Chapter 4: Tears and Revelations

The next day, first thing after work, Harrison came to check my writing.

I handed him a fat stack of paper, proud—he didn’t expect me to finish so fast. Was he looking for mistakes?

Not a chance!

"If your dad saw this handwriting, he’d be too embarrassed to show his face."

Yeah, right! Dad always said my writing was bold and rare.

I pouted, too tired to argue.

He pointed out mistakes on my paper.

"Looks like you haven’t learned your lesson?"

"I copied all night!" I muttered, feeling wronged. Seriously, what more do you want from me?

But he heard, muttering back:

"I didn’t sleep all night either!"

He sounded even more upset than I was. I couldn’t help but laugh.

"What? Elena didn’t take care of you?"

My laughter seemed to annoy him. He ignored me, face stormy.

Just then, Elena walked in.

"Harrison, I wondered why you were gone so long. So you were with Rosie!"

She took the papers from Harrison, looked them over, then smiled at me:

"You’re so diligent, Rosie. I’d never finish these in a night."

Of course she does. Figures. No wonder everyone likes Elena—she always knows just what to say!

I grinned and looked at Harrison, but his face just got darker.

"Rosie’s good at doodling, so she’s quick."

Ugh! What’s with this guy?

I nudged Elena toward him, saying:

"Elena, Harrison said he didn’t sleep well last night. Take him back to rest."

I turned to my room, ignoring him.

I heard Harrison get up, scraping the chair loudly, and stomp out.

After they left, I peeked outside—Harrison had tossed all the pages I’d copied out for ‘The Good Wife’s Guide’ all over the floor.

I burst into tears. Great. Just great. I knew it—someone like me would only be miserable in the Whitmore house.

Elena was way more capable than me. Two weeks later, Harrison’s birthday party was all left to her to organize.