- 14.
I was sad. “I want to help, but I can’t.”
Jake said, “You can try to get some. Family,
friends, whatever.”
“I did, but they didn’t let me.”
Friends weren’t dumb. They wouldn’t give me
money because I didn’t have a job.
People that lend you money didn’t care about
jobs but left as soon as they saw my face.
The family helped me get a job, hoping to get
money.
But, I scared the customers, and the boss
fired me.
The family let me stay at home.
I cried.
“If I had a job and looked good, I could give
you all my money.”
“You’re a good kid.” Mom said to me, and
then yelled at Jake, “Look at Ashley! She’s
<
putting in effort! You should learn from her!”
“Mom, no,” I said, “We’re family. Jake’s
trying.”
Jake started breathing heavily.
I whispered in his ear:
“I know you’re family–oriented. If it was a
normal amount, you would help.”
“But Tiffany’s spending too much.”
“You can’t make money faster than she
spends it.”
“Mom only cares about Tiffany, and Dad
follows Mom.”
Г
“No one cares about you. You should take
care of yourself.”
“Why don’t you talk to Tiffany?”
“I’m sure she’ll understand.”
Jake rubbed his forehead.
I gave him a couple of dollars.
“This is from my side hustle. If I get a job, I’ll
give you my salary. I hope you don’t have to
work too hard.”
Jake’s eyes were red.
He rubbed my head.
<
“You’re a good sister.”
