Seven Years Of Votes And Always One Short Chapter 02

“I’ll take my leave if there’s nothing else.”

I had no appetite for another round of their blame, so I said it outright.

But Pearl stepped forward and caught my arm, all earnest warmth. “Jo should come to the banquet. It’s time she saw a little of the world.”

She turned to Grandma, coaxing. “Grandma, let Jo stay, won’t you?”

“No thank you. I have plans.”

I shook my head and refused.

Miles’s face snapped shut. “Jo Linley, Pearl is being kind to help you, and you’re ungrateful!”

Aunt rolled her eyes.”Exactly. Do you think the Sherman estate opens its doors to just anyone?”

Grandma glanced at me and suddenly spoke. “For Pearl’s sake, we’ll make an exception and let you join this year.”

“Really, there’s no need…”

But Mom’s eyes lit up, bright with hope.

“Jojo, stay for dinner, okay? Just one meal.”

“It’s been so long since Mom ate with you.”

I looked at her, and the second no died in my throat.

I needed to say goodbye properly someday. After all, she had given birth to me.

“Alright.”

I followed them and stepped through the gates of the Sherman estate for the very first time.

Pearl walked beside me, like the mistress of the house, showing me the home that had once belonged to me.

Mom pointed out a guest room and smiled back at me. “Jojo, we set this room up just for you. Come see if you like it.”

But when we pushed open the door, kibble and toys were piled all over the bed.

Giggles lay sprawled along the windowsill, soaking up the sun.

Pearl bit her lip, looking apologetic.”Sister I’m so sorry! The vet said Giggles needs plenty of sun so he took this room. You could take mine instead?”

“Absolutely not.” Mom cut in at once. “Pearl, honey, that room is yours. No more shuffling.”

She gave me a strained look, then pointed to a room tucked in the corner.

“What about that one, just for tonight? Jojo, Mommy will find you something better later.”

I walked over to check it.

It was a storage room less than forty square feet, holding only a narrow camp cot.

Before I could say a word, Miles scoffed. “Even a closet beats her rented room. What’s there to complain about?”

He wasn’t wrong. Next to the drafty pigsty I’d grown up in, it was practically heaven.

It was only for one night anyway. And tomorrow, I’d be gone.

I said nothing more.

Mom stroked my hair, pleased, and held out a dress, her voice going soft. “Jojo, I got you a present.”

My heart stirred.

The dress was blue, my favorite color.

“Do you like it?”

Before I could answer, Pearl swept in, changed into an evening gown.

She spun in an elegant circle, diamonds stitched across the fabric and flashing under the lights.

“Mom, quick, how does it fit? Miles designed it just for me.”

Mom’s attention shifted to her instantly. “It’s gorgeous. Only you can pull off your brother’s designs.”

Miles nodded, proud as could be.

Then Pearl turned to me and blinked, all wide-eyed innocence. “Mom, why are you giving Jo the gown I passed on? That pattern went out seasons ago.”

I froze where I stood.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Mom’s face. “There wasn’t anything more suitable in the house.”

Beside her, Miles huffed out a laugh. “A dated gown for a hick. How fitting.”

I stood there as if I’d been slapped, my cheek burning.

So even Mom’s love was last season’s.

Even Mom’s love was cast-off.

My phone screen lit up.

It was my flight confirmation message.

[Ms. Jo Linley, your flight departs tomorrow. Please prepare accordingly!]

Only twenty-four hours remained until I left for good.