Chapter 4 The Daughter Who Gave Everything

The next day, a large number of relatives came over to the house. They had all heard that Riley had a boyfriend and had specifically come to help Mom and Dad figure out how to handle things.

Scott was in the living room, too, chatting with everyone. Only I was in the kitchen. The thermostat was set to 77 degrees, yet I was sweating through my clothes.

…

By the time the last dish was served, I stood motionless beside the dining table.

Mom frowned and looked at me. "Sit down and eat. Why are you standing there like an idiot?"

I glanced around the table before asking expressionlessly, "What am I supposed to eat?"

"There's still plenty of mashed potatoes, isn't there? Just mix it with some gravy."

Dad reached out and placed the last shrimp onto Riley's plate, casually criticizing me as he did. "Your sister is prone to low blood sugar. Get the food out faster next time."

My fingers tightened around my apron, trembling slightly.

I made 12 dishes for 10 people in one hour. Was that still not fast enough?

And what did they leave for me in return? Dirty plates and scraps of food.

Why?

Why had no one thought about me?

I took off my apron and spoke quietly. "I'm not eating."

Riley's voice suddenly came from the table. "Jenna, I want some watermelon."

Mom immediately chimed in, "Since you're not eating, go cut up some watermelon, then."

With that, Mom turned back to the relatives and continued discussing what they needed to pay attention to when Riley's boyfriend came over. No one looked at me or cared whether I was hungry.

I turned and walked into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator. Cold air rushed over me, and my eyes instantly grew moist.

I halved the watermelon, grabbed a spoon, and scooped out a bite from the center—it was sweet and ice-cold.

From the living room, I heard Mom call, "Jenna, remember to clear the dining table. And don't forget Riley's watermelon."

The moment she finished speaking, I swallowed the last piece of watermelon. I washed my hands, wiped the corner of my mouth, and slowly walked back into the living room.

I looked at Mom and spoke slowly, one word at a time. "There's no more watermelon."

Scott looked at me in confusion. "How could there be none? I specifically bought it for Riley."

"I ate it," I announced quietly.

The entire room fell silent.

Everyone stared at me in disbelief.

Riley's aggrieved voice suddenly rang out. "Watermelon is the one thing I always want after dinner. Jenna, why didn't you leave me some?"

I looked at her expressionlessly. "But what about me? Who among you left me even one bite?"

The next second, the relatives began saying their goodbyes.

"Lewis, something came up at home, so I'd better get going."

"Yeah, I have something to take care of too."

"We'll head out first."

The relatives scattered almost immediately.

Mom's face flushed with anger. "Jenna Welbeck! You've grown a pair, haven't you? We only asked you to cook a meal. What's there to whine about?"

I looked straight at her. "What about me? I've been buying groceries and cooking for this family for more than thirty years. Did I complain even once?"

It was always like this.

Every single time.

The moment I expressed any dissatisfaction or did something that upset Mom, she would immediately stand on the moral high ground of motherhood and lecture me.

And I had never been able to argue back.

But I didn't want to live like that anymore.

"Yes. I feel aggrieved." My voice rose, clear and sharp. "When you bought groceries and cooked, was it only for me, Mom? Did Dad not eat? Did Scott and Riley not eat? I learned how to cook not for anyone else, but for you. I did it because I didn't want you to overwork yourself. But why is it that after I've spent all this time slaving in the kitchen, I'm not even allowed to have a piece of watermelon?"

I shook my head and slowly backed away, one step at a time. "I'd rather I had never been your daughter."