Middle school flew by quickly. My parents decided I was unlikely to amount to much and planned to send me to a factory to work. But since I was underage, I was sent back home. My parents were furious, "How's your brain wired? If people ask your age, just say you're an adult to avoid these issues. You're just trying to slack off and not repay us. You're a burden, not as considerate as your brother."
Maybe Alexander's luck really was that good, because suddenly I became the top student in the city, attracting offers from two prestigious high schools and earning a hefty scholarship.
Mom and Dad were ecstatic, not because of my achievement, but because my success meant they could get some return on their investment...
"Why did we bring her back? I specially prepared seafood today. That selfish girl might steal the food meant for Alexander!" Mom's voice pulled me out of my memories.
Her voice was soft but enough to shatter my last bit of hope.
"Alexander still needs 30,000 dollars for the car. If we don't give her something sweet, she might not want to borrow money for her brother," I heard Dora's voice, deliberately hushed but still audible since she was close to Alexander.