Chapter 3
When I reached out and took the ticket, Alex let out a sigh of relief.
After thinking for a moment, he pulled out his phone and sent me 2 thousand.
He said, "There's a dining car on the train. If you get hungry, just head over and buy whatever you want. My treat."
Just as I was about to refuse, Mandy's sweet, playful voice floated down from above.
She said, "Alex, didn't you say you'd buy me some snacks for the trip? We're leaving tomorrow morning. Did you get them yet?"
Alex looked up at Mandy with sheer adoration. He said, "My little princess, when have I ever let you down?"
I lowered my head, staring at the transfer notification on my phone, and couldn't help but let out a bitter smile.
Turns out, whenever Mandy wanted something to eat, Alex would always get it for her himself.
But when it came to me, he just sent me money and expected me to get it myself.
Maybe he didn't even know what I liked.
But none of that mattered anymore. I was leaving anyway.
The next morning, the whole family was dressed in matching outfits.
When my mom saw I was still wearing the same school uniform I'd worn when I got home, she frowned.
She scolded, "We're about to leave. Why haven't you changed yet?"
I shot Alex a surprised look.
It looked like he didn't tell others that I was taking the train by myself.
Alex froze for a second, like he wasn't used to having an extra person in the family. It was as if he suddenly had another thing dumped on him, and one could tell it was bugging him.
He explained, sounding a bit annoyed, "The car can't fit everyone, so I got Thea a train ticket. She'll go ahead to Auremont and wait for us."
My mom was stunned for a second, gave me an uneasy glance, then complained to Alex, "Why didn't you tell me something this big ahead of time?
"I've already packed everything. Now I have to open the suitcase and pull out Thea's things."
I said, "No need to unpack. All the stuff in there is Mandy's, none of it's mine."
For a split second, my mom's face flushed bright red, like someone had just slapped it. Tears rimmed her eyes as she looked at me.
She said, "Thea, are you blaming me for caring more about Mandy than you?
"I'm sorry, Thea. It's just... I'm still not used to you being back. I wasn't prepared for another daughter to appear out of nowhere. Please don't be upset, I promise I'll try to change. Next time, I'll pay more attention, okay?"
My mom looked at me, choked with sobs.
My dad walked over and gathered Mom into his embrace.
He scolded me, his voice full of irritation, "You made your mom cry over something so trivial? Thea, where are your manners?"
Mandy rushed over, tearfully begging my forgiveness.
She said, "I'm so sorry, Thea. Please don't be mad at Mom and Dad. If anyone's to blame, it's me. It's all my fault.
"I took the spot that should've been yours. I'm not their real daughter. You should've been the one riding with them.
"Please, Thea, don't be upset. I'll stay behind, you take my seat in the car.
"Please don't fight with Mom and Dad, okay? They really do love you. You're the one who truly belongs in this family."
Mandy was crying so hard that she could barely catch her breath.
Alex clenched his fists and suddenly yelled, "Just stop it, all of you. It's all my fault.
"Thea, if you didn't want to go on the train by yourself, why didn't you say something sooner? Why'd you have to drag Mom and Dad into this?
"Now the whole family's upset. Is this what you wanted?"
I tried to say something in my defense, but Alex just sighed and waved me toward the front seat.
He said, "Alright, this isn't Thea's fault, and it's not Mom and Dad's either. This is all my fault.
"How about this: I'll give up my spot for Thea. Mom, Dad, you take Thea and Mandy in the car, and I'll just take the train instead. Happy now?"
My mom protested, "How is that supposed to work? It's over ten hours on the road, and neither Mandy nor I has a license. Do you expect your dad to drive all that way by himself?"
Mandy held onto Alex's arm. With a soft and begging voice, she said, "Alex, it's really exhausting for Dad to drive alone. Can't you just come with us?
"Besides, train tickets are super hard to get during autumn break. Do you really think you'll be able to snag one if you go to the station now?"
Alex hesitated, then shot me a nervous look.
My mom opened her mouth, like she wanted to say something, but couldn't get the words out.
Her eyes said it all: guilt and hope.
I finally let out a breath.
Just as well. They were the ones who let me go first.
Now I could walk away, no guilt weighing me down.