Chapter 4

At dinner, my mother kept heaping food onto Brooke’s plate. They chatted and laughed, looking far more like a real mother and daughter than we ever had.

I kept my head down, quietly picking at my food. When I reached out to ladle some clam chowder, my mother slapped the back of my hand.

"Are you that greedy? You already had a bowl! Leave some for Brooke, it’s her favorite."

"Thank you, Eleanor. You’re the best," Brooke said, smiling sweetly.

My eyes darkened.

I pulled my hand back and only ate from the plain salad bowl closest to me.

My mother glanced at me, her brow furrowed.

"I’m taking Brooke on a trip to the coast tomorrow. She worked so hard studying for the SATs, she needs to unwind."

"You’re just going to loaf around the house all summer anyway, so don't be lazy. I spoke to Mrs. Davis down at the packaging plant; they need seasonal workers. I sent you her number. As soon as we leave tomorrow, you go report to work."

"Stop expecting hand-outs. You’re eighteen now."

My fingers trembled around my fork, an ache squeezing my chest.

I had taken the SATs too. Why did Brooke get a vacation while I was sent to work in a warehouse?

I wanted to ask, but I already knew the answer.

A bitter smile touched my lips.

"Okay, Mom."

No excuses. No arguments.

After dinner, while they packed their suitcases, I cleaned the house.

I did the dishes, swept the floors, mopped the kitchen, and took out the trash.

By the time I finished, the living room was empty.

Just as I reached to turn off the lights, a hand grabbed me from behind.

Brooke yanked my hair, dragging me out onto the balcony.

Pain shot through my scalp, but I clamped my hand over my mouth, terrified of making a sound.

"You really think you're hot shit, don't you?" she hissed, her face contorting in the darkness. "This summer, get the hell out. Go wherever you want, just don't come back to this house. If you pull any more stunts, I swear I’ll destroy you."

Her eyes glowed with cruel malice.

"You worthless bitch, you deserved to get used like that. Didn't those two guys give you a good time last night? Look at you, still standing. Don't even think about running your mouth to your mom. You really think she'll take your side?"

She leaned in, whispering directly into my ear. "Guess what? Did they take a video? Ooh, tough question! Imagine how fun it would be if that video ended up all over the school group chats."

I froze, pure terror paralyzing my limbs.

They had blindfolded me. I hadn't seen their faces, let alone known if they had a camera.

I closed my eyes, drowning in total despair.

Scenes like this happened all the time.

Whenever Brooke was in a bad mood, she would sneak into my room in the dead of night and beat me.

She was careful never to hit my face so my mother wouldn't notice.

Over the years, my body had become a patchwork of scars. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, I never dared to wear short sleeves.

Everyone at school whispered that I was a freak.

Even my mother thought I was an embarrassment.