Chapter 4

Audrey's POV

I walk to the door and look through the small window.

Dad's sitting on the bed peeling an orange for Laurel, putting each segment into a small dish. "Take your time, the doctor said you need more vitamins."

When I was sick as a kid, he never came.

Blake's standing by the window adjusting the blinds. "Is this too bright for you?"

Laurel shakes her head weakly. He walks over to adjust the bed angle and tuck in her blanket.

My stepmother comes in with a thermos. "Sweetie, Mom made you soup."

Dad takes it and feeds her himself.

Laurel's eyes get watery. "Thanks Dad, thanks Mom... and Blake."

Dad smiles. "You're our daughter now. This family is yours."

Blake smiles too. "Just focus on getting better."

"How's Audrey doing?" Laurel asks.

Blake's tone is flat. "She's fine. Standard room."

"Won't she be lonely by herself?"

"Don't worry about it. She prefers being alone."

Dad snorts. "Now she knows how to be quiet."

My nails dig into my palms until I draw blood.

So this is what family looks like. Just never mine.

I turn and head back to my room.

A nurse comes in. "Where's your family?"

"Don't have any."

Blake visits sometimes but he's always distracted, checking his phone. I stay cold toward him. Eventually he stops coming.

The day I'm discharged, I'm on the phone.

"I contacted the Thompson family. They'll send you the ticket in a few days." His voice is cold. "Don't cause any trouble. You're not my daughter anymore. This engagement can't fall apart."

I hang up. The door opens and Blake walks in. "What ticket?"

"A friend's birthday."

"The way you are right now?"

"None of your business."

"Ready to go? I'll drive you."

When the car pulls into Blake's place, I freeze.

In the living room, Laurel's sitting on the couch with my stepmother beside her.

"What's she doing here?"

"She's not well. It's easier to take care of her if she stays here." Blake says it like it's obvious.

"What about me?"

"You're not the same. She needs more care."

"So I'm just supposed to understand?"

Blake frowns. "Don't be unreasonable. You're an adult."

Laurel sees me. "You're out of the hospital too!"

My stepmother steadies her. "Careful."

"I'm sorry for taking your space... but the doctor said I can't live alone..."

I drag my suitcase upstairs.

The next three days are a nightmare.

I get to my room and my makeup's been shoved into the corner, her stuff covering the vanity. I throw it all into the hallway.

At dinner, Laurel's eyes are red. "Does Audrey not like me using her things? I'm sorry, I thought we were family..."

Blake shoots me a look.

The next day, she wants my dress.

"It's so pretty. Can I try it on?"

"No."

Blake walks by. "It's just a dress."

"It's mine."

"She just wants to try it. Don't be petty."

I finally give in. When she returns it, there are wine stains all over it.

The third night, I knock on Blake's study door.

Laurel's there too. Blake's helping her with some paperwork.

"Did you need Blake for something?"

I watch how focused he is on her. "Nothing."

The fourth morning, the Thompson family should be arriving soon. I start packing and open Mom's jewelry box.

Inside is an antique pocket watch. The back reads: To my dearest daughter, with all my love.

There's a knock.

Laurel pushes the door open and her eyes land on the watch. "That's beautiful!"

I snap it closed. "It was my mom's."

"Something she left behind... can I see it?"

"No."

"Just a quick look..."

"No."

She leaves. Ten minutes later, Blake comes in.

"Let her see the watch."

"What did you just say?"

"She just wants to look at it. Let her see it."

"It's the only thing my mom left me."

"She just wants to look, she's not stealing it. Do you have to be so selfish?"

"Selfish?"

"She's lost so much. Can't you give in for once? You never think about anyone else."

Laurel appears in the doorway. "Blake, forget it... it's my fault... I'm sorry, I was just jealous that you have memories of your mom..."

She starts crying.

My stepmother rushes over. "Just let her look at it! Why are you being so petty!"

Everyone's staring at me.

"Give her the watch." Blake's voice is ice.

I clutch the watch tight and shake my head.

Blake walks over and grabs my wrist. "Let go."

His grip is strong.

I hold on tight but he starts prying my fingers open.

"Don't—"

He forces all my fingers open and takes the watch.

I try to grab it back but he pushes me away. I fall to the floor and watch him hand the watch to Laurel.

Laurel takes it, triumph flashing in her eyes.

Blake looks down at me. "Get up. Stop acting like a child."

I can't even protect what Mom left me.

After everyone leaves, I sit alone until dark.

At night I lie in bed, Blake forcing my fingers open playing over and over, mixed with images of Mom's gentle smile.

No. I can't just give up like this.

I go downstairs and knock on Laurel's door.

She's sitting on the couch in her pajamas, casually playing with the watch.

She sees me. "Still up this late?"

I stare at the watch. "Give it back."

"But Blake said I could borrow it for a few days."

"I want it now."

She gives a little laugh. "No can do."

"I'll trade you something else for it."

"Like what?"

"I have a car. Jewelry..."

"I don't need money."

"Then what do you want?"

She tilts her head. "I want you to kneel."

"And beg."

I look at the watch in her hand. Finally I start to bend my knees.

Right as my knees are about to touch the ground, the watch slips from her hand.

It shatters.

I freeze, staring at the pieces on the floor.

Laurel stands up. "Oops, butterfingers. But whatever, it's just junk anyway."

My hands shake as I try to pick up the pieces but there's no putting it back together.

"Your mom really left you garbage like this?" Laurel laughs behind me. "But I guess that makes sense. She was pretty useless. Her husband cheated and all she could do was cry. Then she died from depression."

"You know why she died? Because she was pathetic. Couldn't keep her man. So she just suffered and died alone."

"She deserved it."

"And you're just like her. Blake likes me. Your dad loves me more. You can't compete with me at anything. You're a loser."

"You think Blake loves you? Dream on! You're nothing to him. Just someone to sleep with—"

The next second, I shoot up, grab her hair, and slam her head into the wall.

Thud.

She collapses on the floor holding her bleeding forehead, screaming.