For the first time, I want to be someone they wouldn’t be able to control.
“I can’t donate blood and that is not the reason why I am here.”
Jason stepped back, stunned. “What do you mean, no? And what reason is that? You’re being selfish!”
“You really have no idea, huh!” I shook my head. “Find another way because I won’t donate!”
I turned to walk away, but the sound of hurried footsteps stopped me in my tracks. My parents.
“Paige!” My mother’s voice rang out. I barely had time to brace myself before her hand connected with my cheek, the slap echoing in the hallway.
“How dare you!” Lady Fely’s face twisted with rage. “How dare you say you won’t save your sister! Do you have any idea how much she’s suffering?”
My cheek burned, but I refused to flinch. “She’s not my sister.”
Her eyes widened, incredulous. “You ungrateful girl! I adopted you, gave you a home when no one else wanted you. And this is how you repay me?”
“I was never part of your family,” I said, my voice shaking but resolute. “Not really.”
Lady Fely’s lips curled in disdain. “If you won’t give blood, I’ll throw you out like the trash you were when I found you. Do you hear me? I’ll make you regret ever coming into my house!”
Before I could protest, they started dragging me and drew blood until I fainted.
The harsh fluorescent lights blurred as I blinked awake. My throat felt dry, my head pounding. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced me back down.
“Paige!” Leslie’s voice rang out beside me. “You’re awake. Thank God.”
I turned my head to find her sitting on the edge of my hospital bed.
“I can’t believe you did this for me,” she sniffled, placing a hand over her chest like the damsel she loved to play. “You’ve saved my life. I don’t know how to thank you.”
I said nothing. She reached out as if to hug me, her arms wide and her face expectant. “I mean it, Paige. You’re the best sister anyone could ask for.”
I shifted away, her touch the last thing I wanted.
The movement was small, but Leslie stumbled back with a dramatic gasp, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh my God, Paige!” Her voice broke into a wail. “You pushed me!”
My eyes narrowed, anger bubbling under my skin. “Leslie, don’t—”
“You hate me, don’t you?” she cried, her tears flowing freely now. “I don’t understand. What did I ever do to deserve this?”