Chapter 3 The Last Straw

When we left the aquarium, Eleanor stopped me. "Come here. Let's take a family picture."

I obediently went over and watched her take a selfie stick out of her bag.

So, she didn't need someone to take the picture. She just didn't want me in it with them.

She was only taking this family picture to keep my grandmother from nagging her.

How pathetic. I had to depend on my grandmother's constant defense to finally get the family picture I'd dreamed of.

My eyes grew red before I knew it.

Eleanor posed for the camera, but she scowled at me the moment she noticed my teary eyes. "Why are you crying over a picture? Have you considered what people will think of me if I post this? Have I been abusing you? Are you trying to make your own mother look abusive?"

Then, she shoved me aside. "Fine. Go crouch over there and keep your head down. That's right. Just make sure a part of you is in the frame."

Once the picture was taken, she seemed to think her job was done.

"I'm taking Phoebe to the safari park tomorrow. You can just wait for us at the hotel. It's not like you enjoy going out anyway."

I nodded numbly.

Still, how could I not yearn to see the sights?

I wanted to visit parks and zoos, too. I just never had anyone willing enough to bring me there, and Eleanor always made me stay home to study.

Whatever. This was fine. I'd be able to visit there someday.

Thus, I used the time to go out and buy some local specialties from Averton while Eleanor and Phoebe left for the safari park. The city was famous for its assortment of pastries and steak.

My grandmother had never been to Averton or tasted any of its specialties.

As memories of my supposedly nice childhood pre-Phoebe faded away, she was the only person who had ever truly cared about me, at least that was what I could remember.

So, I wanted to take some home for my grandmother to try.

…

That evening, I was washing up in the bathroom when I heard the door open.

Eleanor and the others were back.

A moment later, Phoebe's loud voice rang out. "That giraffe ate the leaves I gave it! It was so much fun! Whew, I'm exhausted after walking around all day. Oh, Gwyneth bought pastries. Perfect timing. I'm hungry."

I quickly rinsed my mouth and hurried out, hoping to stop Phoebe.

Unfortunately, I was too late. She was already sitting on the couch, happily eating the pastries.

When she saw me, she even lifted a hand in greeting. "Mmm, Gwyneth, where did you get these? They're so good!"

As I looked at the pastries she'd opened and scattered everywhere, I couldn't help confronting Phoebe for the first time. "Those are mine! Why did you open them?"

Phoebe stared at me in shock, her eyes instantly turning red.

Eleanor quickly handed her a glass of water to help her calm down. "What's wrong with Phoebe eating a few pastries?"

My eyes were red as I pointed at the pastries scattered across the table. "I bought those for Grandma."

Tristan rolled his eyes at me. "So what if Phoebe ate them? They're just pastries. Is it really that big of a deal?"

Eleanor's voice rose sharply. "All your money comes from me! If you want to do right by your grandmother, then earn your own money and spend it on her!"

Vincent sat to one side without saying a word.

I crouched beside the table and carefully gathered the pastries. Tears kept falling as I picked them up.

Sadly, no one cared how hurt I was.

My parents and Tristan gathered around Phoebe, comforting her as she sat there with teary eyes.

I gathered up the pastries, picked up my ID, and stood to leave.

Vincent spoke in a low, stern voice. "Where do you think you're going? You're not a kid anymore. So, stop throwing tantrums."

Eleanor continued patting Phoebe's back, trying to calm her. However, the look she gave me was full of hatred.

"Let her go! I might as well have never raised her. She makes a big deal out of every little thing and never knows when to let Phoebe have her way."

I looked at Eleanor for a long while, saying nothing.

I never would have had the chance to go to college if it weren't for my grandmother's staunch support.

"Mom, this is the last time you'll ever see me," I thought.