- 2.
As expected, Mom’s face hardened. “What’s
the use of sending a selfish, ungrateful kid like
that abroad? He’d probably come back even
worse.”
Jason said sweetly, “Don’t be angry, Mom. I’m
sure Jason had his reasons.”
Mom softened. “Jay–Jay, you’re too kind. That’s
why your brother takes advantage of you.”
Jason always knew what to say. I knew even if I
stood there and recounted all his cruel acts,
they’d slap me and say I was lying, jealous of
my brother. I was used to it.
Just then, my sister, Ashley, rushed in, frantic
about Jason. She’d flown in from out of state
the minute she heard. Like Mom and Dad, she
only cared about Jason.
<
12:01
704
Once she saw he was okay, she relaxed, then
fumed, “I’ve always said, Jason is a curse on
this family. He’s been tormenting Jay–Jay since
the day he was born!”
Jason played the victim. “Don’t be mad, Ashley.
Even if Jason pushed me into the street, I’m
sure he didn’t mean it!”
That set them off. Dad slammed the table.
“What? He pushed you?!”
Mom seethed. “That monster! I’ll kill him!”
Ashley looked like she wanted to tear me apart.
Jason, realizing he’d gone too far, backpedaled,
“Mom, Dad, Ashley, please don’t be mad at
Jason. Maybe I remembered wrong. He’s still
my brother. He wouldn’t do that!”
Ashley patted his head. “You’re too innocent, Jay–Jay. You don’t know how cruel people can
<
“We’re so blessed to have such a good son.”
“I’ll listen to you, honey. We’ll forget about that brat. Let’s focus on getting you better!”
The warm afternoon sun fell on Jason’s bed. I
watched their happy little family, a pang of
loneliness hitting me. I felt so out of place, like
a stray dog, not their kin. I wanted to escape,
but my spirit was tethered to Mom, voiceless,
forced to endure their insults.
