Chapter11 The parent teacher day came around . Seeing my classmates with their parents , I felt a growing resentment toward Ashley . I often found myself wondering , who was the real child here , her or me ? No answers came my way . I got the seat closest to the teachers podium . Parents streamed in , and it seemed like everyone was staring at me . The whispers started , Her parents are around , but why show up for one kids conference and skip the others ? What kind of parents play favorites like that ? The headteacher walked in last , and the empty seat next to me didnt escape her notice . In my previous life , I sat there in the corner . Feeling all those eyes on me , I couldnt take it and rushed out in a huff . But this time , I didnt dodge the glances . Sorry , my folks cant make it , I told the teacher , who understood my situation and gave me a sympathetic nod . After the conference , I packed it up and headed home , the same as always . 1057 甘 But at the school gate , I saw them . It was like my feet were glued to the spot . There was my mom , wiping Ashleys forehead , my dad carrying her bag , and my brother , whod rushed over from college , offering her chocolates . Chocolates ? I could barely remember what they tasted like . I wished , just for a second , that theyd turn around and see me , their other daughter . I was always there behind them . But they never looked back . They got into their shiny new car . I instinctively checked my phone , only to find nothing . No calls , no texts . I felt a pang of loss . I waited until seven oclock in the evening , but they didnt show up . I was starving , so I hit my usual burger joint . That was when my dad called . When the call connected , he snapped , Where the hell have you been ? Its not the end of the world because of a stupid conference ! Mom took the phone , sounding lost . Grace , did I say something wrong ? Dont be upset with me . Where are you ? Ashleys voice came through all watery . Im sorry , Grace . I didnt mean to take your parents from you . Im almost eighteen . I can 10 571 Chapte11 120 Vouche leave and give you your space . My brother chimed in , Were not going to miss you if you dont come back . Ashley , youre staying put , got it ? The call was so loud . I barely touched my burger when hung up , telling them Id be right back . When I got home , they were all in the living room , gunning for me with questions . There was a sliver of cake left . My brother , right in front of me , gave it to Ashley . My mom started , We thought youd be late , so … No big deal . Im not into sweets anymore , I said , looking away , My dad banged the table . Grace , whats wrong with you ? Do you know how late it is ? Why did you come home so late ? I kept my voice as even as I could . Who gave me a key ? The moment I said that, my folks locked eyes , and my moms face turned panic stricken . I had a house key once , but when Ashley came into the picture two years back , they told me to give it to her . My mom said shed sort me out with a new one , but it slipped through the cracks . My brother sneered , Grace , I know whats up in your sleeve .. Youre just trying to play the victim , arent you ? If you dont speak up , its on you ! I wasnt blaming anyone , and to be honest , it wasnt my spot to do so . We had our share of tiffs , but all I got was being labeled a wild child , never measuring up to Ashley . Now I didnt even fight for anything , but why did I still end up being the one at fault ? Chapter 12 Chapter12 After her grandfather's death, she unexpectedly discovers that both her sister and boyfriend betrayed her, taking away the family fortune left by her grandfather. Determined to seek revenge, she decid...