Love and Hate: When I Completely Leave This World

Mom's voice shook with rage, "Repeat that, how on earth did I end up raising someone so heartless... I should've strangled you when I had the chance."

She was so mad she wanted to hit me, but Jane stopped her.

Jane's voice was all sugary sweet, like a harmless kitten.

"Mom, Nora just says things straight-up. Don't be mad at her. It's good she's here to celebrate with us. We should all be happy together."

Mom shot me a death glare, "You call it straight-up, I call it classless and clueless. It's a wonder you haven't been beaten to a pulp out there."

I stared back at her, feeling the disgust pouring out.

Sorry to disappoint—I'm still not dead.

But I guess I'd be checking out soon.

I smirked, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll die right in front of you."

"Quit with the threats—they don't work on me."

Mom, it was no threat. It was a fact.

Jane, always the peacemaker, said, "Look, Nora, you're my sister, and it's rare for you to drop by. Let's not fight. I'll make the cake, and we can all eat together."

She was looking at me, all smiles, but I felt like throwing up.

I shoved her hand away, "I'm not your sister. Stop calling me that. Just because they picked you up from somewhere doesn't mean you belong here."

Jane started bawling, tears streaming down like rain. It was really pitiful.

"Nora, sorry I ticked you off again."

I felt my face burning, and my ears ringing from the slap.

Mom had quite the swing.

"You threw all your education away. She's your sister, how dare you talk to her like that. How can you be so vile?"

"Your sister's been nothing but loyal and caring for me and your dad. You? Always messing around. You don't hold a candle to her."

Yeah, I'd never held a candle to Jane.

Guess she might as well be your only kid. I'm out.