"If I'm not fit to be a mother, then what about you? A liar who manipulated someone's feelings? A monster with his own child's blood on his hands? You're even less fit to be a father!"
Edmund's expression shifted. He opened his mouth to speak.
"Edmund, Felix is still waiting for us." Audrey sidled up to him, her voice dripping honey. "Don't leave the poor boy alone. Let's go, okay?"
She pouted, shifting her weight. "I wore heels today. My feet are killing me."
Edmund nodded. He tossed one last remark over his shoulder at me.
"I have no idea what you're even talking about. Audrey has more sense than you ever will."
"Since you hate going to Felix's school events so much, don't bother anymore. Audrey will handle it from now on."
"I suppose that's how it is when there's no real bond. You just can't compare to actual family."
Then, as if pained by Audrey's sore feet, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her out without a backward glance.
The fire extinguisher case beside the stairwell caught my reflection.
Brittle, straw-colored hair. Hollowed cheeks from months of broken sleep and skipped meals. So thin it looked like a strong gust could knock me over. I'd stopped buying skincare products long ago to save money, and my skin had turned rough and dull.
But I had never complained. Not once.
And in the end, all I got was a lie and the label of outsider.
It was time to end this.
I took the money I'd saved from my part-time jobs and went to the hospital to get my wounds bandaged. Then I went back to the house and packed my things. There wasn't much. A few worn-out clothes.
I booked the next available flight and headed straight to the airport.
Edmund Mason, your little poverty act? I'm done playing along.
