Page 8 of Oblivion

“Yay, because I amsoexcited!” Anticipation had me squealing and bouncing on the balls of my feet. “I can’t believe I’mfinallygetting my inheritance! I’ve already found the most gorgeous apartment, and it’s big enough for Lyds and Vivi to move…” I trailed off when Dad cast an aggrieved look my way.

“Ah, about that, Pen… We’re going to hold off for a little bit.”

My elevated mood plummeted. Confusion tightened my chest, and I spluttered for words.“What?But you always said that when I turn twenty-one, I’d get my inheritance. How else am I supposed to afford a place of my own?” My shrill voice cut across the polished kitchen.

Any other time, I would have toned down the bratty response, but not today. Today I acted every part of the spoiled only child I was, and all but stomped my feet in temper.

“This is because of your stupid re-run for Senate, isn’t it?” I accused Dad, then paced as I ranted. “You’re worried I’m going to cause a scene, or heaven forbid, bringshameto our family.”

Dad’s face reddened, but his heavy swallow told me I’d hit the nail on the head.

“Penelope, it’s not like that…”

I looked to Mom to see her eyes narrowed on him. At least she could see through the bullshit.

“I know it’s a shock, but you’ll thank us down the road,” he tried to reason. “And we got you an extra special present to make up for it.”

Typical Dad move: throw money at it and make the problem disappear.

I folded my arms over my chest and bit back tears. “I don’t want a stupid present. Youpromised.”

“Penelope,” Mom implored. “Please, at least come outside and see it. Then, I’m going to make waffles. Your favorite.”

I threw up a hand and huffed, wholeheartedly believing that whatever it was simply wasn’t going to cut it.

I took a step forward, but she stopped me with a gentle squeeze on my arm. “You need to be blindfolded for this.”

Despite my resentment over the day not starting great, I smiled faintly. Mom took her time tying her silk scarf around my head, then held my hand as she led me through the kitchen.

Dad’s voice sounded close to my ear. “I’m sorry, Bunny. But I hope this cheers you up.”

My heart softened from his earnest tone.

“Ready?” Mom asked.

Nerves vibrated through my body, causing my voice to shake. “I guess so.”

The scarf was whipped off as Mom and Dad yelled“Surprise!”in unison.

I gasped and my jaw dropped. A pretty Mini Cooper convertible sat in the driveway, all shiny, new, and with my name practically written all over it.

“Oh, myGod!”I squealed, jumping on the spot and clapping my hands. “Are you guys serious?”

“We are.”

Hugging Mom, then Dad, I pressed my hands to my cheeks and walked over to my new car. The gorgeous candy-pink Mini wassome, and I let out another squeal of delight when I saw the licence plateMNI PENNY.

“Oh, my God!” I cried again, pointing at the plate.“Mini Penny!”

“You like it?” Mom asked, laughing and dashing away tears.

“I love it. Thank you both so much!”

Dad lifted his hand and grinned widely, keys dangling from his pinched fingers. “You might need these.”

Temporarily forgetting my tantrum over the money, I accepted them with gratitude, then slid into the driver’s seat.

The new car smell melted me. I rapidly blinked as I tried to take in everything at once. My hands danced from surface to surface, unable to decide which part to touch first. I was smoothing my hands around the steering wheel when Dad surprised me by easing into the passenger seat.

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