My Brother Never Gave Me a Home Chapter 02
He obviously didn’t catch my real meaning.
He sounded uncomfortable. Trapped.
“You know Chloe’s been dealing with depression ever since she found out she took your place. Until her condition improves, it’s best for both of you to limit contact. For your own protection.”
“Once she starts school, I’ll move you back in. I’ll ease her into it. She’s older now. She’ll understand.”
I let out a soft laugh.
“No need. I’m talking about my—”
I didn’t finish.
Chloe’s sugary voice cut through the line.
“Leo! Does this dress look okay for the graduation party?”
Leo’s voice went warm. Tender.
“Beautiful. Are those heels too high? I don’t want you falling.”
“You’ll be there anyway. If my feet give out, you can just carry me on your back. Like when we were kids.”
Their laughter rang bright and sharp through the phone.
It wasn’t until the click of Chloe’s heels faded that Leo realized the call hadn’t ended.
The wind above me rustled the leaves, a soft, hollow sound.
“Sorry. I thought you hung up.”
“By the way, how do you want to do your party? Just family dinner, or invite some friends?”
I had no energy for this.
“Don’t bother.”
Leo paused.
“It’s not a bother. Mom and Dad spent their whole lives waiting to see you grow up. Don’t you want them to see it too?”
My biological parents had spiraled into grief after losing me.
They died in a car accident.
Leo told me that in their final moments, they were still calling my name. Still begging for me to come home.
Something soft and bruised inside me gave way.
My voice came out quiet.
“Fine. It’s up to you.”
The call ended.
Leo sent the time for the party.
Noon, two days from now. For Chloe.
Evening. For me.
That day, I waited until 10:30 p.m.
No one showed.
I went from anticipation to anxiety to something quiet and hollow. Resignation.
The last time the server came by to check, I said, “No. Clear the table.”
I was about to leave when Leo burst in with a handful of relatives I’d never met before.
He looked guilty.
“Chloe’s thing ran a little long. Our relatives couldn’t make it over. So I grabbed some people who’ve been wanting to meet you. Just hang out with them for now. The others will be here soon. Just wait a little longer.”
Before I could respond, his phone rang.
Chloe’s voice, whining and sweet.
“Leo! Where did you go?”
His expression melted into something fond.
“Coming.”
He turned and left.
Didn’t look back at me once.
I sat across from strangers who had no idea who I was.
Everyone picked at their food. Awkward small talk filled the gaps.
Until I came back from the restroom.
“This is so annoying. I thought I’d score some gift over there. Instead they left me stuck here with this plain food.”
Someone scoffed.
“You’re the one who messed up last time. Opened your mouth in front of Chloe and mentioned Joyce. Made her cry. You know how protective her brother is. He cut several business deals with your family after that.”
“Did you seriously think he’d let you anywhere near her again? You’re lucky he even sent you here for scraps. Anyway, when she gets back, we’ll make up an excuse and leave.”
Something heavy dropped inside my chest.
These were just people Chloe didn’t like.
Discarded. Left at my table without a second thought.
I thought about the massive private room I’d passed earlier.
A five-tier flower cake.
Gold-rimmed crystal tableware.
Custom party favors for every single guest.
Even the servers walking in and out were getting huge cash tips.
None of that looked anything like my plain, unremarkable table.
If I were them, I wouldn’t want to be here either.
I pretended I hadn’t heard a thing.
Pushed open the door and smiled.
“You guys have stuff to do, right? Go ahead. Something just came up. I need to go.”
Relief flooded their faces.
They muttered thank-yous and bolted.
The room went quiet.
I walked back to the head of the table.
Stared at all the untouched dishes.
Then I started eating.
Shoved every bite into my mouth, one after another.
The oysters were watery. Way too salty.
Nothing like the spaghetti my mom used to make.
