The Summer I Was Nobody’s Choice Chapter 03

The Summer I Was Nobody’s Choice Chapter 03

Grandma Brooks stayed with me for two weeks.

She only left when her neighbor called to say the corn in her field was ready to pick.

The day she left, the top shelf of the fridge was packed with fresh fruit and vegetables.

The side compartment held a layer of duck eggs with pale shells and a carton of farm eggs.

The bottom shelf was stacked with ground beef, chicken breasts, pork chops, and neat rows of frozen pierogis, all labeled and separated.

Grandma Brooks crouched beside the fridge and gave me careful instructions.

“If you don’t feel like cooking, just heat these up.”

“I labeled everything. This bag is spinach and cheese. This one is sausage and potato.”

I nodded and tried to memorize it all.

A few days later, I was home from work, boiling pierogis for dinner.

Through the glass front door, I saw four figures walking up the path.

Dad clapped my brother on the shoulder, grinning ear to ear.

“Ryan, the governor wants to interview you in person tomorrow. Take the car.”

My brother caught the keys with a smile.

“A brand-new Range Rover? That must’ve cost a fortune.”

Dad waved it off. “Just a gift for winning first place in the research program.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

My brother didn’t seem surprised.

Ever since he turned eighteen, Dad had given him a car every year.

Last year it was a Porsche. The year before, a classic Mustang. Six cars now, filling up the whole garage.

I used to think that when I turned eighteen, I’d get a car too.

But when I showed Dad my driver’s license, he just said, “Gifts depend on how the wheel lands.”

That was when I understood. Some kinds of favoritism would never find their way to me.

I glanced at the keys, then looked down and bit into a pierogi.

The filling burst warm and rich, and even the bitterness in my chest faded a little.

Mom clearly wasn’t happy about being shown up again. “A new car?” she scoffed.

“That’s not fair.”

“You can’t just buy gifts because Ryan has your last name. What about the other children?”

Dad let out a dry laugh. “Of course, of course. Everyone gets something.”

My sister raised an eyebrow and stuck out her hand.

“Daddy, I want one too!”

“I was voted one of the top rising stars of my generation. Don’t I deserve something special?”

“You really don’t hold back, do you?” Dad shook his head fondly and pulled a small key from his pocket.

“One small condo downtown, facing the river.”

My sister shrieked with joy. “You’re the best!”

The three of them laughed together.

It took a long moment before Dad seemed to remember I existed.

“I forgot to get Nora something!”

“I gave her a gift last time. This round is on you!”

Mom rubbed her temples. “I forgot too. What about that villa we haven’t finished renovating?”

My heart jumped. My fingers tightened around my fork.

The villa Mom was talking about was supposed to be my sister’s debut gift. They’d started renovating it ages ago.

Could I really get something like that?

My sister carefully tucked her new key into her designer bag, then pouted.

“Nora isn’t a Miller or a Brooks. She’s not as accomplished as me or Ryan. Why should she get the same gifts as us?”

“Besides, that villa is mine.”

“I don’t agree.”

Mom and Dad exchanged glances, looking uncomfortable.

My brother adjusted his glasses.

“There’s an old Honda in the garage. A friend gave it to me. Nora can have it.”

Mom exhaled in relief. “I’ll transfer you the money.”

Clack.

My fork hit the floor, my heart sinking with it.

Ryan and Chloe got carefully chosen surprises. I got someone else’s castoff.

I let out a bitter laugh.

It didn’t matter. I’d be gone soon.

They’d never have to look at me again.