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. 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. 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 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 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.