Jess raised her chin.“She’d been told she had early signs of dementia, but she was still legally of sound mind.She wanted to do this before she lost her faculties.”
“You talked her into this.”Typical Mom, on the offensive.
“No, I tried to change her mind.I didn’t want the conflict.”
Jess had agreed to it, leaving me out of the line of scrimmage.Just like with the phone call that started this, I regretted not supporting my sister more.Sure, she was involved with Alek somehow, but given my response, it was obvious why she hadn’t said anything.
My fault.
“I’m supposed to believe you and your brother get everything and you still tried to change her mind?You have blamed me ever since we lost our money.You twist everything, turned your brother against us, and now even your father’s mother.”
Jess was patient, but my left hand was in a fist under the table.
“The last page is the explanation she provided,” Jess said.
Mom flicked the papers with a finger.“She wants you two to make it a home again.Like that’s going to happen.Justin is tied to whatever team he plays for, and you’re his camp follower.What are the odds you’ll be back in BC?”
“Things can change.”Jess’s voice was quiet, resigned.Damn it, she was taking all of it.“Grandma knew you would want to sell everything.And not only did she want us to keep some things, she didn’t trust you’d use the money wisely.”
Mom exploded.She complained that Grandma had blamed her when they’d lost their money and needed her help, and that Jess had taken advantage so she’d get everything.It was ugly and cruel, and Jess just sat there.
“Enough!”I was as shocked as everyone else when the word escaped my mouth like a shot.“Jessica hasneverschemed.All she’s done is protect me.And I’ve let her.But that’s enough.If you can’t speak civilly, just go.And don’t count on any more money from me.It’s time this whole fucking family got over what happened.We lost our money.But you still have a home and you still have food.That’s more than many people have.So let it go.”
Mom didn’t speak.Dad tried to smooth things over.“We’ve just been trying to get back what we had.”
“It’s gone.”I couldn’t believe they still didn’t get it.“It’s gone and it’s never coming back.It’s time we all accepted that and moved on.”I couldn’t stay still and pushed to my feet.“You should go.You know what you’re getting after probate.There’s nothing more for you here.”
For long moments, everyone stared at me.Then Mom stood and Dad followed her.They left without saying another word.
“Thank you.”Jess sounded so surprised, and that hurt.
I dropped back down on my chair.“It was long overdue.”
“Are you okay?”
I almost said yes.Growing up, telling Mom and Dad something was wrong just got us sent away.But I wasn’t okay, and it was time to deal with it.I’d hurt Jess, I’d hurt my team—I couldn’t do that to my people.I took a long breath and finally admitted, “No.No, I’m not.”I held up the cast, which she’d already seen.“I fought Alek at morning skate.”
“I know.And I’m sorry?—”
“No!What I did yesterday was not your fault.”
“But I went behind your back.”
Damn it, I couldn’t let her take on this as well.“If you want to see someone, it shouldn’t have to be a secret just to protect me.If you couldn’t tell me, that’s on me.”
“But he’s?—”
“A teammate.And someone whose family cheated ours.But Alek didn’t do it.And my freaking out about his name?Is a me problem.”
“Mom and Dad?—”
“That’s a Mom and Dad problem.They have to let go of what they lost and deal with what they have now.We all do.”
She drooped in her chair.“It’s easier said than done.”
I had to clear the lump in my throat.“I know, if anyone does.I’ve been wallowing in my own misery for years.I have to stop.”
“What happened to you was bad.I don’t blame you for being changed by that.”