Chapter 2

My stomach growled loudly at the worst possible moment.

At lunchtime, I had opened my lunchbox only to find the food Mom packed had turned sour. I couldn't swallow it, so I just drank half a bottle of cold tap water.

Standing in the entryway, I stared at the steaming bucket of fried chicken on the table and swallowed my spit.

Mom finally heard me. She glanced over.

Her eyes flickered with guilt for a split second, but she quickly stood up and clapped her hands.

"Gosh, kid, do you have to walk like a ghost? No sound at all."

She fished through the bucket and pulled out a bony wing tip—the one with the least meat—and shoved it toward me.

"Your brother got fifth place. This chicken is for his celebration. You can chew on the bone and taste the flavor."

I didn't want the bone.

I gripped my backpack straps tight and looked up at her.

"Mom, the teacher said tomorrow is the School Open House. I want you to come with me."

The room went dead silent for a second.

Tommy immediately threw a tantrum, screaming, "Mom is mine! Summer, you can't have her!"

Dad frowned, shielding Tommy in his arms.

"Didn't you hear your brother? Why are you just standing there? Go to the kitchen and wash the dishes."

I didn't move. I kept my eyes locked on Mom, stubborn.

"But the teacher said a parent must attend."

Mom curled her lip, tossing the bony wing tip back onto the table.

"What's the point of being top of the class anyway? It’s a waste of money to educate a girl. Tomorrow I’m taking Tommy to the amusement park. I don't have time."

Dad chimed in.

"Mason’s school has their Open House tomorrow too. I’ll be going to his."

Panic set in. My voice began to shake.

"But everyone else’s parents are going..."

Mom’s eyes widened in fury, and she pointed a finger at me, raising her voice.

"Summer! How many times do I have to tell you? Can't you be reasonable for once? Do you have to make trouble for this family right now?"