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Three Days Later
Scott felt a gnawing anxiety as he prepared to pick up Jade. Today was a pivotal moment, and he couldn't shake the uncertainty that lingered in his mind. Would she embrace him as family, or would she reject him for abandoning her during her time of need? The guilt he carried over leaving Scarlett to navigate her darkest days weighed heavily on him, intertwining with his hope for redemption.
In the passenger seat, Lisa fidgeted, her nerves evident despite her attempts to appear calm. She had insisted on accompanying her father, eager to support him yet unsure of her own feelings. What if Jade doesn't want to be part of this family? The thought churned in her stomach. She had always been the only girl in the household, accustomed to the spotlight, but now she felt overshadowed by her cousin's return. The prospect of Jade living with them was both unsettling and thrilling.
"Sweetheart," Scott called out, breaking the tension.
"Yes, Dad?" Lisa replied, masking her anxiety with a forced smile.
"Are you sure you want to come along? You don't have to if you don't want to," he offered, searching for the truth behind her brave facade.
"I really want to go. I'm just... a little nervous," she admitted, her voice wavering.
Scott chuckled softly, appreciating her honesty. "Same here, dear," he said, trying to reassure them both.
After saying goodbye to Daisy and Liam, they set off for Jade's place. The closer they got, the heavier Scott's heart felt. He hoped everything would go smoothly, but the fear of past mistakes loomed large.
As they approached the rundown bungalow, Lisa gazed out the window, her mind racing. This place... it could explain a lot about Jade's behavior. Memories of the stories she'd heard about Aunt Scarlett and the painful family history resurfaced. What if Jade is just as lost as Aunt Scarlett was? The thought stung, mixing empathy with her own sense of betrayal. If her father felt guilt over Scarlett, why had he turned his back on her too? She had made mistakes, yes, but nothing that warranted such a harsh response.
Scott pulled up in front of the house, his breath hitching slightly. "Here we are," he announced, trying to hide his own apprehension.
As they exited the car, Lisa surveyed the dilapidated surroundings, her heart sinking. This isn't the environment for a young girl to thrive. She clenched her fists, steeling herself for the encounter. Scott took her hand, guiding her toward the door, as uncertainty buzzed in the air.
Before they could knock, the door swung open, revealing Jade. A bright, almost unsettling smile adorned her face, striking against the backdrop of recent tragedy.
"Good morning, Uncle Scott!" Jade chirped, her voice dripping with cheerfulness.
"Good morning, Jade. How was your night? I hope you slept well," Scott asked, his kindness apparent.
"Yes, I did," Jade replied, her gaze sweeping past Lisa as if she were invisible.
A surge of frustration washed over Lisa. How can she be so carefree? The sight of Jade's bright smile felt like a slap in the face, and an anger that had been simmering beneath her calm exterior bubbled to the surface. Determined not to let Jade's dismissive behavior provoke her, she cleared her throat. "I'm Lisa, your cousin," she introduced, extending her hand.
"I know you're Lisa," Jade replied, her tone airy, as if they were mere acquaintances.
Lisa retracted her hand as if burned, a chill running through her. This girl has no idea who she's dealing with, she thought, her resentment growing.
"Are you okay?" Scott asked, sensing her sudden tension.
"I'm fine, Dad," Lisa lied, forcing a smile. Just a little annoyed, she thought bitterly.
"Come in, Uncle, while I get my things," Jade said, waving them inside before disappearing into her room.
As they stepped into the cramped, dimly lit space, Lisa's discomfort intensified. Jade's already pulling her tricks, she mused, irritation simmering. The least Jade could do was acknowledge her presence. But Lisa reminded herself to stay calm—she wouldn't let Jade get under her skin. Everyone deserves a second chance, but no more than that.
"Lisa, are you sure you're okay?" Scott's concerned voice broke through her thoughts.
"I'm fine, Dad," she insisted, not wanting to reveal her true feelings. I just want to be done with this, she thought, the air thick with tension.
"Don't worry, we'll be out of here soon," Scott reassured her, but Lisa doubted it.
Before she could respond, Jade returned, interrupting their conversation with a bright smile. "Uncle, I'm ready. Let's go!" she announced, her excitement almost palpable.
"That was quick," Scott remarked, noticing her meager belongings—a small school bag and a laptop.
"Yes, Uncle," Jade replied, the enthusiasm in her voice somehow unconvincing.
"What about your clothes? Is that all you brought?" Scott asked, concern lacing his tone.
"I don't have many clothes. We were very poor and could barely afford food. No one helped us out," Jade said, her voice quavering as tears welled in her eyes.
Lisa recognized the act immediately—A performance worthy of an Oscar, she thought, rolling her eyes internally. Jade was playing the pity card, and it worked. Scott's expression softened, empathy pouring from him like a tidal wave.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Jade. I didn't mean to imply anything. When we get home, I'll make sure you have everything you need. You're family, and I'm here for you," Scott promised, his voice filled with warmth.
"Thank you, Uncle," Jade replied, her smile returning, though Lisa saw the glimmer of calculation in her eyes.
As Scott took Jade's hand and started leading her out, it felt as though he had forgotten Lisa entirely. A mix of anger and sadness welled within her. What about me? she thought, fighting the urge to voice her frustrations.
"Dad, I'm right behind you," she called out, trying to mask her bitterness.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Lisa. Let's go," Scott said, finally reaching for her hand.
They stepped out into the sunlight, but Lisa's heart raced with uncertainty. This is just the beginning, she thought, aware of the long, complicated road ahead.
JADE
As Jade stepped out of the shabby bungalow, exhilaration coursed through her veins. This is it; I'm starting my new life. She didn't need to bring her old clothes; she'd let Uncle Scott pamper her with everything she desired.
I can't wait to live the high life, she thought, already envisioning the lavish clothes and attention she craved. It didn't matter that Lisa looked at her with disdain; Jade was determined to win over Uncle Scott and perhaps even earn the affection of his wife and son. In her mind, that love would validate her existence and wash away the scars of her past.
They'll see who I can be, she thought, a wicked smile tugging at her lips as they walked away from the bungalow, leaving behind the remnants of her old life. All she needed was care and love from her newfound family, and she would finally be free.