The Twist In Life

Chapter 24_ Day at the beach

Author's note:

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The sun had risen and with it had taken most of my anger, leaving me with a splitting headache and swollen eyes. Not to mention a void, sucking me into a bottomless pit of depression.

It took me all my will power to get out of bed. I couldn't let my aunt know that the last night's episode had affected me so much as to cut ties from the whole world.

I dragged myself to the bathroom and took a quick shower to clear my head. I got ready, taking my time, although I was running late. Leslie, Lesley, Ian and Caroline must be getting impatient, waiting for breakfast.

Come to think of it. Why didn't Ian come up to get me? Maybe the twins made some cereal. Though it was highly unlikely that they could find the cereal boxes. I had started hiding them after Ian had eaten a box full of dry cereal, a few weeks ago.

I brushed my hair, and decided to put on some makeup to cover up the traces of the worst night of my life. I couldn't do anything to conceal the redness of my eyes, but I could say it was an infection if Harvey or Jamie got too curious. After the makeup, I decidedly looked better. Nobody could guess that I was feeling horrible on the inside.

A thought crossed my mind, 'except Harvey.'

'Maybe you shouldn't go to school today,' my logical side thought.

'What about your aunt, then?' my other side reasoned.

'I will escape both,' I decided. 'I'll get out of the house and skip school. Perfect!'

I picked up my backpack, hoping nobody sees me sneaking out. I tiptoed down the stairs and was about to turn towards the front door when Caroline's eyes fell on me.

"Mary's here," she said cheerfully.

I had no choice but to go into the kitchen.

"Who made the cereal?" I asked, entering.

"I did," I heard my aunt's voice.

I whipped to my side and saw her holding a cup of coffee, leaning against the kitchen counter. Her eyes were a bit red, but she was as composed as always. I gave her a scathing look and turned to leave.

"I thought you'd stay home today. You don't have to go, Mary. I can call your principal to inform him that you are sick," she said.

"I am not sick," I gritted my teeth.

"I don't think..." she started.

I turned around and looked her in the eye, "I'm perfectly fine."

She stared at me for a whole minute before sighing and lowering her eyes, "I hope so."

I glared at her and before she could say something else, I turned away. Margaret was standing in the doorway, blocking my path.

"Excuse me," I said coldly.

"Come," she said and grabbed my hand, leading me out of the house.

"What the hell?" I yelled, trying to get my hand out of her tight grip.

Was she kicking me out of the house because of some absurd reason?

"This is my father's house too," I yelled.

She let go of my hand and gave me a hard look.

"So this is all about money, huh? You don't love dad. You want his property," she said quietly.