I Quit Their Family Game

Synopsis

Before the Thanksgiving dinner, my sister, Mia Linwood, took a pair of scissors and cut off my long hair, which I'd been growing for seven years. Before I could react, she was already doubled over with laughter, holding up the chunk of hair. "Hazel, you look ridiculous." My parents laughed, and my boyfriend, Ryan West, who'd been with me for seven years, grinned and sent her 60 dollars. "A bet's a bet. Mia said you'd cry in a minute, while I said three. You really let me down," he said. I lowered my head, staring at the hair scattered across the floor, and didn't argue back. Three days later, they pulled another stunt, placing bets on how long it would take me to break down this time. But instead, I canceled the engagement party, blocked everyone, and boarded the train to Rivergate. They wouldn't get to wait for me this time.