Forgotten kinship
Chapter 1
Getting into Berkeley was huge. My folks
finally made good on their promise and
booked a big trip for us.
The next morning, though, I woke up and they
were just gone.
The hotel room was totally empty. They
bounced without even a note. Seriously?
A few hours later, I saw my stepsister’s Insta
story.
It was a picture of her and my parents at the
mall. The caption read, “Best family ever!
Today is all about me.” Ugh.
- 1.
Г
I stared at it for a while, then commented,
“Cool. Looks like every day will be about you
from now on.”
I was done. I went scorched earth. But my
parents, who usually acted like I was a total
pain, actually freaked out.
I was stuck in the hotel lobby, watching all the
people on the beach. I still couldn’t believe my
own parents had ditched me, left me miles
away from home.
It was ridiculous.
I’m their kid, for crying out loud.
く
My face felt kinda itchy. I swiped at it and
realized I was crying.
My phone buzzed, snapping me out of it.
It was my mom: “What was that comment you
left for Ashley? She’s in tears!”
“Apologize to her. Otherwise, we’re not going
to forgive you.”
Then my dad texted: “Ashley had a health
scare. That’s why we had to leave so
suddenly. Don’t take it personally.”
I put my phone down and watched a family
stroll by. I suddenly didn’t have the energy to
fight.
Did Ashley somehow know she was about to
く
I’ve always thought she was faking it, but no
one ever believes me.
Ever since she came to live with us, every
good thing in my life has been ruined because
of her medical problems.
No matter how many times I said it, Mom and
Dad would drop everything to rush to Ashley.
I used to hate how they were always wrapped
around her finger, so I buried myself in my
books.
Now I’ve finally graduated high school and I
used my stellar grades to swing this trip.
Only one day in, and Ashley’s already
sabotaged it.
<
And my parents want me to apologize and act
like it’s nothing?
I just wondered, do other kids have to work
this hard to get their parents to love them?
I only thought about it for a few seconds
before giving up.
But I couldn’t help but watch the family on the
beach.
The parents were holding their little girl’s
hands.
She looked about four or five.
I was five when Ashley came to live with us.
Before that, Mom and Dad used to do that
L
Before that, Mom and Dad used to do that
with me.
I almost laughed, but tears started streaming
down my face.
I grabbed my phone, deleted the comment,
and went back to the hotel room alone.
2.
I spent three days by myself at the beach.
I’d always wanted to see the ocean. When I
got my college acceptance, my parents asked.
me what I wanted as a reward. I immediately
said I wanted them to take me to the beach.
They hesitated.
Ashley isn’t a big fan of long trips.
After some begging, my parents finally caved.
I imagined us taking pictures on the beach
and writing our names in the sand.
I even dreamed we’d light fireworks.
But the dream I had didn’t come true. It was
just me and the ocean.
Three days later, the hotel bill was due.
My parents must have gotten a reminder. I’m
assuming they finally realized they had a
daughter.
My mom sent me a text: “Having fun? Stay
longer if you want. I’ll send you money.”
A notification from my bank popped up.
I stared at the new $5,000 balance and slowly
typed back: “The beach is great. I’m good,
though. I’m heading home today.”
She replied instantly: “Stay a bit longer.
Ashley’s been down since that comment you
made…”
“She doesn’t want to see you right now.”
Those simple words pierced me.
I didn’t think anything could be worse than
waking up to find my parents gone.
I was wrong.
く
I checked out, made a plan, and went to a
bunch of places.
After a week, Ashley was finally okay. My
parents finally let me come home.
My dad texted: “Ashley has forgiven you. Try
not to upset her when you get back.”
I was already in the middle of nowhere,
staring at the forest. I suddenly felt free.
I wasn’t mad, and I didn’t argue. I texted back:
“I’ll come back later. Don’t want to hurt her
delicate feelings.”
