Chapter 3

3 For years, my parents only talked about Tiffany.

Ashley and I were like shadows, hidden away.

In the beginning, Tiffany's father gave them their first big order, which made them rich.

So, they were always grateful.

Later, Tiffany's parents died, so they took her in.

We felt sorry for her and always shared with her.

Then, in elementary school, some kids made fun of Tiffany's clothes.

Tiffany ran home crying, telling Mom and Dad that Ashley and I had told the kids to bully her.

They were so mad.

They yelled at us, not letting us explain.

They decided we were just jealous and kept our relation a secret.

After that, with Tiffany's help, they started hating us more.

I wanted to leave home with Ashley, but she refused.

She thought our parents still loved us.

She thought they were just being misled by Tiffany.

She thought that if we did well, they'd see our value and love us again.

Then came Cambodia.

Ashley died.

I finally saw that Ashley's dreams of family were ridiculous.

I hate that I didn't pull her out of here sooner, maybe she'd be alive.

But it's too late.

Knowing their real daughter was in a riot, they canceled her flight.

But worried about Tiffany, who was safe, they sent private planes to bring her home.

I don't want that kind of family.

Back at home, the facial recognition wouldn't work.

I had to pound on the door.

The cut on my arm started to hurt.

No one answered.

Finally, Mom, Dad, and Tiffany pulled up in a fancy car.

They were well-dressed and laughing.

I was covered in dirt, a mess.

It was quiet for a moment.

As the door closed behind them, a teacup hit me in the face.

I turned, but it still hit me.

Warm liquid ran down my face.

The door closed off the outside world.

Dad didn't hide his anger.

"Really? I blocked you, but you still came back!"

"Who did you use to pull strings?"

"When will you two be as good as Tiffany, and give me some peace?!"

I covered the cut on my head and laughed.

If I were as good as they said, I would have thrown them and Tiffany in the riot!

I would have given them the taste of despair!

If I were good, Ashley wouldn't be dead.

They knew Tiffany was safe, but they pulled strings to get her home fast and spent money to celebrate her.

Ashley and I were in Cambodia, we just wanted tickets home, but they canceled them!

Ashley was gone.

I didn't want anything to do with them.

"Brooke, are you okay?"

Tiffany looked worried.

She said she cared, but she "accidentally" touched my cut, pressing down hard.

I yelled, and slapped her hand away.

Tiffany stumbled and fell to the ground, crying.

"I know I'm not as good as you and Ashley," she said.

"I know you hate me, but I just want us to be a happy family."

"I can't...I can't breathe."

She clutched her chest, like she was going to pass out.

But I saw her smile.

Mom dropped the tissues she had and ran to Tiffany.

She helped her breathe, then yelled at me.

"Tiffany was just trying to help you, and you do this!"

"Ungrateful kid!"

"Go to your room!"