Chapter 2: A Shabby Present
868 Words
That same evening, as usual, we were having dinner. It wasn't my turn to cook unless my two lovely sisters wanted to pick on me.
I was sitting next to my father when he looked at me and said," Laura, congratulations! You've grown up so fast. I can't believe I was changing your diapers just yesterday. "
" Dad, it wasn't yesterday; it was over twenty years ago. Stop exaggerating! " I replied.
" Ugh, Dad, that's gross! We're eating! Who wants to hear about you changing her diapers? " Linda complained.
"Then you can leave the table if you can't handle it," he retorted. " Anyway, sweetheart, I hope you're not upset that I didn't take you out to celebrate your birthday like we always do. It was a hectic day, and I couldn't spare even an hour. But I'll make it up to you, I promise. Just ask me for anything you want. "
As far as I remember, my father and I always celebrated my birthday alone. For reasons unknown to me, the others never cared much about it. Maybe he pitied me a little, or maybe there were other reasons. On my birthday, he would take me wherever I wanted and buy me whatever I asked for. It was just the two of us, since my younger sister couldn't be bothered.
But I was no longer that little girl who got excited over ice cream, theme parks, or blowing out candles on a birthday cake. I wouldn't be heartbroken over missing out on those things.
" Dad, it's okay. I'm too old for that now. I'm not six anymore, throwing a tantrum because I didn't get a birthday outing. If you care, I'm more than satisfied. "
I knew my father's intentions were good. "Don't worry, Dad. I'm not upset," I reassured him.
" Hmm, looks like I need to stop treating you like a little girl. Now I'm the one who's upset," he joked. "Anyway, what present would you like for your birthday this year?"
" Darling, you're spoiling her. Skipping one birthday present won't kill her, right, Laura?" my mother chimed in.
"Right, Dad," Elena added. " And her birthday is over, so why bother asking her what she wants? You could just ask me instead, since my birthday is coming up soon. "
"Dad, Elena has a point," Linda said. " You've never asked us what we wanted for our birthdays, even in the past. Why only her? Aren't we your daughters too? Mom! Say something, this isn't fair! "
"Keep your voices down, all of you!" my father boomed, his voice silencing the room. "She's your elder sister, for God's sake! Your mother buys you whatever you want, and she never complains. All she gets from you is ingratitude. You boss her around, make her clean up your messes, and do your chores. Can't you treat her with some respect? I don't understand you at all. I blame myself for not raising you strictly!"
It was the first time I'd seen my father get angry at them. I was speechless, a mix of fear and a strange overwhelming feeling. Was I excited that they got scolded, or was I afraid of what might happen next?
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't even ask for a birthday present. I was too worried about saying the wrong thing and making the situation worse.
My wish was simple: to live on campus, to escape my miserable life at home. But was that my only way out?
The truth was, the best present I'd ever wanted, since I was five years old, was a family. Not just a house full of people and pets, but the love and warmth of a family. To feel cherished, to receive my mother's love, to have a place I could truly call home, where I belonged, with people who loved me unconditionally. Not just my father, but my sisters and my mother too.
Was that too much to ask? I'd hoped that one day they would open up to me, and welcome me into their hearts. But I'd given up on that wish long ago. Now, all I could think about was how to leave this miserable place, and today seemed like my only chance to bring it up.
"Laura, sweetheart, are you okay? You don't seem fine to me," my father said, his voice softening. "I thought you weren't sad about not going out. Don't tell me you didn't mean it when you said that."
"Stop it, Dad," I replied. "You know I meant what I said. I was just thinking about something else. I'm fine, really."
"If you say so," he said, handing me a small, shabby box. "Here's your birthday present."
"Ha-ha, very funny, Dad," Linda mocked. "I can't stop laughing."
"I have to admit, Father has a good eye," Elena added. "Shabby gifts for shabby people like you, Laura. It suits you perfectly."
"Enough!" my mother shouted, surprising me by silencing them. "How dare you speak that way in front of your father!"
I was stunned. Usually, she would ignore their taunts. I didn't care about the reason; I was used to their mockery.
- Writer
