Deadly Partiality

George and Megan arranged for Jessica to transfer schools and intentionally placed her in my class, expecting me to take care of her.

Before I went to school, all the food that our family used to eat together at the dining table was replaced with Jessica's favorite food.

In my previous life, faced with unappetizing breakfast, I would often just eat a few bites and go hungry for the rest of the day.

Megan angrily scolded me for being ignorant, picky, difficult to please, and not caring about her.

Instead, George praised Jessica with a pleased look on his face, "Look, Jessica is quite sensible. She never fusses over food and eats everything without complaint."

I was so sad that I didn't even realize how come he was so familiar with her taste.

Now, when faced with Megan's reproach, I felt no sadness at all. I calmly and rationally asked, "Mom, do you still remember that I get diarrhea from drinking milk?

"My digestion is not good, and if I eat cold sandwiches, my stomach will ache for a whole day.

"I'm allergic to tomatoes in the salad, so which one do you want me to eat?"

She was speechless after my question. Just as Megan felt guilty, she was interrupted by George's accusation, "You are so pretentious with all these questions. How come Jessica is not allergic?"

Her tense expression immediately relaxed. Then, Megan felt that she wasn't at fault and blamed it on my poor physical condition.

They forgot that in the past they took good care of my diet and daily life because they were worried that I was in poor health.

But as soon as Jessica came, they completely forgot about their love for me.

I didn't want to have a useless argument with them over trivial matters, so I turned around and went out to school.

I heard Jessica's choked voice from behind me. "Dad, I don't know the way. If Mia doesn't wait for me to go out together, how am I supposed to get to school?"

"Don't be afraid, Jessica. Just eat your meal, and I will drive you there soon. It's still in time."

As I arrived at the entrance of the school gate by bus, I saw George carrying Jessica's backpack and leading her to the teacher's office to handle the administrative procedures.

When I met my classmate, Angela Turner, she asked me curiously, "Mia, isn't that your dad? Who is that next to him?"

I sneered and whispered, "But soon, he won't be anymore."