Chapter 3

Jocelyn's depression was like flipping a switch. It could hit her out of nowhere. And every time my parents showed me a little bit of attention, that was the thing that flipped the switch.

Jocelyn spent all of high school just messing around, never taking anything seriously. She only scored 700 on the SAT, but still decided to retake the SAT.

It wasn't because she wanted another shot at college. She was just taking advantage of my parents' favoritism, forcing me to retake with her so I couldn't go to college either.

Since the college application period had already passed, my parents thought I was out of options, so they stopped tolerating me.

I replied lazily: [I'm not throwing a fit. I've already booked my tickets and planned out the places I want to visit. Once I've had my fun, I'll come back.]

Mom fired off another round of scolding messages, but I didn't even bother to look at them. I just sent them straight to the trash.

Not long after, I got a notification. Dad had sent me money.

He was always like this. He'd just stand by and watch Mom tear into me, ignore Jocelyn's little games, and then hand me some cash, expecting me to act like nothing ever happened.

That was the extent of his love for me.

Two weeks later, as college was about to start, I came back home.

I opened the door and saw a lavish dinner spread out on the table, with a beautiful cake placed beside it.

Mom, Dad, and Jocelyn were all sitting together, chatting and laughing like one big happy family.

When Jocelyn saw me, she pouted, clearly annoyed. Mom just glanced up at me and didn't say a word.

Dad smiled and got up, hurrying over to me. "Ruth, you're back. Come on; sit down and eat. You must be exhausted after being away for so long. You look thinner."

I stared at the cake on the table, zoning out. It was my birthday today, and for a second, I let myself hope that maybe they knew I was coming home and actually got this cake for me.

Mom's voice snapped me back. She quietly nudged the cake toward Jocelyn. "Jocelyn's birthday happened to be on the day of your exams. She wanted a cake. So we're celebrating her birthday now."

She didn't even remember it was my birthday.

But she used to always remember. Before I turned ten, whenever my birthday was coming up, she'd start planning everything days ahead.

She'd carefully pick out a birthday present for me and invite all my friends over for a party. Every birthday was a blast, and I'd always have the best time.

But ever since Jocelyn showed up, I have never had another birthday party.

After a while, Dad finally remembered and slapped his forehead. "Oh man, I totally forgot. Today is Ruth's birthday. Why don't you both have some cake?"

Jocelyn's face instantly dropped. She looked at Mom, all teary-eyed, like she was about to cry.

Mom shot Dad a glare, and then turned to me, looking a bit embarrassed. "This cake is for Jocelyn. If you want some, I'll get you another one later."

I froze for a moment, and then just shrugged it off and headed to my room. "Don't bother. I don't even like cake."

Mom jumped up, her tone harsh. "Ruth, don't come home just to make things hard for Jocelyn. She's your sister. You should always give in to her. You owe her, remember?"

Every time Jocelyn got upset, Mom would say I owe Jocelyn. But honestly, I owed her nothing.

I shot Jocelyn a look. She arched her eyebrow at me, wearing that smug, taunting smile.

Suddenly, I felt a pang in my chest. In this house, if Jocelyn so much as looked unhappy, Mom would always say I was wrong.

I didn't say a word. I just walked straight into my room.

Behind me, Jocelyn piped up, putting on her best innocent act. "Mom, it's all my fault. I made Ruth upset again. It's her birthday today. Maybe I should go invite her to have some cake with us?"

Mom's voice was soft, but I could hear the irritation underneath. "You're always so considerate. Just ignore her. She comes home and immediately starts with the attitude. Who does she think she is?"

Dad cleared his throat, trying to defend me. "Maybe she's just really tired. She'll be fine after some rest."

Mom didn't bother with me anymore. Soon enough, the house was echoing with their laughter and cheerful voices again.

That happiness didn't belong to me anymore.