The Last Laugh

***

I was less gloomy after the night Heather had fed me. And everyone noticed it. I seemed to have regained some energy. I worked hard and didn't complain. Aunt Christina would still scold or insult me. But I wouldn't cry or show that I was hurt. I didn't care. She too wondered why.

From that night I hadn't had the opportunity to speak to Heather again because there wasn't a way. I only saw her.

In the morning I would see her leave for school with Sawyer. She would look at me in a shy manner, and when I  smiled, she would blush and turn away. Her little visit of that night would remain our little secret.

***

One afternoon while I sat on a rock watching the horses run, aunt Christina walked up to me.

"Have you finished your chores?" she asked dryly.

"Yes." I replied coldly, not looking at her.

"When I speak to you you look at me!" she stated angrily. Not wanting trouble, I looked up at her. "I can see your puberty might begin soon. You're thirteen right?"

"Soon to be."

She scoffed.

"Yeah, right. Anyway I'm here to tell you that your dad's former lawyer is coming today."

"Why?"

"I told him you were willing to sign all your property to me so I would take care of you with your own money."

My eyes widened.

You don't take care of

Who cares? Just accept to sign all your property to

said angrily and

gonna take

"No, I won't."

was shocked I spoke back at

Don't let me call Rob to beat you up worse than the

go call Rob. But then I remembered the kitchen scene. All of a sudden I remembered having seen her laughing with a man in the kitchen, the night my father had disappeared. Was it

snapped me out of my

"Who's Rob?" I asked

you'll know him alright. He'll beat you up

beaten. I've been beaten enough to a point that I don't fear

clench

I'll still get you beaten. And I'll make sure

fragile daughter assist to such again just for me to sign? I didn't

"I'll– I'll sign."

She laughed

If the lawyer comes today, and you dare tell him what happens to you here, you can

"No! Please."

promise to act like

"I promise."

hated when she called me

house and take a bath. Change into one of

I hadn't taken a bath in a long time. She

***