18
With Bryna’s father out of town for Christmas, she found the excuse she needed to disappear for a week.
“You’re sure that you’re going to be gone the entire Christmas?” Celia asked. “We won’t even see you on Christmas day?”
Bryna sighed. She didn’t want to look too sympathetic or Celia wouldn’t buy it. “Look I just don’t get to spend any quality time with my mother, and since dad is going to be gone the whole time, it seemed like a perfect opportunity. No reason to split time between the house if he isn’t going to be here”
Celia pursed her lips. “Well, of course I want you to have quality time with your mother, but I will miss you dearly, honey. The whole house will miss you.”
“I’m sure.”
Bryna resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She certainly wouldn’t miss her overbearing stepmot
