Chapter 11: Get Out Of This House
Yunice’s unspoken concern was something Owen hadn't considered, but he understood it deep down. Yunice was right; she couldn't publicly acknowledge herself as Yunice or her relationship with the Saunders family. Elsie would be caught in a maelstrom of public opinion. One identity couldn't be shared. Owen's earlier anger softened. "Elsie's still in graduate school. You don't need your ID, so why not lend it to someone who does? She'll return it once she starts working."
Yunice offered a self-deprecating sneer. Always waiting.
Owen patted her shoulder, his voice gentler. "You have food and shelter; no need to study or work. Many would envy this life." His tone implied ingratitude.
She remained silent, but as Elsie approached, Yunice mocked, "So this is a good life? Then why make Elsie work so hard? Is the family unwilling to support her?"
Owen saw the sarcasm; his face darkened, but he couldn't refute her. Ability trumped failure, everyone knew. But Yunice's history of mental illness—a fabrication to avoid a criminal record—barred her future. Letting Elsie use the Saunders identity to bring the family honor seemed logical, yet Owen knew the truth: Yunice had never been mentally ill.
Elsie, arriving for dinner, overheard. Feigning ignorance, she sweetly took Owen's arm, but he evaded her. He harbored resentment. Kindness wasn't inherently wrong, but reckless kindness bred trouble. Three years ago, Elsie's impulsive act had forced an impossible choice, pushing Yunice to the brink.
Sensing Owen's irritation, Elsie adjusted her approach. She realized his guilt toward Yunice. "Yunice, Owen cares deeply about you. He's been busy, but he still found time for a gift," Elsie said, turning to Owen. "Isn't that right?" She was offering him an escape.
Owen tossed a necklace—two large stars protecting a smaller one—his expression cold. "It's for you."
It was the gift I'd wanted three years ago. Now, it felt meaningless. People change. Once, I cherished family and love; now, I despised them. Refusal would anger Owen, so she reached for it. Irritated, Owen thrust the necklace into Elsie's hands. "Hesitant and unwilling? If you don't want it, give it to Elsie; it's better than wasting it on you!"
Elsie froze, embarrassed. He hadn't genuinely wanted me to have it; he'd used it to provoke Yunice. Since when had he cared about her reaction?
Sensing danger, Elsie hesitated. "I'll keep it for Yunice. If she wants it later…"
Owen waved her off. "No need. Giving it to her is a waste of emotion!"
After Owen left, Elsie glanced at Yunice before following him. Yunice followed, too.
In the dining room, Owen saw Elsie alone and was about to criticize Yunice's absence when she entered. Elsie looked surprised. Yunice had learned her lesson. A moment later, and I would have told Owen Yunice didn't want dinner, ensuring her future exclusion. But Yunice saw through Elsie's games. A crying child gets attention. I'd suffered from not knowing when to yield; not anymore. I held no expectations, no hope for their comfort. Living under their roof, what harm in bowing my head? Once I regained my identity, I'd leave.
The dining table was long. Lily and Owen sat on one side; Elsie opposite Lily. Yunice should have sat behind Elsie, but the thought disgusted her. She sat further away.
Owen's lips tightened. Lily placed chicken in Yunice's bowl. Yunice noted Owen and Elsie had drumsticks. The tangible proof of my insignificance felt like a dull knife. Born amidst parental conflict, my mother, out of spite, refused to hold me; then she vanished. A single-parent child, I'd endured cruelty and rumors.
"Your mom ran away with another man." "She abandoned you because she hated you." "Why didn't she leave with your brothers? It must be your fault." These words haunted my childhood. Yet, I'd clung to hope. Now, that childhood dream was shattered.
Lost in thought, a drumstick landed in her bowl. Owen glanced at her before retracting his chopsticks. Elsie smiled, placing her drumstick in Owen's bowl. "Owen, you can have mine." Owen smiled warmly. Lily's eyes reddened. "Seeing you siblings care for each other…"
Their laughter felt ironic. Was a drumstick so precious? No, they hadn't considered one for me initially.
They discussed their day. Elsie mentioned the bracelet incident, kindly vouching for Giana. "I must have misplaced it. I'll buy Yunice a new one."
Yunice hummed noncommittally. It seemed perfunctory. Owen saw her isolation, her untouched food. Anger erupted. He slammed her bowl to the floor. Rice scattered onto her clothes; she didn't react.
He snapped, "Elsie apologized, and you ignored her. Mom and I gave you food, and you didn't eat. We bend over backward, and you act superior—who do you think you are?!" He kicked the bowl away. "If you can't stand us, get out of this house! No one will stop you!"