all these
years. He was terrified she’d do something drastic.
The result was that even pooling all our money, we could only cover one of the bills. After talking it over, Kerry and I made a decision. We would
sell the small condo our mother had left us. It was in a good location and sold quickly.
The money had just hit my account and I’d just paid the hospital when an unwelcome visitor stormed into the room.
“Kerry! Olivia! Are you trying to start a rebellion?” our father bellowed.
Kerry’s face lit up for a second. “Dad! You’re back from your honeymoon?” For weeks, she’d asked about him. Fearing the truth would set back her
recovery, I’d just kept telling her they were traveling.
From the thunderous look on his face, I knew he was here about the condo. I quickly stood up, trying to head him off before he could upset Kerry.”
Dad, you’re here. Can we talk outside?”
I tried to lead him out, but his hand flew up and cracked across my face.
Slap.
The sound echoed in the quiet room.
Kerry was stunned. “Dad, what are you doing? Why did you hit Olivia?”
“Hitting her is getting off easy! Ask her what she’s done!” he roared, his eyes bulging. “Who gave you permission to sell the west–side condo? I
already promised that to your Aunt Penny for her retirement! Did you even think to ask me?”
My cheek was on fire.
Just then, Penny drifted in from the hallway, her face a mask of false concern. “Cole, dear, let’s just talk. Don’t be physical with the children.”
Kerry struggled to sit up. “Dad, we sold it to pay my medical bills. If you’re going to blame someone, blame me. Don’t hit Olivia.”
Dad’s furious gaze shifted to her. “You think I wouldn’t hit you? The whole world knows my daughter almost died in childbirth while I was off on
vacation with your Aunt Penny! Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a stepmother? Now everyone points and whispers about her behind her
back. Are you happy now? Is this what you wanted?”
A hot rage boiled up inside me. “What do you mean, we made a scene? Isn’t it the truth? You abandoned your dying daughter! She almost died on
that operating table, did you know that?” I was shaking uncontrollably. “And that condo was a gift from my MOTHER. What right do you have to
give it to this… this bitch?”
“Who are you calling a bitch?”
The word sent him over the edge.
He slapped me again, then followed it with a vicious kick to my stomach. I tried to dodge, but I was no match for his strength.
“Dad, please, just talk!” Kerry cried out, trying to get out of bed. The movement tore at her incision, and she collapsed back onto the
