down. Why should they have to endure this kind of humiliation?

I glared at her with my blood boiling. "Celia Smith… Apologize. Apologize to my family!"

"Jessica!"

Before I could say another word, Samson came out of the house. He probably thought I was about to hurt Celia and immediately cut me off.

I froze. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Celia raise her eyebrows at me, then suddenly let go of the bike. The next second, pain shot through my side as something heavy crashed down on me. By the time I realized what had happened, I was on the ground, with the bike Celia was riding on top of me.

"Jessica!" Samson rushed over and tried to help me up.

But Celia grabbed his arm, her panic perfectly planned. "Sam, you scared me when you yelled! Oh no, I messed up again! Jess, are you hurt? I'm sorry! It's my fault, I'm so easily scared that I can't even hold onto the bike…"

Samson moved her aside, picked up the bike, and bent down to check on me.

"Are you okay? Celia didn't mean it, don't pin the blame on her."

I shook my head and turned away, my expression full of bitterness. That was when I noticed all my things scattered on the ground, my resignation letter backup and plane ticket lying right on top.