Chapter 9
I hit play.
Savannah’s voice came through:
“Mom and Dad are so STUPID. Still haven’t figured out I’m totally faking.“[]
“That Raven girl, acting all high and mighty–she just wants money, right?“]
“When I marry into some rich family, first thing I’m doing is kicking her out of the Whitmores.“[]
“Heart disease? I’m healthy as a horse. Just putting on a show for them.”
I stared at the recorder.
This was definitely Savannah’s voice, but why would she send this to ME?
While I was still confused, my phone rang.
Miss Whitmore, did you listen to the recording?“]
“Who is this?”
“Just someone looking out for you.“[]
“Why’d you send me this?”
ww
“Because I’m sick of watching this shit.” She said, “Savannah goes around talking trash about you, calling you some country bumpkin who doesn’t deserve the Whitmore name.“[]
r.“[]
“So I recorded her.‘
“Girl was wasted, spilled everything.”
I stayed quiet for a minute: “What do you want?“]
“I don’t want anything. Just can’t stand her. Acting like some princess when she’s total fake.“||
After hanging up, I stared at that recorder.[]
This was my chance,[]
But I didn’t rush into anything.[]
I was waiting waiting for a better timing.[]
Until that weekend, Mom called asking me to come home for dinner.[]
“Raven, haven’t seen you in forever. Mom and Dad miss you.“[]
I thought about it, then agreed.[]
Time for the truth to come out!]
When I got to the house, the whole family was there.
Savannah saw me and lit up: “Raven, you’re here![]
“Yeah
Dinner was pretty chill.]]
Until Dad suddenly said: “Raven, we’ve been talking, and we want to set up education funds for both you and Savannah “[]
Moin added, “Five million each. For graduate school or starting businesses later.
Savannah immediately gushed: “Love you Mom and Dad!
I set down my fork: “Don’t need it.”
W
Chapter 9
“Why not?” Dad frowned.]
Because five million is chump change, dude.[]
“Because,” I pulled out the voice recorder, “I think you should hear this first.“[]
I hit play.
Savannah’s voice filled the dining room:[]
“Mom and Dad are so STUPID. Still haven’t figured out I’m totally faking.”
“That Raven girl, acting all high and mighty–she just wants money, right?“||
“Heart disease? I’m healthy as a horse…“]
Savannah’s face went white as paper.[]
She lunged for the recorder: “That’s FAKE! That’s not me!“]
I dodged her: “Everyone can tell it’s your voice.“[]
Mom stared at Savannah in shock: “Savannah, is this real?“]]
“Mom, I…” Her tears started flowing. “I didn’t mean it, I was just…“]
“You were just WHAT?” Dad’s face was thundercloud dark.
Mason stood up: “Savannah, you’ve been lying to us this WHOLE TIME?!“]
“Mason…”
Dad slammed the table: “ANSWER ME! Is your heart condition real or fake?”
Savannah bit her lip, staying quiet.
“SPEAK UP!”
“It’s… it’s fake.” Her voice was tiny.[]
But we al! heard that.[]
The whole dining room went dead silent.[]
Mom clutched her chest, swaying: “All these years… we’ve been played?“]
“Mom, I really didn’t mean to“]
Savannah dropped to her knees.[]
“I was just so scared of losing you guys!“]]
“So you FAKED being sick? Made us ignore Raven because of your ‘sick“?” Mason’s laugh was ice–cold.[]
Savannah was crying her heart out: “I was wrong! I’m so sorry!“]
I stood up: “I’m done eating.“]]”
“Raven, wait Dad stopped ine.
“Yeah?”
He looked at me with guilt in his eyes: “I’m sorry. Mom and Dad screwed up.“[]
“Yeah, you did.” I kept my voice flat. “But that’s not my problem.“]
“What do you mean?“]
I glanced at Savannah still kneeling on the floor.]
You loved her for eighteen years. Getting played is on YOU. Me? I don’t wanna get involved in your family drama.“[]
Chapter 9
With that, I turned and left.[]
Behind me came Savannah’s sobs, Mom’s sighs, Dad’s yelling.]
What a circus.]
Good thing this circus had nothing to do with me.[]
