Chapter 96
Clara's POV
Cuddled up in my blanket, I searched through all my social media posts. But nothing, there was barely any trace of me. Specifically, there is no trace of what happened to me yesterday. I expected it to be all over social media. I had even braced myself for whatever insults I would get, but it was almost as if the whole thing never happened. Since when did people choose not to gossip? What were the chances?
I heard a scratching sound at my door. It was either Mom or Katy, and I didn't feel like dealing with their pitiful looks. Strangely, my mother hadn't scolded me and barely said anything as I expected.
I covered my head, pretending I was still asleep, which was a mistake because Katy pulled her signature move of jumping right on top of me. She then wiggled her way into my blanket as I pushed her off.
"What is wrong with you?" I whispered, rubbing my sore arm.
"I knew you weren't sleeping, and you should get off your phone. It's not healthy for you." She said, wrapping her arms around me. Couldn't she be less affectionate? I was too tired to push her away. Before I knew it, she had made herself comfortable with her head lying on my shoulder.
"You know, I've been thinking." She paused. "I want to stay single for the rest of my life," Katy concluded, her arms wrapping around me even tighter. "The women in this family are cursed from relationships. I mean, Mom met my dad, and you met two douchebags whom we shall never maintain. I'll probably meet someone who frames me for murder." She explained.
"I doubt that," I answered. "After framing you, he will probably murder you and make it look like a suicide. That way, he can cover his tracks," I added.
"I know, right?" She answered, lifting her head. "The next time I see a guy, I'm walking to the opposite end of the room." She added.
"Good for you," I answered, patting her shoulder.
"Anyways, I came to tell you that Mom called you to come downstairs." She said, She pulled herself up and pushed herself out of my bed.
"Why?" I asked. I was happy to stay in bed. I'd be happy never to have to go out into the real world again.
"I don't know what crazy thing mom plans on doing." She answered. "You should probably change into something else." She added.
"I'm at home. What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I asked.
"You are already going through a midlife crisis, and you don't want to look like it as well. Mom will surely send you to therapy." She answered. "I can't believe you made me mean to you again." She whispered, shaking her head as she walked out of my room. My sister was back. I should have known it wouldn't last.
I didn't want Mom here and giving me a long lecture about how life has to go on. In crinkled, old pyjamas, I stepped out of my bed. Who cares if they didn't like what I wore? I had been lying in bed since last night. I had almost forgotten I could use my legs.
Walking down the stairs, the house sounded unusually quiet. There usually is something going on around here. If it's not Mom yelling at Katy, it's...
"Surprise!" I heard a loud yell, startling me out of my thoughts.
Mom, Katy, and Ivy sprang out of a corner. Mom held a birthday cake, Katy with the balloons, and Ivy with confetti, which popped into my face.
I placed my hand over my mouth in shock as Ivy walked over to me and hugged me.
"I can't believe you guys did all this," I said, almost in tears.
"I know that technically, it isn't your birthday today, but since the last one didn't go too well, we thought we might celebrate it today," Ivy said, holding me tighter.
"If you are going to cry, we are all going to start crying, too," Ivy said, rubbing my back.
"You should make a wish." Mom approached me with the cake. I blew out the candles. I wished for more happy days just like this one.
"You are going to have so much fun. We can have a sleepover and dance all night, and we are all going to get drunk." Ivy cheered. "Except for Katherine, she is still underage." She added slowly.
"Mom is going to get drunk?" I chuckled in disbelief.
It was surprising enough that she got drunk with Layla. I never imagined her doing it again.
"I wasn't always boring, you know. How do you think I had two babies?" Mom asked nonchalantly. I can assure you, no child ever wants to hear that. I pushed all the disturbing images out of my head as I turned my face away in disgust.
We went to the kitchen, where Mom popped a champagne bottle. Katy was in charge of our playlist, playing whatever trendy songs. They had planned this whole thing out. We even had a wine-tasting station.
Mom poured a glass of champagne for the three of us and gave Katy an apple juice box. "You know, all things considered, you probably dodged a bullet by not ending up with Derek. Could you imagine Layla as your mother-in-law?" Mom asked.
The D word, that one person I've been trying to forget. I didn't think she was drunk yet, so why was she talking about this?
But she was right, though. Layla was obsessed with Derek in an unhealthy way. It probably meant I'd have had to see Maddison more, and I can't stand her. Maybe everything was for the best. Except, I still couldn't forget him.
"I thought we agreed we'd never mention that name again in this house," Katy whispered."It's good to talk about it, especially from a different perspective. It will help you feel better," Mom assured. "As your mother, I should have known you were never pregnant. You just never looked like you were," she added. She seemed so calm as she continued drinking her champagne. What was she getting at?
"Not everyone gains weight or immediately shows, you know," I answered in a whisper.
"Honey, you still have no boobs." Mom chuckled.
Her comment left my jaw dropping. Of all the things she could have said. It was her fault, genetically, at least. Mom and Katy erupted into laughter, Ivy trying to contain herself.
Suddenly feeling insecure, I crossed my arms in front of my chest. You'd think that for at least one day a year, I'd be exempt from these kinds of comments from my family.
Ivy received a text on her phone. She giggled at herself before leaving the room.
"I've been thinking," Mom said, maintaining a straight face. "I think it would be a good idea if I opened my shop. Like a small bakery, we could make customised cakes and baked goods," she explained. "You could work with me and help me out. I don't want you working in restaurants or hotels anymore," she added.
That was an excellent idea, except considering our circumstances, it was probably unrealistic. Besides, I was practically useless in the kitchen.
"We don't have money for that," I reminded her.
"I have a friend who is willing to help." She answered, then gulped champagne.
What friend did she have that would be able to help her out with so much money? Was she hiding something again?
Katy and I stared at Mom simultaneously with accusatory looks.
"I'm too old for relationships or anything you are thinking about," Mom answered.
"I didn't want you to meet any of my friends in high school because everyone thought you were my sister. Do you know how insulting that was for me?" I joked. "You are not that old," I added."Aren't I allowed to have friends?" Mom answered dismissively.
"Okay," Katy answered distrustfully. "But we're watching you, young lady. From now on, your curfew is six p.m.." Katy said.
I thought of Ivy. I wonder what she has been up to. The last time I checked, she hid a mysterious boyfriend from me.
I got up from my seat and headed for the backyard. Maybe it was better for me if I left the room now before the attention was redirected to me.
I walked in on Ivy during her phone call. She didn't notice. I stood back to wait until she finished her call.
"Bye, Marcus, you should get back to work." Ivy giggled.
Wait, was that the same Marcus who was my manager? Were they dating now? What were the changes?
"I'll be back at work tomorrow for the night shift," Ivy confirmed with a giggle.
In shock, I waited while they did the teenage version of ' No, you hang up first.’
She then giggled as she ended the call.
I may have been dumb on many things, but I was smart enough to realise that something was going on.
