Chapter 6: Loss and a New Beginning

"You think I don’t want to go to a good school? Other kids have moms to go with them. Do I? You know I don’t have a mom, and you still rub it in?"

I yelled, even throwing the torn paper at her. The pieces fluttered to the floor. My anger felt bigger than the room.

"You fake!"

At that moment, I truly hated her and felt utterly alone.

Linda was stunned, especially after I cursed her. She raised her hand, trembling with anger and tears in her eyes. But the slap never came. She just stormed out, and I heard the door lock behind her. I laughed bitterly and collapsed on the sofa. At the bedroom door, Ben stood barefoot, watching me.

His pajamas were too big, his hair sticking up. He looked at me with wide, worried eyes, clutching his teddy bear. I felt a pang of affection for him.

"Sis, you’re not going to school today either?"

His chubby face and big blinking eyes. Honestly, Ben looked a lot like Dad. Linda, Dad, Ben—the three of them looked more like a family than I did. Maybe even fate was rejecting me.

I watched him shuffle back to his room, feeling more alone than ever.

A few hours later, Linda came back, and Dad came home too. The air was tense. I braced myself for a fight.

"We talked to your teacher and signed you up for City High."

I kept my eyes down, fiddling with a loose thread on my jeans, refusing to look up.

"We also called some agents and will look at apartments near City High this afternoon. Just focus on your exams. If you get in, I’ll go with you. Study with peace of mind."

Linda’s voice was calm, like this was all normal. She sounded tired, but determined. I could tell she’d made up her mind. I looked up, searching her face for doubt, but she was steady as ever.

After a while, I finally looked up.

My eyes met hers. She didn’t flinch. For the first time, I saw her as more than just my stepmom.

"What about Ben?"

He was still so young. How could Linda leave him? My voice was small, but the question was real. I cared more than I wanted to admit.

"Dad will take care of Ben. You just focus on your exams."

Dad sat beside me, patting my shoulder like when I was little. His hand was warm, reassuring. For a second, I felt like a little kid again.

Across from Dad, I could only see Linda’s back. Dad’s face was normal, no hint of blame. The only explanation was that Linda hadn’t told him anything.

I wondered what secrets they kept from each other, what sacrifices went unspoken.

Funny, I always thought I was the one who compromised the most. Only now did I feel a little ashamed. I realized I wasn’t the only one making sacrifices. Maybe I’d been too hard on her.

"Mm."

Actually, I wanted to say "thank you." But I was too proud, and all I managed was "mm."

With the housing issue settled, I was in a great mood and did exceptionally well, getting into City High. The acceptance letter came in the mail, thick and official. I danced around the living room, Linda cheering, Dad grinning from ear to ear.

To go with me, Linda started prepping Ben for the change. Kids, especially when they need their mom, can’t accept it. He cried every day, then tried to please her, using every trick to keep Mom. He’d draw pictures, offer her his favorite toys, beg her not to go. It broke my heart to watch. I felt guilty for needing her so much.

"Ben, Mom’s discussing this with you, not asking."

This time, Linda was firm. No matter how much Ben cried, she didn’t give in. Her voice was gentle but unyielding. I saw a new side of her—strong, unwavering.

Just as I was feeling guilty toward my brother, Linda’s new plan made our relationship hit a new low.