Chloe, my younger sister, was the one that my parents thought was the most attractive. From the moment she was born, she became their favorite. Her mother described her curls as being as sweet as honey, while her father remarked that her smile had the power to win anyone over.
In the meantime, I received notes such as:
“Audrey, you possess the most intelligence.”
You are going to figure it out, youngster.
We are putting money aside for Chloe’s college education because she is in need of assistance.
As if it didn’t hurt, Mom repeated that so many times that it became a rule for the entire family. Even as a child, I was aware that Chloe’s destiny was unique and more valuable than anything else, whereas I was supposed to find my own path in life.
If there was something I desired, I had to work hard to acquire it.
And so I did. However, I was just 16 years old at the time, and there were certain things that I was unable to accomplish. I was able to find a solution.
Across the street, I was a babysitter for the Thompson family. There were occasions when I stayed late because they forgot the time, and at other times they left notes that listed snacks that their children may enjoy.
During the weekends, I worked at the café on Main Street, where I served coffee to tired customers who left pennies rather than dollars under their seats.
As a matter of fact, I also mowed lawns and plucked weeds for neighbors who paid me with crumpled dollars. Each dollar was placed in a yellow envelope that was stored in the drawer of my desk.
It was more than just cash in that envelope. Despite the fact that no one believed in me in the same way that they did in Chloe, it was evidence that I could create something for myself.
The previous month, after putting in a year’s worth of effort, I sat on the floor of my bedroom and counted the money until my hands began to shake. Upon reaching $2,500, I found it difficult to take a breath.
I had never saved more than that amount before, and for the very first time, I had the sensation that my destiny was in my own control.
I was unable to contain my emotions that evening at dinner.
As I cut my cheese baked potato, I expressed my satisfaction by saying, “I have saved enough money to open a bank account.” “I have a total of $2,500. I need your assistance in opening one, Dad.
While he was eating, Dad looked up from his plate and gave a small nod.
The good news is that, Audrey. His words were, “Nice work.”
It should have been nice to hear his words, but they came across as empty, as if he didn’t mean what he said.
“Isn’t that a cool thing?” In the hopes of receiving some praise, I asked Mom.
She flashed a brief smile, the kind that she used when she wasn’t paying attention to what was being said.
After greeting Chloe with “Yeah, honey, that’s great,” she proceeded to inquire about her day at school.
It was my expectation that they would feel proud, but they did not. As a result, I made the decision to be proud of myself.
A couple of days later, I examined the drawer to see if it had the envelope, but it was empty. Initially, I was under the impression that I had misplaced it, possibly by putting it in a notepad or a textbook. That being said, the more I looked, the more terrified I became.
I searched under my bed with a flashlight till my eyes hurt, and my pulse was pounding as I emptied out drawers, shook books, and sought for anything under my bed.
I checked the laundry basket, the garbage, and every pocket on my jacket and jeans, hoping that I had been careless and not robbed. When I found nothing, I checked all of these places.
When I finally made it to the kitchen, my hands were shaking, and my throat was tight from the sobs that I was fighting. At the counter, Mom was using her phone while smiling slightly to herself. The loud evening news was being broadcasted by Dad.
“Mom, Dad,” I uttered with a trembling voice. Should I ask you to look at my savings envelope? It was sitting on my desk. It is no longer there.”
The mother responded, “No, Audrey,” without looking up. “You most likely have lost it. You constantly seem to lose things, don’t you think?
It was me who said, “I didn’t lose it.” “I beg you, please let me look. It’s all my money, every single dime that I’ve put away.
The father sighed and looked at the television as he added, “It’s likely that you forgot where you put it.” “Do not be anxious. Assist your mother with supper, and then look once again. Audrey, you are virtually an adult now. Put on an act of it.”
It’s not that I’m forgetting! While I was trying to steady myself, I leaned against the counter and my voice broke. The location is always the same for me to retain it. Help me, if you please.”
Mom finally looked up and stated, “Audrey, if it’s gone, it’s gone,” as she finally looked up. The house cannot be torn apart each time you lose anything, and we cannot do that. If you don’t take responsibility, then that’s up to you.
At that moment, I choked up and muttered, “You don’t understand.” When it came to me, that money was everything. I beg you, please, I beg you.”
Even though I was crying and pleading with them, they did nothing but sit there and stare at their screens.
“Mommy!” From her room, Chloe made a phone call. I am in need of assistance in sewing a button onto my pants.
Mother yelled out, “Coming, sweetie,” as she hurried away.
I sought over a time period of two days until I became exhausted. During the time that my family pretended that nothing was wrong, I wandered around the house like a ghost, scarcely getting any sleep or eating.
I had the want to yell at them each time I went by them.
When I was breaking apart, how could they ignore it?
The revelation of the truth occurred on the third night.
When Chloe leaned back with a smug smile, it seemed as though she had something on me. We were having supper at the time.
Chloe’s mother kissed her on the forehead as she placed a platter of grilled chicken and vegetables on the table.
Have you caught a glimpse of my envelope, Mom? I asked, feeling hopeless.
What is going on, Audrey? Are you still going crazy over that envelope? While laughing, Chloe stated. “All right, you can stop hiding.”
My fork came to a halt. My heartbeat was louder than the sound of the forks clinking together and the clock in the kitchen.
“What exactly do you mean?” I inquired, a queasy feeling settling into my gut.
With a grin on her face, Chloe tossed her hair.
Audrey was informed that she was competing in the state beauty pageant. Dresses, shoes, makeup, and everything else you could possibly need! Your money was the one that paid for it.
The room began to spin. Her remarks made me feel as like I was in a dreadful dream, and my heart was pounding in my ears. After turning to our parents, I spoke in a scarcely audible whisper.
