Charlotte helped Talia carry the luggage to the taxi, and the driver loaded their bags in the trunk. They sat in the back of the car as the taxi drove off toward their home. On the way, her mind was still in turmoil that she didn't pay attention until her grandma tugged her shoulders.
I didn’t get a chance to see him. Was this the last time of our meeting?
The car stopped in front of a stoplight. Charlotte heard no response, so she snapped her finger in front of Talia’s face, getting the attention from Talia at last. Frowning at the gesture, Talia turned her head toward her grandma and frowned.
"What did you say?" Talia startled, scratching her head in puzzlement. "I didn't hear you clearly."
Charlotte repeated her questions. "Did you have fun? How was the university?" Staring at her granddaughter's lifeless expression, she probed in a fierce tone. "You're acting strange. Does something happen?"
"Nah, I'm fine. The school excursion was perfect," Talia mumbled, refusing to describe the incident at the campus. "The university was ten times larger than my school. No wonder my muscles ached from sightseeing on the trip. "
Charlotte patted her granddaughter on the head. "I'll give you a massage when we get back home. You can rest for now."
"Thanks. I already had enough sleep." Talia hugged her grandma. "Since I'm already home, then I’ll help you to do the chores before I finish my homework tonight."
Charlotte smiled at her. "Good! I'm glad you're improving your goals. I hope you can become a better person in the future."
"Okay then. I'll work hard and won't disappoint you then."
The taxi driver parked in the front entrance, and Charlotte paid the bill. They took out the luggage, entered the house, and headed for Talia's bedroom. She set everything in the closet and left the sleeping bag in the basement while Charlotte ushered her to eat lunch.
A thumping noise from the upper floor alerted Talia to her surroundings.
What in the world was this ruckus? Oh no… Please don’t tell me…
5
Talia and Charlotte headed into the living room just in time to see Edith and Abigail climbing down the stairs. At the first sight of them, she went to hide behind her grandma’s back. Edith didn’t care at all, and she strode forward to snatch Talia toward her and slapped her right across the cheek.
“How dare you come back home when you sneak out of the house without my permission?” Edith snarled in rage. “I assumed you left for good. Since you’re already here, you better start cleaning the house from top to bottom.”
Talia rubbed her cheek as she frowned. She even noticed her mom dressed in a flowery summer dress; her purse hooked over her arm. She glanced to the right and noticed her sister, Abigail, in a pearl dress. Her straight, blonde hair fell over her back. Her sister already looped the strap of a small-sized purse over her shoulder.
Lowering her head, Talia stammered, “Are you two going somewhere?”
“Why do you even need to ask?” Edith tossed her hair and shoved her feet into her high heels. “You should just mind your own business.”
Talia mumbled in embarrassment. “I’m simply curious. It wasn’t that much to ask, was it?”
“Fine! Your dad and I are taking Abigail to go shopping since her birthday is coming on December 12th. We’re going on our wedding anniversary on December 16th to December 22nd, so we want to purchase presents for Abigail ahead of time.”
Talia’s eyes lightened up. “Mom, can… can I… go too? Please... Wait for me. I’ll go get dressed now.”
“Don’t bother! There’s no space in the car!” Edith screamed, holding onto Talia’s arm to stop her from running off. “You should just stay home and finish the chores that I ordered you to do now. I’m still mad at how you disappeared from us the last few days. Now, get moving!”
“But—”
“No! Remember my words. If the house is not clean by the time we come home, I’ll punish you even harder for your disobedience.” Edith shoved Talia aside and ushered Abigail out the front door. “Let’s go, my daughter. I’ll buy you more dresses and make you the prettiest woman on Earth.”
Abigail smirked at her older sister. “Thanks, Mother.”
They left the house, ignored the pleading look in Talia’s face, and walked towards the car. Talia glanced around the room and then saw her dad coming down the stairs in his usual white shirt and blue jeans. She ran to block him from walking down the brown stairs and held onto his arm to prevent him from leaving the room.
“Act your age!” her father shouted at her. “Do you know any manners? I need to head out right now. Don’t get in my way.
Talia pleaded, tears dripping down her face. Looking at herself, she still wore the pale, ripped dress that her grandma had to sew to be wearable. “Dad, please let me go too. I need new clothes as well. I’ve been dressed in the old clothes Abigail has thrown away. Please, don’t leave me behind.”
Ever since I grew up, you never paid any attention to me. Even though Mother always loved Abigail, I’ve always yearned for your love and prayed for you to give me an ounce of sympathy. Though, you always saw through me without batting an eye. Can you just listen to this one request?
“Your grandma already gave you some clothes that she bought from the donation store a few days ago,” her father interrupted her. “Why don’t you just wear them instead?”
Talia startled at the suggestions and then pouted in a wry smile. “Those outfits are not suitable for the winter season. I’m cold and wanted some warm clothes to prevent sickness.”
“Don’t be materialistic. I don’t have enough money to spend on you. So, you should just wear those hand-me-downs clothes instead!”
“But Dad—,”
“Enough! You heard your mother,” her father snapped, pulling away his arm and smoothing out his sleeve. “With all the new clothes and accessories for Abigail’s birthday, there won’t be room in the car for you, anyway.”
He strode past Talia, slammed the front door shut, and strolled towards his vehicle in the driveway.
Talia ran towards the window in time to see the car zooming away. Sadness engulfed her. She threw herself on the floor, wailed in dissatisfaction as her grieving voice filled the mostly deserted house.
Dad, you never loved me! Am I even your child? Why do you treat me like this? Don’t you know how much I am suffering?
Charlotte came to hold Talia in her arms and patted her head gently. “Don’t cry, my little darling. You still have me.”
“Grandma, I don’t understand why my own mother doesn’t love me. I’m her daughter too. Why does she love Abigail more than she loves me?”
Hearing the sobbing of her granddaughter, the sound like a sword that stabbed her heart, Charlotte’s voice cracked from grief and a single tear fell from her eyes.
“Talia—,” She hesitated and embraced her granddaughter tighter. “I—”
“I don’t want to stay in this house anymore. I know that I am unwanted because even my dad abandoned me! I’m tired of living this miserable life.”