Chapter 4

"You'd better tell the truth," Dad said.

"I didn't steal it. It was left to me by Mom," I said.

Ruth's grandma came over at that moment.

She said, "Ruth has a necklace just like this, no doubt about it."

Everyone started looking at me differently, just like those kids at preschool.

They looked at me like I was something gross.

Chase said, "Kids who lie get their tongues cut out. Hand it over to her."

I couldn't get why everyone thought I stole it? Mom gave it to me.

"I didn't steal it. I'm not giving it back," I said.

Dad, towering over me, smacked me hard across the face.

"So now you've learned to lie," he said.

I crashed to the floor, scraping my arm on the ground.

Tears poured down my cheeks.

I sobbed, choking on my words. "Dad... even if you... beat me to death... I... I didn't... steal it."

Dad's hand at his side clenched into a fist.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for another hit, clutching the necklace tightly in my palm.

I knew Dad didn't care about me. If he did, he would've noticed Mom left me this necklace.

In the end, Dad finally relented.

"She really likes the necklace. I'm sorry about all this. How much is it? We'll pay whatever it costs," he said.

Ruth's grandma said, "It's not expensive. If the kid likes it, let her keep it."

Dad's voice was cold. "Emily, go get the ruby necklace from the auction the day before yesterday."

"Yes, sir," Emily replied.

In the end, Dad gave Ruth a ruby necklace that was several times bigger than mine.

Ruth stopped crying.

Chase even grabbed a bunch of snacks and toys for her to take home.

But he never shared any of his snacks or toys with me.

My stomach growled again.

They all looked over at me.

Frightened, I scrambled up the stairs and hid in my room.

Later that night, Emily called me down for dinner.

I clutched my stomach, hurting from hunger, too scared to leave my room.

I just stayed there for ages.

Finally, Dad said, "Leave her be."

*****

It was the middle of the night. My whole body ached.

I could barely breathe.

I felt like I was dying, just like that little hamster at preschool, completely stiff, unable to move at all.

I pushed the door open. The lights in the living room were still on.

I stood on the stairs and saw Dad and Ruth's grandma.

Ruth's grandma was sobbing in front of Dad.

"That necklace belonged to Ruth's dad," she cried.

"Ruth is so shaken up she's running a high fever tonight. I'm afraid if we wait any longer, it'll be too late.

"Could you please drive her to the hospital? If something happens to her, I don't know what I'll do. How could I ever face her father in heaven?"

My preschool teacher always said if you feel sick, you should go to the hospital.

I could go with Ruth to the hospital.

Maybe if I got better, I could see Mom again. She hadn't forgiven me yet.

My legs went weak, and I almost tumbled down the stairs.

"Dad, my stomach hurts. Everything hurts. I want to go to the hospital..." I couldn't put it into words, but they just thought I was faking it.

Ruth's grandma was pleading again, sobbing.

"Angela, please, don't wait any longer. If we keep delaying, Ruth might not make it," she pleaded.

Dad looked at me like I was something he couldn't stand.

"You're just like your mom, always faking it. Makes me sick," he said.

With that, he turned to leave.

I chased after him, my stomach felt like someone was wringing it out, and my whole body was getting hotter and hotter.

"Dad..." I carefully grabbed his sleeve, afraid he'd shake me off. "Can I go to the hospital with Ruth too?"

"Is pretending to be sick for attention really that entertaining for you? Starving yourself and acting sick on purpose. Do you really think making yourself sick will make everyone forget what you did?" he snapped.

I was trembling, sobbing hard. "Dad, will I end up like that little hamster, just lying there, stiff and not moving?"

Dad got even angrier. "If you're going to die, do it somewhere else."

He yanked his sleeve away so hard that I landed right on my butt.

I couldn't even cry anymore.

My three brothers were up on the second floor, just watching the drama unfold like it was entertainment.

Chase sneered, "Messing with Ruth. This is what you get. Karma's coming for you."

Hubert scoffed, "How did our family end up with a sister like you? Such a sneaky liar."

He grinned, cheerful as ever. "So, if you can call Mom back, we'll let it go. Deal?" he said.

I looked up at him with wide, hopeful eyes. "Will you give me tasty treats as you do for Ruth? And lots of toys too? Will you cheer me up like you do for her?"

The three of them nodded.