I want to know if she is joking. I beg you. Insist to me that you did not do this.
Mom said, “She’s not kidding,” as she set her fork down in a composed manner. It was your savings that we used, Audrey. When it came to Chloe’s pageant, we were short on supplies. Her opportunity was a big one. How young are you? You will save more money.”
I felt my lips dry as her words struck me like a punch.
“I was the one who owned that,” I responded, shaking my head. “I put forth a lot of effort. Each and every dollar. All of my friends’ birthdays, movie nights, and other events were missed by me. Are you aware of the significance that had for me?
The tone of my father’s voice was sharp. “Don’t look out for yourself, Audrey. Your sister has a genuine opportunity. You are capable of surviving without that amount of money to your name. At this moment, she required it. She possesses the ability to triumph.
“Is Selfish?” I remarked while maintaining eye contact with him. I worked for a whole year, Dad. More challenging than I had anticipated I would be able to handle. In addition to that, you gave it away as if it were nothing.
While she poked her salad and looked at me as if it were a joke, Chloe laughed uproariously.
“Audrey, you do not need to be so theatrical. Sister, you will get through this!” she exclaimed.
It was her carefree and lighthearted chuckle that shattered me. I was unable to take a breath. It was as if the oxygen had been sucked out of me, and the treachery had left me lifeless. Despite the fact that they had crushed me, they continued to eat as if nothing had occurred.
That evening, as tears were dripping down my pillow, I dialed the number of my grandparents.
When Grandma Edna heard me crying, she responded as quickly as she could, her voice first sweet and then sharp. I continued to tell her everything until my throat started to hurt, including the envelope, Chloe’s smile, Mom’s icy comments, and Dad’s brush-off.
At the time I had done, I was trembling so violently that I could hardly keep my grip on the phone.
Before she started, there was a pause, and her voice was filled with wrath that I had never heard before.
“Sweetheart, you need to pack your things. Tonight, you should come here. Neither tomorrow nor this weekend will do. This evening. Is that okay?
From behind her, I was able to hear Grandpa Walter’s loud voice.
In the event that your parents believe they are able to steal from you, they should experience what it is like when we cut them off. You are the recipient of our funds, Audrey. There will be no money given to your parents or your sister who is spoilt.
I was stunned and froze. It wasn’t simply that they were angry; they were also taking a stand.
During the time that they were coming to grab me, we kept quiet so as not to wake up the family. Another conflict was beyond my ability to manage.
I was wrapped in Grandma’s quilt and cuddled up on their couch around midnight, unsteady but secure. I was wrapped in the quilt. After what seemed like days, I finally had the sensation that someone had chosen me.
Storms began to arrive the following morning.
First to arrive was Mom, who yelled and pounded on the door.
“Audrey, how could you possibly be our betrayer?” The woman yelled. “Are you rushing to your grandparents, so disrupting the work of our family? Are you aware of what you’ve gone through?
When Grandma Edna stood up, her jaw was clenched.
Lydia was told, “What she’s done is survive parents who steal from their own kid,” and she understood what she meant. “Don’t make this situation worse.”
In a short time, Dad arrived, his face flushed and his voice booming.
“You are destroying this family, Audrey!” he cried from the rooftops.
Grandpa Walter responded in a low voice, “No, Roger.” The decision to prioritize your younger daughter’s stupid pageant over the future of your older daughter is an example of your behavior.
After that, Chloe walked in.
She yelled, “It’s not fair!” in response. I am deserving of this. It’s me who’s the cute one! The one with the talent! My sheen is intended to be on display, but you have spoiled it, Audrey!
Even though her statements were hurtful, I did not back down. While Grandma’s hand was resting on my shoulder, I remained still and silent. Finally, I wasn’t the one who was unable to function.
Chloe’s whining, Mom’s blaming, and Dad’s denial continued, but I was no longer able to hear and understand what was being said. To be heard, I did not have to put up a battle.
It was already safe for me.
For several weeks, I remained with my grandparents, and I only made one trip back home to get my belongings. There was no one who admonished me to be quiet when I laughed, and the mornings that I spent with them smelt like freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon pastries.
They promised to add funds to the college bank account that they made for me and promised to do so when the time arrived.
Again, I had control over my future.
Chloe pouted as her ambition of competing in a pageant was shattered, and my parents continued to be angry. One Saturday, mom arrived at the entrance of my grandparents’ house with her eyes puffy and a pout on her face.
It seemed as though she was reading a script when she said, “I’m sorry.” ‘I had no idea that it would become so famous. “I just wanted to have the opportunity to shine.”
The way she looked at Grandma indicated that she was not remorseful for what she had done; rather, she was dissatisfied with what she had lost. I would be willing to bet that she believed that if she apologized, our grandparents would pay for her pageant.
With her arms crossed, Grandma Edna remarked to Chloe, “Sorry is meaningless if you don’t mean it.” “You laughed at your sister’s tears while you stole something that was not yours,” she said. If you do not learn to love and respect others, you will never be considered my granddaughter.
Chloe drew back, murmured something, and then hurriedly left the room.
The following evening, Grandma and I were making potstickers in the kitchen, and I was standing there with flour on my hands. My own crumbled, and I couldn’t help but giggle as the contents poured out.
As she cleaned up my sloppy attempt, Grandma smiled and remarked, “You’ll end up getting it.” She moved her hands with the kind of tenderness that I’d always wished for.
I replied in a low voice, “Thank you for allowing me to stay.” It’s possible that I’m asking for too much and taking up too much room at times.
“Audrey,” she remarked as she looked at me with eyes that were gentle but powerful. You are welcome to remain till you are old and gray. At no point is it excessive. You are loved in this place. “You are in demand.”
Not out of pain but out of relief, something within me became broken. Suddenly, I had the sensation that I was being seen.
