Chapter 3

After I explained that I didn't want to help Isaac get a job, Jodie shot back at me, "Seriously, Caroline? How could you say no?

"It's just helping him get a job, it's not a big deal. Isaac's right here, and you're making Mom lose face."

My dad chimed in, "Come on, you work with your boss all the time. It's nothing for you to put in a good word."

I shot my dad a look. I couldn't hide my annoyance.

I was just a nobody at work. What could I possibly say to my boss? Dad had gotten his own factory on the side, and every cent he made ended up in Jodie's pocket.

Even though Jodie was adopted, my dad always worried she'd feel left out, so he made sure she had the best of everything.

Mom just turned a blind eye to it all. After all, she could give away Jodie's hand-me-downs to relatives' kids and look like the generous one.

While I was working my butt off at part-time jobs just to pay for my college expenses, Jodie was living the high life, spending my dad's money like a spoiled rich kid.

Just thinking about it made me clench my jaw.

I took a deep breath and tried to smooth things over with Mom. "Mom, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked back to you.

"I do work closely with my boss, but I'm just a nobody. My words don't really carry much weight.

"Dad's been at the factory for years. He's got connections and people actually listen to him. Why not ask him to help Isaac out?"

As soon as I finished, Mom turned her attention to Dad.

Dad looked annoyed. "I'm just a regular worker. I don't have that kind of pull."

Maybe it was the car she got earlier that made her so bold, but Mom just bulldozed ahead. "I don't care. Caroline's got a point.

"You've been at the factory for over ten years. Getting someone in there should be a piece of cake for you."

Before Dad could say anything, I jumped in, playing along with Mom. "Yeah, and the factory pays well, plus there are lots of cute girls working there."

Isaac, who'd been just watching the drama unfold, suddenly perked up at the mention of girls. "That sounds great! That sounds great!

"Uncle, I'll go with you to the factory."

He rubbed his hands together with a sleazy grin, sneaking glances at Jodie every now and then, his creepy intentions written all over his face.

Dad looked helpless, but he finally agreed with a frown.

But Dad knew exactly what Isaac was like. Having him around was just asking for trouble at the factory.

So he gave Isaac some pointless job in the workshop, just to keep him out of the way.

With that mess finally out of the way, I suddenly felt way more motivated at work.

After a busy day at the office, my boss noticed my efforts and said he was considering promoting me in the near future.

Just when I thought things were finally looking up, I walked into my room and my laptop was just... gone.

I'd bought it with my college scholarship money, so it meant a lot to me. Every bit of my schoolwork and job stuff from over the years was on there.

Even my private stuff was saved on it.

I used my office computer at work, so this laptop stayed at home for late-night work sessions.

When I realized my laptop was gone, it felt like I'd been zapped. I shot out of my room in a panic.

"Mom! Have you seen my laptop?" I shouted.

Mom saw how distraught I was and looked a bit uneasy, but she just said offhandedly, "I gave it to Isaac."

My mind went totally blank. "That's my laptop! Why did you give it to him? Who said you could do that?" I blurted out.

She grabbed my ear and shouted, "I'm your mom! Everything you have is mine. Can't I even decide what to do with a stupid laptop?"

Mom shot back, all high and mighty, "You embarrassed him in front of everyone last time. Giving him your laptop is your way of making up for it."

My ear felt like it was being ripped apart, but that pain was nothing compared to the hurt inside.

Caroline glared at her, eyes red with anger and tears. "Why do I have to apologize to him?"

Mom rolled her eyes, "You think Isaac even wanted your old laptop? If I hadn't convinced him, he wouldn't have taken it at all.

"You stuffed that thing with so much useless crap, Isaac said it was lagging like crazy. He had to wipe almost everything just to get it working."

I stared at her in disbelief, my eyes wide. All those years of precious memories, all my important files, were just wiped out.

I yanked my ear free, and the tears just came pouring out.

"It's all gone..." I choked out.

"Mom, did you ever stop to think about how I feel?" I said.

Mom froze for a moment, then barked, "Crying again? You always bring bad luck with that attitude!

"So your crappy laptop means more to you than your own relatives? It's gone, just buy another one!"

I was sobbing so hard I could barely catch my breath, but that just made Mom even more pissed off. She raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face.

"You're really asking for it today. I'm not letting you off. I'm gonna teach you a lesson, you stupid brat!" she shouted.

I couldn't hold it in any longer. I flipped the table over in a fit of rage.