Forgotten Kinship - Chapter 4

I came home a month later. My mom was giving Ashley fruit.

When they saw me, they looked surprised. Ashley pouted and Mom looked happy. Mom left the fruit and went to me:

“You got tan, Autumn!”

I gave her a small smile:

“I guess I didn’t wear enough sunscreen.”

The room went silent. Mom went to the kitchen:

“Don’t touch Ashley’s fruit. Dad got it just for her.”

“I’ll get some for you.”

I stopped and took off my shoes:

“That’s fine. I don’t want it.”

Mom looked upset:

“Autumn, stop being mad. You need to give Ashley a break!”

I looked at Ashley. She had a little smile on her face. Then I understood. I said something wrong and they thought I was mad. I just smiled:

“I said I don’t want it because I was on the train for twelve hours. I’m really tired, so I’m going to go to bed. You misunderstood.”

I walked to my room. Mom grabbed me:

“Don’t misunderstand. I didn’t know.”

I was gone for a month, but she never asked how I was. I knew that she didn’t know where I went or that I was coming home. I nodded:

“It’s okay. I’m going to my room.”

I started to leave, but Mom grabbed me:

“Tell me where you went when you get some rest.”

I was really tired, so I agreed and opened my bedroom door. But my brain went on immediately.

My books were on the floor, Ashley’s dirty clothes were all over the place, and my teddy bear was cut up.

Mom came in behind me. She started to say something. But Ashley fell down. Mom gave me a dirty look and ran to Ashley.

She started calling 911.

While we waited for the ambulance, Mom blamed me:

“Why are you bullying your sister? What do you want me to do, Autumn!”

I looked at Mom:

“I only said a few words when I got home.”

“Ashley ruined my room. I didn’t even look at her. What did I do wrong?”

Mom didn’t say anything. Ashley opened her eyes and grabbed her sleeve:

“Mom, I don’t want my sister to be mad.”

Mom looked cold:

“If something happens to Ashley, I’ll blame you!”

I nodded:

“Okay.”

I knew that Ashley was faking it. She didn’t want Mom and Dad to look at me, even for one second. But I didn’t care.

She can fake it if she wants. Now that you’re leaving, I can finally get some rest.