Chapter 16
Nothing serious, just exhaustion.[]
When I went to visit her, she grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go.[]
“Raven, Mommy has a favor to ask.“[]
“What is it?“]
“This year, will you come home for Christmas?“[]
I stayed quiet.[]
“I know you’re still hurt. But Mommy really wants to spend Christmas with you.” Her eyes were pleading. “Just… just keep Mommy company, okay?“||
Looking at her worn–out face, my heart softened: “Okay.“[]
She got so happy she started crying.
Christmas Eve, the Whitmore house was buzzing.
Just the four of us, but Mom had prepared this massive feast.[]
“This is Raven’s favorite BBQ ribs.“||
“This is Raven’s favorite honey glazed salmon.“[]
0
She had to announce every single dish was made for me.[]
My nose started stinging.
At midnight we watched holiday specials together.[]
Mom fell asleep on my shoulder.
Dad was nodding off in his chair.
Only Mason and I were still awake. He whispered: “Thanks for coming back.“[]
I looked out the window: “Ms. Johnson said life’s too short for regrets.“[]
“Ms. Johnson was a wise woman.“[]
“Yeah.” I said softly. She taught me what love looks like.”
Next semester I moved back into the dorms.[]
My roommates were surprised: “Didn’t you have your own place?“[]
“Wanted to live with you guys again.” I smiled.[]
Truth was, living alone got too lonely.[]
One person in an apartment might be freedom, but late at night, that loneliness would eat you alive.[]
Dorms were noisy, but at least there were people around.
March, I got a call from a major publisher.
“Miss Whitmore, we’d like to discuss your next book contract “[]
It was Harper & Collins–top publishing house.[]
After signing the deal, I called Mason first.
Ile was more excited than me: “This is HUGE! Harper & Collins!“]
Chapter 16
“It’s alright.”
“What do you MEAN ‘alright!” He was bouncing off the walls. “My sister’s a badass!”
I hung up laughing.
Without realizing it, I’d gotten used to having him around.[]
April, I went to visit Ms. Johnson’s grave.[]
The Whitmores came with me.]]
n.“0
At her headstone, Mom placed flowers and said seriously. “Thank you for raising Raven. We’ll take good care of her from now on.”
Dad bowed respectfully.[]
Mason went further–got on his knees and kowtowed three times.[]
on.“]
“Ms. Johnson, I’m Raven’s brother. I didn’t protect her before, but I will from now on.”
My eyes got misty.
Ms. Johnson, can you see this?
They’re really trying.
Maybe I should try too.[]
On the drive back, I sat next to Mason.[]
“Bro.” I called him.[]
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.“[]
“For what?”
e.“)
“For not giving up on me.”
He paused, then smiled: “Dummy, we’re family.“]
Family.
I rolled that word around for a long time.[]
Maybe it was time to let go.[]
Five years later, I graduated with my Master’s degree, and my fifth book hit number one on the bestseller list
Graduation day, the whole Whitmore family showed up.[]
Dad was walking fine now, looking sharp.
བ ཕ
Mom hugged me crying: “My Raven made it big.”
Mason was bragging to everyone in earshot: “See her? That’s my SISTER!“[]
That night at gur celebration dinner, Mom raised her glass.[]
“Raven, Mommy wants to say something.“]
“Go ahead.”
“I’m sorry.” Tears in her eyes. “And thank you. Thank you for giving us a chance.”
I clinked glasses with her: “Mom, the past is the past.”
That “Mom” came out so naturally.
She froze for a second, then cried even harder.[]
Sorry I’m Not Here to Play Family I’m the Real Heiress Here to Wreck the Carnel
AY
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Chapter 16
Dad’s eyes got red too.
turn!“]
Mason started making noise: “My turn! My turn!
“Bro.”
“Say it again!”
“Big brother.”
“Hahaha YES!”
Watching them, my heart felt warm. -I
So this is what family feels like.[]
Not perfect. We’d even hurt each other, misunderstood each other.]
But in the end, we became family.
Real family.
Outside, fireworks lit up the sky.[]
I thought about what Ms. Johnson used to say:[]
“Raven, in this life, you gotta learn to forgive and learn to be loved.”
Ms. Johnson, I did it.[]
e.]
I finally have a home.
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