1
Josephine
I normally don't answer calls from unknown numbers. Since I haven't heard from Jenna in a few days though, I make an exception. “Hello?”
“Josie!”
“Oh my god, Jen, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick! You’re not answering your phone and you didn’t go back to the group home. What the hell is going on?” I don’t want to yell at her, but she seriously had me freaking out.
“I’m sorry Josie, my phone was stolen and some crazy stuff happened. Apparently, Colt was released from jail a few weeks ago.”
“What? How?”
“It’s a long story. Please don’t worry about me. I promise, I am fine and I’m with Hunter. I’m really sorry that I made you worry.”
“It’s okay,” I sigh, just glad that she is okay.
“So, when I just said that I’m with Hunter, I didn’t just mean right now. I also meant I’m with Hunter.” I can practically hear her grin into the phone.
“Well, it’s about time!” Of course, I knew my twin sister had a thing for him and even though I never met the guy, I really believe he is good for Jenna. I wish I could meet him now. The only reason she waited so long to get with him is me. Well, really it’s because of my adoptive father, who is hell-bent on keeping my twin sister a secret. He is so scared that this scandal could hurt his political career that he made sure no one will ever find out about Jenna.
“Josephine!” My mom yells through the door as the door handle wiggles. I look at the time.
“Shoot,” I tell Jenna. “I’m supposed to be downstairs for dinner. You know I would much rather talk to you but…”
“Josephine, unlock the door!” My mom interrupts.
“Sorry, I got to go.”
“It’s okay, Josie. I love you, so much, and I miss you. Don’t forget that you are my better half,” Jenna says through the phone.
“I love and miss you too,” I tell her. She thinks that I am the better half, but I know the truth. Jen will always be the better twin, but I don’t feel like arguing with her today. “Be careful.”
“Okay, bye.” The line goes dead and I can’t help but smile at what she just told me. Jenna has had some crushes in the past but what she has with Hunter is more than that. I know my twin sister better than anyone and she is head over heels for this guy. He makes her happy, and that makes me happy. I just wish that I could meet him and not half to hide that Jenna is my sister.
I can’t wait until I am eighteen and I can get out of here. Three more months and no one will be able to tell me and Jenna what to do. I walk downstairs for dinner already dreading the half hour I have to spend with my parents at the dining room table. I much preferred when my dad was working long hours and we ate separately.
My parents think that I am acting like a spoiled brat as part of my journey into adulthood. I know better than to blame puberty on my animosity towards my parents. My hatred for my mom and my dad runs deep. It wasn’t always like this. I did love them at one point. Years of their selfish acts and hostility toward my sister and my birthmother have driven me away from them and the love I once had.
The way they have always treated Jenna like she is less than me is most of it. They have used her time and time again to blackmail me into submission. Not letting me meet my birthmother or go to her funeral was the tipping point. I can’t forgive them anymore. Not after everything they have done.
I take my seat at the table without acknowledging them.
My mom clears her throat. “Josephine, we need to talk about some upcoming events we need to attend and you will be expected to be there.” She puts her fork down and glares at me for a second. “Are you listening to me, young lady?”
“Yes.” I stab a green bean with my fork, imagining it was my mom’s tongue instead. Anything to make her stop talking to me. I take a bite of my perfectly cooked vegetable.
“The first one is next month, so we have to get a new dress for you soon. Then there are two in May and another one in the beginning of July. So, we might as well go shopping this week and buy four new formal dresses.”
I burst out laughing. She is counting me in for an event in July. My birthday is in June and the minute I turn eighteen I will be out of here and I am not planning on coming back. Ever.
“Anything funny about that?” My mom asks dryly.
“Yes, it’s funny how you assume that I will be here in July.” I’m still chuckling.
“Please enlighten us, where will you be in July?” My dad questions me.
“I don’t know and I don’t care as long as I am away from here, and with my sister.” All humor leaves my voice then, replaced by the anger boiling up inside me.
“I don’t advise you to do such a stupid thing,” my dad says with a calmness to his voice that gives me chills.
“And why is that?”
“How do you think you’re going to be able to live on your own? No money. No job. No place to live.”
“I have a full ride scholarship. I don’t need your money. Or your house. Or you.” I worked my ass off to make sure that I would get into any school I want to and that it’s going to be paid for.
“I would advise you to rethink your plans,” my mom says shaking her head. “Your dad needs the family to stand strong and united for the upcoming election. You will attend all the events you are expected to be at and you will do so with a smile on your face.”
“Or what?” A tingle runs down my spine in anticipation of their words.
“Do you really think I couldn’t make that scholarship go away?” My dad says all matter of fact.
“Then I’ll get a student loan,” I rebuttal, lifting my chin in defiance.
My dad snorts condescendingly. “No one will give you a loan without us cosigning. I made sure of that.” The fact that he is talking past tense makes my stomach churn. He thought about this and even prepared for this.
“If you fight us on this, you will leave me no choice but to act accordingly.” Then he delivers the final blow. “So, unless you want to end up like a stripper and drug addict like your birth mother, you should really rethink your attitude.”
I run up the stairs into my room and slam the door shut behind me. I use such force that I scare myself with the loud bang and I wonder if the hinges might fall off. I want to throw things, hit stuff and yell at the top of my lungs. I don’t because I know none of it would matter. Nothing I do has ever mattered. I just want to get away from here, from this place and these people. I open my window and look down. I’m on the second floor but there are plants and bushes underneath my window. They are going to break my fall. I swing my legs out first. I turn around and lower myself so I am just hanging on my windowsill. I push off the wall a few inches and then I let myself fall. I huff in relieve when landing on my feet without getting hurt.
I turn around and make my way through the bushes in the dark. I should have considered my attire before jumping out of the window. The thin sweater is not protecting my arms from the branches digging and cutting into my arms. I start running as soon as I make it onto the lawn. Cold march air is hissing around me, numbing my face and fingers. I run away from the house as fast as I can. I don’t know where to go. All I know is that I need to get away.