Chapter 2

I couldn't believe that my parents bought the house next door just because they thought I might not like my room. They even wanted me to pick my room first.

I wondered if my parents were more manipulative than I thought.

I questioned if they were trying to stir up a bigger fight over the room, so I could end up getting blamed, told to go back to that tiny town, and then forced to stay here just to avoid more drama.

Thinking about it, my expression grew even colder.

My parents looked like they were about to cry from worry.

Their voices trembled as they asked, "Wanda, are you mad?

"We know we messed up. We didn't do our job as parents. Just tell us what you want, and we promise to do our best to make it up to you, okay?"

I was confused. "What are you even talking about?"

They pointed at my face and said I was obviously unhappy.

I had to explain that my expression naturally looked unfriendly. It was not something I could help.

I was used to having a cold expression, but that didn't mean I was upset. They were just reading too much into it.

Only then did the three of them finally let out a sigh of relief.

I quickly picked the first room, which had a simple, minimalist vibe.

My parents and Paisley nodded in unison, looking relieved. "As long as you like it, that's all that matters."

"I'll cook tonight to celebrate you coming home. Let's all sit down and enjoy a real family meal together," Dad said.

Mom said she'd help me unpack, and Paisley chimed in, saying she'd help too.

I was stunned all over again.

This was way different from what I expected.

*****

That night, the dinner table was practically overflowing with food.

There were ribs, pork, prawns, crab, abalone, plus a bunch of greens and appetizers.

My parents kept loading up my plate, urging me to eat.

I just focused on eating, barely saying a word.

They kept putting shrimp and crab on my plate. Then, they saw I never touched them.

Dad asked, "Wanda, why aren't you eating those? Is it because I didn't cook them well? I remember you said you were okay with seafood."

He was right. When he asked about my food preferences, I never said I had a problem with seafood.

But back in my old home, there was this strict rule we all had to follow.

I said, "Dad, I really don't know how to eat these.

"Back home, seafood and meat were always for my brother. I was never shown how to eat them, so I just don't know."

After I said that, the table went dead silent for a few seconds.

My parents' eyes showed surprise, then a deep ache.

Paisley was the first to break the silence.

Her voice was a little hoarse. "I see. Wanda, don't worry. I'll peel them for you."

My parents quickly caught on and started helping with the shrimp and crab, picking them up for me.

"Yeah, it's no big deal if you don't know how. We'll do the peeling. You just enjoy the food," Dad said.

Mom swiftly peeled a shrimp and gently placed it in my bowl.

"Here you go, honey. From now on, just leave it to us," she said.

Paisley methodically cracked open a crab for me, her eyes sparkling like a puppy as she handed it over. "Wanda, just let me know whenever you want some."

I took the crab from Paisley, but watching her handle it so gracefully and her slender fingers moving with such ease, I couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

I muttered, "Thanks."

The meal dragged on. Everyone was caught up in their own thoughts. The silence just kept getting thicker as we ate.

I headed back to my room to get some rest.

As I was sneaking downstairs for a glass of water, I ended up eavesdropping on my parents and Paisley.

*****

"I really messed up this time. I never thought things would turn out like this," Dad said.

Then Mom spoke up. "Do you have any idea how much that hurt me to hear?

"It was like someone cut a piece out of my heart."

Dad replied, "You think I didn't feel the same way?"

Paisley said, "No matter what, we have to make things right and treat Wanda twice as well from now on."

"Absolutely. Poor thing, she's really had it rough," Mom sighed.

"Those parents were just the worst. Did they even deserve to be called parents?" Dad added.

The wind outside was so loud, I could barely make out what they were saying after that.

There was a sharp click.

The door swung open.

When I saw Paisley step out, I quickly turned around and pretended I was just doing something random.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wanda, what are you doing here?"

I turned around and saw Paisley's eyes were puffy and red, like she'd just been crying.

"I just wanted some water. It's nothing, I'm just going back upstairs," I said.

With that, I practically bolted, like I was being chased.

It looked like Paisley vented to Mom and Dad about it.

My presence inevitably ended up making them unhappy.

I told myself not to be sad because I knew this was coming.

But I hoped they'd love me.

The next morning, I woke up way too early. I just couldn't get any sleep. The place felt strange. I was anxious. My mind was a mess with all sorts of random worries.

When I went downstairs, I realized that Mom and Dad were up even earlier, already busy in the kitchen making breakfast.