Page 90 of A Second Chance

You will never be good enough for him.

I can't breathe as Skylar's hurtful words run like a knife over the old wounds, opening them back up. I cover my ears with my hands, hoping to shut her voice out of my head. It is as if her words are physically assaulting me, and the only way to escape is to block out the sound. But all I can think of is how she's always treated me like I am shit under her shoes. Why couldn't I have been enough for her? What did I do to deserve her nasty words?

Scar! Don't listen to that bitch! I need you to breathe. Come on, you can do this.

“You are not real, Seth,” I say to my imaginary brother.

Breathe. In and out, sis. Breathe. Find your happy place.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Find my happy place.

Shaun's first kick.

The day Shaun was born.

The first moment he opened his eyes.

When Shaun took his first steps.

The moment he first said, 'I love you.'

Inhale.

Exhale.

Skittles, you got this. You're stronger than you know.

I miss you.

I miss you too, sis.

* * *

Idon't know how long I've been locked up in the bathroom. I'm surprised that Mallory hasn't noticed I've been MIA. I take another deep breath and splash cold water on my face, hoping to calm my racing heart. As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I can't help but wonder why Skylar would do this to me. And as each minute passes, I can't help but feel more and more alone in this tiny space.

I walk out of the bathroom and make my way to Mallory's office. I need to ask her if I can go home and come back tomorrow. I was doing so well the last month, and now it all went to shit because of my half-sister. Even that word tastes like poison.

As I make my way toward Mallory's office, my ears pick up the sound of hushed voices and the mention of my name. Curiosity piques my interest, and I tread cautiously down the hallway until I come upon her half-open door. I take a deep breath, preparing myself to eavesdrop on the conversation. I position myself where I can't be seen but still hear what's being said.

Heidi's voice is filled with anger and frustration as she exclaims, "It's not right, Mallory!" However, Mallory remains silent, prompting Heidi to continue her rant. "Do you know what this will do to her when she finds out that Skylar offered you a half of million dollars to fire her?" she asks accusingly.

My heart stops.

What?

Mallory responds nonchalantly. "You meanif.If she finds out."

Heidi seems taken aback by Mallory's cold and callous demeanor. "Oh, my God. Are you that heartless?" she asks incredulously.

"I don't have to defend my actions to you, Heidi. You work for me, don't forget that," she retorts, making it clear that she is in charge. “Do you know what I could do with that money? I can finally leave this hellhole of a small town and start my gallery in New York or Paris.”

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