Chapter 2

By the time I brought out the last dish, the three of them were already eating.

Craig and Mom moved the main dishes within Gwen's reach, leaving me with a plate of sautéed vegetables.

I sat down and reached for the pot roast, but Mom slid the platter toward Gwen.

"You've lost weight stressing over retaking the SAT. Have some more."

Craig spooned vegetables onto my plate. "You said you couldn't eat anything spicy. Let Gwen have it."

"I didn't make the pot roast spicy," I said.

However, they kept talking as if I hadn't said a word.

I looked down at my plate and pushed the vegetables aside. I took a bite of mashed potatoes and chewed slowly, trying not to cry.

They started talking about their vacation, from the sunrise over the ocean to the fresh seafood at the waterfront market and the jet ski rides.

Since they went without me, I had nothing to add. I kept my head down and ate, barely tasting the food.

Then Gwen turned to me with a bright smile. "So, Diane, all packed? You're coming along to be my maid!"

I glanced at her. "I'm going to college for computer science, not to clean up after you."

Gwen covered her mouth and laughed, exchanging a look with Craig and Mom.

"Wait, nobody told you?

"You're not leaving for college the day after tomorrow. They already arranged for you to spend another year studying for the SAT with me.

"You'll do my laundry, cook, and organize my notes. You're coming to take care of me."

I set down my fork.

Craig broke the silence.

"Diane, don't get upset. With your grades, you can still get into a top school next year. You'll have plenty of time to study while you help Gwen. Next year, you can both go to college. Wouldn't that be great?"

Mom nodded. "Gwen's like a second daughter to me. Just think of her as your little sister and help her out for a year."

I laughed in disbelief.

"Your grades are good, too, Craig. Why don't you stay with her? And Mom, you're retired. You could take care of my 'little sister.' Why does it have to be me?"

Craig opened his mouth, then shut it. Mom looked away and helped herself to more food. Neither had an answer.

Finally, Craig muttered, "Don't be so selfish, Diane."

I slammed my fork down and grabbed him by the collar, too angry and hurt to hold back.

"I'm selfish? Did either of you even think about what I want? What about my future? Who comes first, Craig? Me or Gwen? Do you even love me anymore?"

He said nothing and wouldn't meet my eyes.

I laughed bitterly and pushed him away, then turned to Mom.

"And you. Is this really about helping Gwen, or is it about you and Asher? You two used to date, didn't you?"

Her gaze shifted. "Who told you that? I lost your father less than six months ago, and now you're throwing accusations at me?"

I scoffed.

"Everyone in the complex is talking about you and Asher. They say you were sneaking around with him while Dad was still alive. Some even think you killed Dad so you could be with him. Maybe…"

Mom slapped me.

"My personal life is none of your business! You're going with Gwen. End of discussion. If you refuse, don't expect anything from me ever again!"

Craig stepped forward to get between us, but I held up a hand to stop him.

I pressed my other hand to my stinging cheek. "Is that what you want, too, Craig?"

He glanced at Gwen, then sighed. "Another year to prepare for college could be good for you, Diane. Please stop making this so hard on us."