Chapter 2

2

To my surprise, my parents wanted me to work at the same company as Sarah, "helping her out." Last time, I refused. It was pointless. They locked me up, beat me. Mom would watch Dad whip me with his belt.

"We're doing this for your own good! Why can't you be more supportive of your sister?"

They drove me to the brink of insanity, trapping me in Sarah's shadow. Even after escaping to a smaller company, I ended up arrested for stealing company secrets for Sarah.

This time, I couldn't afford to break. I wasn't strong enough yet. I had to play along.

"Okay," I agreed. Dad was pleased with my obedience. When I got the job at Sarah's company, he happily transferred me $2,000 as a "reward," telling me to keep it secret from Mom and Sarah. He was afraid Mom would make a fuss. Last time, I'd foolishly spent the money. Mom found out, called me a thief, and called the police. I cried, saying I hadn't stolen anything, that Dad could vouch for me. My "good" dad never said a word.

So, this time, I wouldn't be so naive.

Predictably, things went sideways. Sarah messed up a project and insisted on paying the damages herself, working multiple part-time jobs until she landed in the hospital. Even then, she hid the truth from our parents, claiming she'd forgotten to eat while working on the project and had a stomach bleed. She didn't want them to think she was useless. She wanted to prove herself, but it ended up hurting me.

Finally, she broke down and called them, sobbing. "Mom, Dad, what am I going to do? I owe so much money, I can't pay it back! I'm so useless!"

My parents sensed something was wrong and questioned me. After I told them, Dad slapped me so hard I saw stars. My left cheek immediately swelled.

Mom, slightly shocked, stopped him. "Everyone's watching! Why did you hit Ashley?"

"I'm teaching her a lesson! She probably sabotaged Sarah's project! How can Sarah, so frail, handle being hospitalized? The damages are only $2,000. You're the older sister; why can't you just pay it?"

I laughed bitterly. "I barely have enough for living expenses. Am I supposed to sell a kidney?"

Dad shrieked. "Don't lie! I gave you $2,000! Where is it? Did you waste it all?"

My lips twitched. I looked at Mom, who was scowling. She stepped in before Dad could hit me again. "Ashley transferred the money to me. She really can't help Sarah."

Dad stared at me, stunned, his eyes darting around. Even then, he wouldn't apologize. He blustered, "Even if that's true, you can use your savings! You just don't want to help your sister. You want to see her suffer!"

"A bad seed is a bad seed. Even animals learn, but you don't."

His insults escalated. I kept my eyes on Mom. She snapped, irritated, "Enough! I told you, Ashley doesn't have any money."