Chapter 2

My phone buzzed again. It was a text from Mom.

Just one line: [Don't make us mad. Just get over here already.]

I stared at her text for a long time before finally replying:

Me: [Mom, I told you. I don't have a passport.]

After I sent it, it was like throwing a stone into the ocean. No reply at all.

For two whole days, nothing.

Another five days went by.

Then Mom called again.

She scolded, "Emily, so you think you're all grown up now? Your dad and I are stuck overseas worrying about you every day, and you're just living it up at home, not even bothering to show up. Do you even care about this family anymore?"

I was in the back of a coffee shop.

My fingers were turning red from the cold ice I was holding.

I took a deep breath and repeated the same thing I'd said a hundred times before. "Mom, I told you, I don't have a passport."

Mom was fuming. "Stop lying! You and Charlotte got your passports together. I was right there with you. Do you think I'm losing my mind?"

I closed my eyes, and that day replayed in my mind.

Yeah, we all went together.

When we arrived, Mom dug out some paperwork and Charlotte's ID from her bag, then took Charlotte's hand and led her out of the car.

I got out of the car and followed them for a couple of steps.

Mom glanced back at me, like she'd just remembered something.

"Oh, I forgot to bring your ID," she said, sounding totally unfazed.

She didn't even seem to care.

Then she added, "No big deal, we'll just do it next time. Let's get Charlotte's done today. You're not in any hurry anyway."

I stood at the entrance of the passport office, watching as their backs disappeared through the revolving door.

That day, I waited by the car for almost an hour.

When they finally came out, Charlotte had her arm linked with Mom's, grinning from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, I was sweaty and exhausted, my lips cracked and peeling.

I opened my eyes, and spoke again. "Mom, that day you only brought Charlotte's ID, not mine. You said we'd get mine next time, but you never followed through."

There was a two-second silence on the other end.

Mom suddenly burst out. "How could that be? Why would we only bring Charlotte's ID and not yours? You make it sound like we did it on purpose. Why do you always have to twist things?"

"I didn't say you did it on purpose..." I replied.

Then Dad cut in. "That's what you're implying, Emily. Have we ever shortchanged you? Whatever Charlotte gets, you get too.

"You probably lost it yourself, and now you're blaming me and your mom for it."

Charlotte started crying again, sounding completely pitiful. "Yeah, Emily, we got our passports together. Why are you denying it? You're really hurting Mom and Dad.

"Is it because we forgot to buy your ticket? Are you just saying all this to upset us?

"If that's what you want, I'll tear up my passport right now. I'll drop everything and come home to be with you, okay?"

Dad's voice instantly softened. "Just listen to your sister. She's bawling her eyes out because of you. Can't you just stop talking for once?"

Mom started coaxing Charlotte softly. "Don't cry, don't cry. You're breaking my heart."

Then her tone turned icy.

"Emily, seriously, think about it. When has this family ever wronged you? Why are you always causing all this drama? What are you really after?" Mom demanded.

"I..." I started.

"Take a good, hard look at yourself," Mom snapped.

And with that, she hung up on me again.

I stood there, phone still in hand.

Strangely enough, I didn't feel angry or sad.

I found myself wondering, what was Charlotte even upset about?

She's always been the favorite, got all the perks, and enjoyed every privilege this family had to offer.

So why was she still crying like she's the victim?

Shouldn't I be the one crying?