Page 3 of Wicked Nasty

"I said no thanks. I have school." I refuse to give in to her whims this time.

"That's not an acceptable excuse, Rebecca. We are all going on this trip together, so start packing."

I shove the bag off my bed in frustration. "A family vacation just for show is not a valid reason to miss school, mother."

Her screeching voice echoes through the house, summoning my father and Katya into my room.

"You will go on this trip, Rebecca!" my mother shrieks.

My father sighs, trying to diffuse the situation. "Darling, let her stay here with Katya. It's no big deal."

I turn to him in shock. "Katya isn't going on the trip?"

My mother glares at me. "Why would I bring the help with us? She stays here, locked away where she belongs!"

"How dare you!" Katya grabs my arm in anger, but I pull away and confront my mother. "She is not just 'the help', she's a wonderful woman who has been raising your child while you've been off gallivanting across the country!"

My mother pushes me back, her eyes filled with venom. "You better watch your tone, young lady! I will send you straight to an all-girls boarding school!"

"I would rather be anywhere than here with you!" I shout back.

My father steps between us, trying to calm everyone down. "Let's all just take a deep breath and think about this. Becca can stay here with Katya so she doesn't miss school. We can plan a family vacation for the summer."

My mother turns to him with a look of disgust. "I will not have that trash on my private jet! Rebecca will either join us or leave on her own."

"Are you seriously kicking out your fourteen-year-old daughter?"

"If that's what it takes." My mother responds coldly.

I shake my head in disbelief as I back away from them. "Then do it. I'd rather live on the streets than spend another second under your roof." My words hang heavy in the air as I storm out of the room, knowing there is nothing left for me here but pain and disappointment.

Katya forcefully grabs my hand, her nails digging into my skin. “Listen to me,detka. You must go with them. I will be fine here.”

Tears well up in my eyes, but I quickly push them away, not wanting to give my cruel mother the satisfaction of seeing me cry. “Katya... I can't leave you behind.”

My mother scoffs at my weakness. “Pathetic.”

“She's more of a mother to me than you'll ever be, you heartless witch.”

With a shriek, my mother lunges towards us, shoving me aside and pointing an accusing finger at Katya. “You! Get out of my house! You've poisoned my daughter's mind! Who knows what else you're teaching her, you bitch!”

Katya stands her ground, unfazed by my mother's rage. “I will leave by tonight.”

I run into Katya's embrace, finally letting myself cry as she strokes my hair. “No! Please don't go! I need you, Katya!”

She kisses my forehead gently. “Shhhh,moya malen'kaya babochka. My little butterfly. No more tears, okay? You are strong and brave.”

But my mother rips me away from Katya's comforting arms. “Stop coddling her! You have one hour!”

As Katya walks away calmly, my mother holds me back as I scream for her to come back. My father comes over and joins her in restraining me.

“Becca, calm down. It will be okay.”

But as they release their hold on me, I turn and swing a furious fist at my mother's face. “I hate you! I hate you with every fiber of my being!”

My father pulls me off of her as blood splatters across her expensive cream suit. “Becca! What has gotten into you?”

I look up at him, my face twisted with anger and betrayal. “I don't want to be a part of this family anymore.”

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