“How is it not your fault? You’re the bad luck that ruined this whole family! Your sister got divorced because of you!”
I froze for a couple of seconds.
That same tired feeling came over me again, and pain spread through my body.
Once again, it was all my fault. Everything was my fault.
Any time something made Reese upset, it became my fault.
When she left high school to be some man’s mistress and got beaten almost to death by his wife, it was my fault.
When she hung out with street kids, got drunk, raced cars, and had eight abortions, it was my fault.
After she grew up, she scammed her way through nine marriages, the shortest lasting less than a week, and every time she cheated and was caught, it was still my fault.
It felt like even my very existence, even my breathing, was a mistake.
After being shaped out of dirt for twenty-eight years, I finally couldn’t keep it in any longer.
“Mom, if you think I’m bad luck, then stop calling me. Just act like you only have one daughter….Reese.”
Right away, my mother’s voice went harsh.
“No! You’re my daughter! Why can’t I call you? You have to give me money, take me traveling, buy me gold and silver. And when I grow old, you’ll serve me day and night, handle everything I need. That’s your job as a bad luck, it’s your way to make up for your sins!”
I laughed out of anger. “I’m your daughter, fine, but isn’t my sister your daughter too?”
My mother spoke as if it were completely normal, “How could your sister be like you? She was born to live an easy life, and you were born to serve others.”
A tight knot rose in my throat. All that favoritism since childhood, I had never once been chosen.
By now, I should have been used to it, yet every time, my chest still hurt like it might burst.
Trying not to cry, I was just about to hang up.
Then my mother suddenly commanded, “Bring your ID and come to the City Hall right now.”
My eyelid moved. “What are you trying to do?”
“Are you stupid? Didn’t I tell you yesterday, you’re divorcing Waylon today? Your sister is going to marry him.”
I stood frozen in shock, my vision spinning. “Mom, have you lost your mind? Waylon is my husband! Just because Reese wants him, I have to give up my own marriage?”