After they finished cleaning up Marlon's things, I noticed Vincent wrapping his arms around Diane. "Marlon's death was an accident. You can't keep blaming Ashley for it. Today is her birthday, her coming-of-age day..."
Before he could finish, Diane cut him off sharply. "You're always defending her! If it weren't for her, Marlon wouldn't have died! She's a walking disaster; anyone who crosses her path is doomed!"
Vincent froze at her words, his expression thoughtful as he stared at Diane, and then he fell silent.
A chill crept into my heart. Is this really how Mom sees me? A disaster?
Maybe she had a point.
I remembered how Vincent used to treat me so kindly.
He would sneak me out for little adventures, and after Diane yelled at me or hit me, he'd buy me medicine for my bruises.
He'd bring me pretty floral dresses to cheer me up and even let me sleep in his study so I wouldn't have to deal with Diane's wrath.
I could get a good night's sleep and avoid dozing off in class, too.
Those moments made me forget Diane's cruelty, at least for a little while.