Chapter 2

As expected, the next day the whole village knew I had eaten all the meat myself and hadn't left Marian a single bite.

She even cried in that soft, pitiful way of hers. "It's not like I had to eat it, but she ate enough for four people all by herself. That's just too much."

Dora stroked her hair and comforted her. "Julia, she's raised by your grandma. What will she know about manners or how to behave? Don't be like her, Marian."

This time, no one cheered them on or called Marian adorable or Dora capable. They whispered constantly.

"Where did the Hudsons even get meat?"

"Don't tell me they mean those clams Julia picked all day yesterday?"

"I walked past their house last night and heard Marian herself saying clam meat was dirty and full of bacteria."

"They came back from the city dressed to the nines, but didn't bring Julia a single piece of clothing or anything to eat. And they have the nerve to expect her to cook meat for them?"

"Dora is heartless as her mother."

Dora heard plenty of those whispers behind her back, and after that, she never went out flaunting her 'city family' status again.

As for me, I still went out every day to cut grass. When the pig finally had a few good meals in it, I asked the village chief to sell it for me. That money would be my school fees for the next year.

The chief looked at the half-grown pig and tried to talk me into keeping it for two more months.

I told him, tomorrow was Grandma's burial. They would head back to the city and sell the pig themselves.

Better I sell it first than have them take the money, toss me a few bills, and expect me to be grateful.

Money only counted when it was in your own pocket.

That night, Ryder found out the pig was gone and came over to confront me. "Where's the pig?"

"Sold it," I replied calmly.

"And the money?" Ryder asked.

I replied, "That's my school fees for next year. You want it?"

His mouth opened but no words came out.

I said, "All these years you haven't given me a penny. I've raised pigs and chickens to pay my own way through school. If you really want it, I can give it to you."

A rare trace of guilt crossed his face. He said awkwardly, "I'm not after your money. I just think you're too young to handle it yourself."

I nodded without arguing.

Ryder dug around in his pocket for a while and finally pulled out crumpled three dollars.

He said, "Your mom keeps a close eye on me. This is from the cigarette money I've been hiding."

Then I took it. His face showed a hint of relief.

The next day, after Grandma was buried, Dora couldn't wait to pack up and leave for the city.

I went into the chicken coop and caught the last five chickens.

Ryder stood outside the coop looking awkward. "Uh, your mom asked me…"

He said, and his eyes went straight to the chicken in my hand.

In my previous life, Dora took every chicken and egg, saying they were for Marian's health. I once drank a bowl of watered-down chicken soup she left over, and Marian called me a beggar.

This time, I handed them one chicken. "Sorry I couldn't be a better host these past few days. Take this one back with you."

Ryder dug around in his pockets again, but this time didn't pull out a single cent.

He took the chicken and made small talk. "Hurry up. We need to catch the last bus back to the city."

I nodded and carried the remaining four chickens and eggs to the village chief.

When I came back, Dora and Marian had already left. She wouldn't stay in that place a second longer than necessary.

When Ryder and I got on the last bus into the city, Dora asked first, "Where's the money from selling the pig and chickens?"

She was asking Ryder, but her sharp eyes cut straight toward me.

I took out one hundred dollars and handed it to her.

I said, "I know you don't want to raise me. Bringing me back was only because you had no choice. This money covers this month's rent and utilities. I'll handle my own food and school costs."

Her face twisted strangely, but she still took the money.

Then I added, "And to make sure no one says I live here for free, please write me a receipt."

That clearly crossed her line. Dora glared at me like she could eat me alive.

A neighbor walking by saw me at the door and asked who I was.

In my past life, Marian didn't let me say at school that I was her sister.

Dora didn't let me call her 'mom' in public. Ryder pretended I didn't exist.

I tried to please all of them, and in the end, they only saw me as pitiful and cheap.

This time, I'm not clinging to anyone.

I smiled openly. "I'm Julia, an orphan. My grandma, the only family I had, passed away, so I've come to stay with Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Hudson."