The Annoying Stepmom

“I didn’t even know there was a drawer in the wardrobe. How could I take the money?”

My dad stiffened and seemed to be thinking about something. He nodded but did not say anything else.

That night, for the first time, I heard them arguing in their room.

At first, it was just quiet talking. Then, someone slammed the table, and a cup got knocked over.

Scarlett was screaming but trying hard to keep her voice down. Every word she said sounded twisted and broken.

“How could I have taken it?! I’ve only been here a short time! Yes, I cleaned the room after I moved in. I admit I knew there was a drawer, but I don’t have the key! Do you think I want your money?

“Do you think I don’t know how much money you have? I bought you cigarettes and alcohol and even gave you money to gamble with other people. Why do you think it couldn’t have been your daughter? She hates me and is trying to set me up to make me leave. Can’t you see that?”

…

I crouched by the door and listened in. I could not help but laugh quietly to myself. After hearing her sudden cry, I felt that my cheek did not hurt anymore.

I wanted to laugh out loud, but I could not.

Instead, I had to hold back my laughter and make strange, muffled sounds pathetically.

In a daze, I heard my dad say, “Listen. My mom and my daughter are my bottom line. That money my dad left for my daughter’s college fund is off-limits. I don’t care what you’re planning, but if you go after them, I won’t let you get away with it.”

My dad was such a hypocrite.

He always said these things in front of others and acted like he cared about me and my grandmother, but he still hit me and cheated my grandmother out of her pension money.

All he had to do was speak nicely, and people would praise him without hesitation.

He said it so seriously, and Scarlett believed him just as much.

As soon as my dad slammed the door and left, I eagerly opened the door to enjoy my victory.

Scarlett was sitting on the floor in a mess. The oranges from the table had rolled all over the place. They were near her bare feet and the slippers she had thrown.

When she heard me, she looked up. Her tears fell endlessly like beads slipping from a broken necklace.

Her tears were silent, but at that moment, I heard the trumpet of victory.

Every time a tear fell, I felt a bit happier.

Her hair was messy and hung around her face.

I stood at the door and watched for a while. Then, slowly, I stepped over the oranges and walked up to her. I bent over and threw an orange onto her lap.

I crouched down to look her in the eye and whispered, “Get out. This is my house.”