Chapter 5
Savannah threw herself into Mom’s arms: “Mom, Raven won’t take my gift! Does she think I’m not good enough to give her anything?“]
Mom shot me a death glare: “Raven, Savannah’s being sweet and you act like THIS?“[]
I closed my book, taking my sweet time:[]
“First, I didn’t ASK for anything.“]
“Second, I can say no if I want.“[]
“Third, her crying? Not my problem.“[]
“You!” Mom was shaking mad. “How can you be so CRUEL!”]]
Cruel. Second time today I’d heard that word.[]
“Mom,” I stood up, “ever notice how Savannah always starts crying right when you walk in?“[]
What’s that supposed to mean?“[]
“Means she’s putting on a show.” I headed for the door.
“She knew exactly when you’d come check on me, so she came with her little gift, then started the waterworks right on cue. Whole point was making you think I’m the bad guy.“]]
Mom wasn’t buying it: “Savannah would NEVER!“[]
“Think whatever you want.” I pushed past them. “Just move. I’ve got places to be.“[]
At the stairs, I looked back.[]
Savannah was still in Mom’s arms, but she was staring right at me with this smug little grin.[]
I grinned back.]
Amateur hour. I’d seen this kind of manipulation since I was ten.]
Day before the party, I got a package.
Stanford sending early course schedules and dorm assignments.[]
I’d applied for early move–in. Could get out of here next week.[]
Perfect timing. Wouldn’t have to watch their circus anymore.[]
That night, the house filled up with relatives coming for tomorrow’s big event.[]
Everyone swarming Savannah, telling her how gorgeous and sweet she was
Nobody even saw me in the commer.[]}]
Until this old lady walked over: “You must be Raven.“]
1 looked up. Dad’s mom–Grandina Whitmore[]
“Hi, Grandma ” I stood up!]
She looked me up and down like I was a used car: “You do look like family, I’ll give you that
Just “look like family Not you ARE family
subtle dig.
Heard you had it rough out there?” she asked.[]
“Out there” meaning foster hell []
It was fine
Chapter 5.
“Fine?” She laughed cold. “I heard ALL. about it. Those foster people were trash. Kids from that kind of background… what can you really expect?“]
I stayed calm: “You’re absolutely right, Grandma. I’m pretty much worthless.“[]
She looked caught off guard. Probably expected me to get defensive.[]
“Not like Savannah.” I kept going. “Raised like a princess, piano and dance lessons, the works. Oh right–which college did she get into again?“]
Grandma’s face changed colors.[]
Savannah’s community college acceptance was the family embarrassment.[]
“Your granddaughter might be worthless, but I got lucky and made it into Stanford.“]
“Stanford University. You heard of it?“]
Grandma looked ready to have a stroke: “You little–“[
“Grandma, don’t get upset,” Savannah appeared like magic, steadying the old lady. “Raven didn’t mean anything by it.“[]
“Savannah’s such a good girl.“[]
Grandma patted her hand, shot me another dirty look, then walked off.
Savannah watched me. “Raven, why’d you make Grandma mad?“[]
“Just telling the truth.”
“But-“D
“Savannah,” I cut her off, “aren’t you tired?“[]
“of what?”
e.“]
“Playing perfect angel for eighteen years. Doesn’t it get exhausting?” I got closer. “I know exactly what you are.”
Her face shifted: “Raven, I have no idea what you’re talking about.“]
“Good. Keep it that way.” I turned and walked away.
Birthday party day. The Whitmore mansion looked like a fairy tale.[]
Larly morning, hair and makeup teams swarmed Savannah.[]
1 packed my stuff upstairs, getting ready for the Stanford move.[]
Mom knocked and came in: “Raven, aren’t you getting ready?“[]
“For what?”
“The party!”
I looked up: “Thought you said I didn’t need to come?“[]
“Not that you CANT come, just…” She looked uncomfortable. “You could watch from upstairs, come down for food if you get hungry.“[]
Oh. Hide upstairs so the guests wouldn’t see me.]]
“Got it.”
Mom looked relieved and turned to go.]]
“Mom.” I stopped her.
“Ever think about how if the hospital hadn’t screwed up. I’d be the one in that fancy dress getting everyone’s congratulations?“[]
She froze.
“And Savannah would be in some small town somewhere, worrying about college tuition.“]
“Raven“]]
Chapter 5
“I’m not trying to steal her party,” I smiled. “Just want you to remember how weird fate can be.“[]
Mom practically ran out of there.[]
At 7 PM, guests started rolling up.
I stood at my third floor window watching the parade of luxury cars and all the big names.
Savannah looked like a princess in her custom gown, soaking up everyone’s praise.[]
Dad gave this speech calling her “the most beloved daughter in the Whitmores.“]]
car.
Mason gifted her a sports car.
Mom gave her some jewelry set.
Eighteen–year–old birthday, coming–of–age party–perfect as a Disney movie for Savannah.[]
Meanwhile, my last birthday was spent in a restaurant kitchen during my shift.
Manager felt sorry for me and gave me some expired cupcake.[]
I pulled out my phone, logged into my Bittersweet account, posted:[]
[Today’s my birthday. Happy birthday to me.]]]
Comments exploded instantly:[]
[HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bittersweet!]]]
Girl, when’s the next story dropping?][]
[Birthday love! Always got your back!]]]
I smiled.]]
Look at that. Some people DID remember my birthday.
Even if they didn’t know who I really was.
s.]
I was scrolling through comments when my door opened.[]
