Chapter 13
Malik’s voice rang out sharply, “Sadie, stop right there! You walk into the house and don’t even greet your elders? Is this how you behave now?”
“Don’t think just because some school nurse is backing you up–and you’ve got the nerve to talk about calling the cops–that you’ve suddenly got someone to rely on. Without the Douglas family, you’re nothing!”
The more he spoke, the angrier he got. He stood up and snapped, “You think we favor Lorena? Maybe take a look at all the horrible things you’ve done to her first! Her father once saved your life–we’re just repaying that debt on your behalf!”
Sadie felt drained just listening to him.
She stopped, turned toward the living room, and said flatly, “Jeremy, Malik–I’m home.”
‘Happy now?‘
Jeremy spoke up, “Dinner’s ready.”
“You go ahead. I’m not hungry.”
And with that, Sadie turned and headed upstairs.
“Jeremy, did you see that attitude? She’s getting more out of line by the day!”
Lorena chimed in gently, “Malik, don’t be mad. It’s all my fault. Maybe if I moved out, Sadie wouldn’t be so upset…”
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Chapter 13
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“Don’t talk nonsense. If anyone’s leaving, it’s Sadie. Why should you go?”
The voices behind her continued as Sadie quickened her pace and locked herself in her room.
She leaned against the door, standing there for a long moment. Her eyes burned slightly.
Tilting her head back to stare at the ceiling, she forced the tears away.
She wasn’t going to cling to this fake sibling bond any longer.
The next day, Sadie went to school as usual.
She ended up sharing a ride with Lorena.
Lorena glanced at her carefully. “Sadie, are you still mad at me?”
“Lorena, doesn’t it exhaust you–acting all the time, no matter where you are?”
Sadie leaned against the car window, closed her eyes, and tried to get some sleep, clearly done with the conversation.
Lorena’s expression darkened, but with the driver up front, she quickly put on her usual pitiful face, glancing up and giving him a soft, harmless smile.
The driver immediately felt that Sadie was being unreasonable again- always picking on poor Lorena. He made a mental note to tell Jeremy about it later.
At school, Sadie stayed focused–taking notes, paying close attention in class. She had a lot of ground to make up.
Even with Lorena’s little entourage whispering and snickering nearby,
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she didn’t spare them a second glance.
She had more important things to deal with. No time to waste on that kind of nonsense.
******
That evening, when she got home…
Sadie saw her sixth brother, Rhett, sitting on the couch, his expression dark.
Lorena bounced over sweetly, all smiles. “Rhett! You’re back! I missed you so much!”
Rhett had come home in a foul mood, but after a few sweet words from Lorena, his expression eased.
Sadie glanced at their interaction, then turned to head upstairs.
But Rhett called out, “Sadie, Malik says you’ve been acting out. I didn’t believe him at first, but now you won’t even say hello to me?”
Sadie let out a silent sigh. Here we go again.
Not wanting to argue, she turned around and obediently said, “Hi, Rhett.”
“That’s more like it. Anyway, I’m rebuilding the team. Jeremy and Malik are already on board. You’re in too.”
Sadie’s grip on her backpack tightened.
Here it was again–just like in her previous life.
Back then, she said yes without hesitation. All to win a little approval. To make her brothers happy. To feel seen.
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Chapter 15
She trained like crazy, pushed herself to the limit–even skipped studying for the exams.
And what did she get for it?
Rhett had said. “Sadie, you’ve proven yourself. Now give your spot to Lorena–let her feel what it’s like to be a champion.”
“Sadie. I’m the team captain. If I say we’re switching people out, then that’s what’s happening.”
Last time, she’d been forced to watch as Lorena took her place.
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