"We'll go to the Pinecrest Hot Springs Resort. If we leave now, we'll get there in time to celebrate your birthday. Let her sit at home and think about what she's done. Once she's come to her senses, we can talk about cutting ties for good."
She flicked on the turn signal. The car merged onto the highway heading out of the city, its taillights shrinking into the darkness, farther and farther from home.
In the house, only the ticking of the clock remained.
The phone that had been vibrating over and over was trapped beneath my body.
It buzzed against the hardwood floor, a muffled hum like some futile cry no one could hear.
The lit screen showed multiple missed calls from Mom.
The newest notification was a text message from her.
"Eudora, don't think sharing my blood gives you the right to do whatever you want. Ally is the only daughter I've ever truly claimed!"
"Stay home and reflect on what you've done. Don't you dare bother me while I'm celebrating Ally's birthday!"
In the days that followed, I did not bother them.
She assumed her threat had worked.
What she didn't know was this: