The Last Laugh

***

I was less gloomy after the night Heather had fed me. And everyone noticed it. I seemed to have regained some energy. I worked hard and didn't complain. Aunt Christina would still scold or insult me. But I wouldn't cry or show that I was hurt. I didn't care. She too wondered why.

From that night I hadn't had the opportunity to speak to Heather again because there wasn't a way. I only saw her.

In the morning I would see her leave for school with Sawyer. She would look at me in a shy manner, and when I  smiled, she would blush and turn away. Her little visit of that night would remain our little secret.

***

One afternoon while I sat on a rock watching the horses run, aunt Christina walked up to me.

"Have you finished your chores?" she asked dryly.

"Yes." I replied coldly, not looking at her.

"When I speak to you you look at me!" she stated angrily. Not wanting trouble, I looked up at her. "I can see your puberty might begin soon. You're thirteen right?"

"Soon to be."

She scoffed.

"Yeah, right. Anyway I'm here to tell you that your dad's former lawyer is coming today."

"Why?"

"I told him you were willing to sign all your property to me so I would take care of you with your own money."

My eyes widened.

You don't take care of

accept to sign

angrily and

gonna

"No, I won't."

was shocked I spoke

Don't let me call Rob to beat

remembered the kitchen scene. All of a sudden I remembered having seen her laughing

snapped me out

"Who's Rob?" I asked

you'll know him alright. He'll beat

been beaten enough to a point that I don't fear

clench her jaw in angry

get you beaten. And I'll make sure

at her in shock. She was mad. She was ready to allow her fragile daughter assist to such again just for me to sign? I didn't

"I'll– I'll sign."

She laughed

today, and you dare tell him what happens to you here, you can be sure I'll burn your dad's

"No! Please."

to act like everything's

"I promise."

I hated when she called me bastard. I was furious within. She had no

house and take a bath. Change into

me into the house. I hadn't taken a bath in a long time. She didn't even

***