Mom’s Fair Plan: $800 for Me, $8,000 for My Sister? The “Good Daughter” Just Quit! Chapter 01

Mom’s Fair Plan: $800 for Me, $8,000 for My Sister? The “Good Daughter” Just Quit! Chapter 01

Three days after SAT scores dropped, I saw this post:

“Both daughters got into NYC schools-how do I split allowances FAIRLY?”

Everyone: Same amount, obviously!

Then my brother dropped this bomb:

“Older one’s Plain Jane-wouldn’t know what to do with money. Younger one? GORGEOUS. High-maintenance. One skincare haul? Two grand.”

“$800 for Plain Jane. $8,000 for the princess. THAT’S fair.”

My childhood bestie:

“So true! We’ll watch the hot one anyway.”

I laughed till tears came.

They’re riding off to their glittering dreams.

Me? The throwaway.

One minute before deadline, I torched every NYC school.

Locked in somewhere 1,200 miles south.

Their princess game?

I’M OUT.

“Willow, sweetie! Fruit’s ready!”

Mom’s voice snapped me out of it.

She stood there holding cantaloupe slices, all sunshine and smiles.

“Hey, even if the scores aren’t great, don’t lock yourself away like this.”

I killed the browser tab and walked out.

Mom gave the juicy center piece to my sister Serena, then glanced at me with this soft, pitying look.

“Look, even if you end up at community college… we’re not gonna judge. We can take care of you.”

My phone was still lit up with the text from the State Board.

[Willow Parker, Score: 1520/1600. State Rank: #7.1

I flipped it facedown.

“Yeah. Thanks.”

Dad and my brother Nathan were huddled over this massive college guide, laser focused on Serena’s future

“Serena crushed it-1380! That’s prime territory for a solid state school. You thinking NYC or LA?”

Nathan practically glowed.

“NYC, duh. Jasper’s there.”

Serena melted into Mom’s arms, all princess vibes.

No one-not one person-turned to me and asked:

“So what’d you get?”

Dad clapped the book shut, grinning wide.

“Alright, applications later. Right now?”

“Our girl deserves a celebration. Mall trip, ladies! Pick anything. Daddy’s credit card is burning. Go change!”

Something flickered in my chest.

It’d been years since I got this treatment. Not since Serena got sick when we were twelve.

“Okay.”

I basically ran to my room.

White blouse. Lip gloss. The whole thing.

I stared at myself in the mirror, heart hammering.

Maybe they haven’t completely forgotten about me.

I opened my door.

Empty living room.

Their shoes? Gone.

I just… stood there.

My phone buzzed.

Serena’s post from three minutes ago.

[Squad goals! Family mall run for my grad gift! ??]

Picture showed them in the car.

Dad driving. Nathan shotgun. Mom and Serena giggling in back.

All four of them beaming.

That five-seater?

Never had room for me in the first place.

Fingers shaking, I hit call.

“Mm? Willow, what’s wrong?”

Mall chaos in the background. Pop music blasting.

“You guys… left?”

My voice cracked.

“Oh crap-forgot to tell you!”

Mom sounded breezy as hell.

“You were holed up in there forever. Figured you didn’t wanna deal with the heat.”

“Just chill at home with the AC. There’s watermelon in the fridge.”

Didn’t even ask.

Just decided.

“Mommy! Can I get Häagen-Dazs?!”

Serena’s baby voice cut through.

“Of course, angel! Two scoops, whatever flavor!”

Mom laughed, then brushed me off.

“Anyway, gotta run, hon. We’re helping your sister pick a bag.”