Chapter 2

Flora's POV

I have to get out of here. I can't stand watching all this happy family stuff anymore.

I tried floating out through the window, but every time I get outside, something just yanks me right back in. I keep trying to drift further away, but it's useless, it's like there are invisible chains or something keeping me stuck to my parents.

Oh God, no! I think I'm actually trapped here. In this house. With them.

I feel this wave of helplessness and despair wash over me, and all I can do is just float here in the dining room, watching them.

I couldn't breathe even though I didn't need to anymore. Even dead, I couldn't escape this family.

Blair looked up at Mom with those fake innocent eyes. "Mom, don't say that about Flora."

Mom's face went soft. "Flora wants everyone to revolve around her. Only Blair is kind and good."

Dad kept reading his paper. "Let her go wherever. I blocked her number already. At least she won't bother us this week."

Blair bit her lip. "But that book was Flora's. Is it really okay for me to take the award?"

Mom squeezed Blair's hand. "You deserve this. Stop worrying about Flora."

I floated in the corner. My chest hurt.

Wait. Do ghosts feel pain?

The hurt wasn't in my body. It was deeper. Somewhere I couldn't touch. I was trapped here watching them plan Blair's ceremony and I couldn't look away or close my eyes or leave.

I could only watch.

Dad sat up straight. "Oh Blair, I ordered you flowers. They'll deliver them to the venue."

"Thank you, Dad!"

Dad never sent me flowers. Not once. He never gave a shit about anything I did.

Mom stood up and pulled out her phone. "Let's find you a dress for the ceremony."

Blair looked through a few and shook her head. Then her face lit up. "Flora's engagement dress is gorgeous. Can I borrow it?"

Mom paused. "That's her engagement dress though..."

Dad waved his hand. "Who cares! I'll grab it."

He walks into my room and just barges right in, then yanks open my closet. I want to stop him, but there's nothing I can do about it.

"What the hell!" Dad's voice carried through the house. "She still buys these stupid dolls? This closet is a disaster! I don't see her dress. Did she not bring it back?"

I floated to my bedroom. Dolls everywhere on the floor, spilling out from where I'd stacked them.

I stared down at them.

These dolls were my family. The only family I had.

Every time Mom said "Why wasn't it you who died," I'd buy another one.

Seventy-seven now.

Blair pulled out her phone in the dining room. "I should ask Flora first."

Her fingers flew across the screen. [Hope you're dead already.]

She hit send.

Everything in me went cold.

She deleted it right away. Typed again.

[Flora, I want to borrow your dress. Can I? Want to hear what you think.]

She showed Mom and Dad with this sweet little smile.

I couldn't answer. Obviously.

They waited.

Dad checked his phone. "Why isn't she replying?"

Mom's face went red. "Her ego is out of control! She can't even answer a text!"

Blair looked down. Her shoulders drooped like someone hurt her.

"Ignore her, Blair," Mom said.

I floated there watching with helpless.

I suddenly remembered when we were kids. If I had something Blair wanted, she took it. If I said no, she'd run to Mom.

Then I'd get hit.

I learned fast. Stop fighting. It hurt less.

The doorbell rang.

Blair ran to answer. Jason stood there with a pink bakery box.

"Good morning. Is Flora here?"

"No," Blair said.

Jason looked worried. "I called her like ten times. She's not picking up."

My chest hurt again. He actually sounded worried.

Jason came inside and lifted the box. "Found this on your doorstep. Says 'To Blair' and it's from Flora."

He looked at my parents. "Think she's apologizing?"

I stared. I never ordered those cupcakes.

Blair took the box with a little smile. "Thank you."

Blair turned to Jason. "Flora hasn't come home. She's probably still pissed at us."

Jason shook his head. "God, she's so petty."

He sighed. "I shouldn't have even called her. Should've just let her figure it out herself."

I let out a bitter laugh. Jason, you won't have to worry about me ever again.

Dad leaned back. "If Flora actually feels bad about this, we'll forgive her."

Mom pulled out her phone. "Let me call her."

Blair opened the box. Took out a cupcake. Bit into it.

She screamed.

"Ah!"