Chapter 4

My mom now remembered.

Back then, the doctor said that my allergy to chestnuts was really serious. I absolutely couldn't eat them anymore, or else there was no telling if I'd go into shock right then and there.

I let out a sigh of relief and closed the door, shutting them out of my world.

But inside, I felt a strange sense of joy. This was the first time I'd ever stood up to them face-to-face, and honestly, it felt pretty damn good.

Of course, I never expected my mom to apologize. The moment I walked into my room, I knew she'd already come up with a million excuses to defend herself.

But none of her excuses had anything to do with me. She used to be my mom, and from now on, she'd never be anything more than that.

In the life ahead, they wouldn't have any say in what I do anymore.

On the third morning, I woke up to something totally out of the ordinary. My parents were actually home for once.

They were sitting at the dining table with Norah, having breakfast, and a spot was set with food, clearly meant for me.

For the first time, my mom didn't say anything cold to me. She pointed at the plate and called out, "Remy, breakfast. Your favorite: scrambled eggs and blueberry pancakes. Try it and see if it tastes any different from the housekeeper's version."

I didn't refuse. I just sat down quietly and picked up an egg.

Honestly, I hadn't had breakfast at home since my freshman year of high school. I'd forgotten the housekeeper's eggs even had a taste.

Our house sat way out in the sticks. After Norah told the driver to ditch me, and after that whole year, my dad never got me another ride. I woke up ninety minutes early just to hop two buses to school.

"Remy, how about I drive you and Norah to school today?" my dad asked, putting down his magazine and looking at me.

Thinking about my transfer application, I shook my head. I replied, "No need, Dad. My classes are later today, so I can get there on my own."

A cold glint flickered in my dad's eyes as he insisted, "I'm driving you anyway."

I could feel the fuse burning. My dad handed out favors like gold medals; saying no to his face was a declaration of war.

"I..." I started to say, but Norah cut me off before I could finish.

Norah rubbed her forehead, acting all pitiful and sickly as she slumped over the table. She said, "Dad, my head hurts so bad. Maybe you can just take Remy to school first? I just want to stay home and rest for a bit."

My dad immediately reached out to check Norah's forehead, looking super worried. He said, "No way, you're sick. I have to take you to the hospital first."

Norah cuddled up to my dad, putting on her best pitiful face while shooting me a smug little eyebrow raise. She said, "But what about Remy? She'll be late for school."

My dad shot me a frown and said, "Remy, since your classes start later anyway, just take the bus to school. I'll take Norah to the hospital first."

With that, he called my mom and hurried out the door with Norah in tow.

Norah's sudden "illnesses" were just something my parents fell for every single time.

Norah had pulled this trick more times than I can count. Whenever my parents showed me even a hint of kindness, she'd always find a way to ruin it for me.

Guess it worked out for me after all. At least, it saved me from Dad's tantrum.

I didn't want to stir up any drama right before I leave. Dealing with all that would just be way too much trouble.

Today was pretty much my last day at home. By this time tomorrow, I'd be wheels-up and gone.

Immigration papers cleared earlier this week.

Before I left, there was one last thing I had to take care of.

I needed to go see Peter White, the detective who'd worked my kidnapping case all those years ago.

He was the only person who ever believed me.