Marge snapped, “Not only do I deeply dislike you, but I’m even going to give Val this bracelet. It’s a family heirloom! Only a woman with this bracelet is considered a member of the Gross family!”
She removed the bracelet from her wrist and carefully put it around Valerie’s wrist.
Valerie showed it off, looking smug and challenging. “I’ll gracefully accept this, then. Don’t blame me for this, Stephanie. You’re the one who doesn’t have anyone on your side. Your mother-in-law doesn’t like you, and your husband doesn’t love you…”
She clicked her tongue.
I cupped my swollen cheek as tears rolled down my face. This wasn’t a family gathering—this was an occasion for them to insult me.
Chuck only came to me after Valerie and Marge returned to the kitchen. He hadn’t spoken up for me at all; I finally gave up on him. I knew he was on Valerie’s side.
“Stop crying. Mom didn’t even put any force into that slap. Also, don’t be so sensitive. You know she’s always been like that. Just grin and bear it,” he said.
I couldn’t take it anymore and roared, “Grin and bear it? That’s all you tell me to do! How much longer do I have to put up with this? Will I have to wait until you and Valerie end up in bed together while I watch? I can’t take it anymore!”
My chest heaved with rage. I thought Chuck would take pity on me when he saw me like this, but I’d forgotten how cold he’d been in the operating theater.
He slapped me, and I stared at him in disbelief. “Who the hell do you think you are, Stephanie? How dare you talk to me like that! I didn’t say anything when you were rude to Mom, but that doesn’t mean you can cross the line.
“Do you want to stay for this meal or not? If you don’t, get the hell out of here and reflect on your mistakes! Mom didn’t do anything wrong, and neither did Valerie. There’s no way I could be wrong, either!”
I nodded. “Yes, I’m the only one who’s at fault. I’ve been wrong from the beginning. I should never have married you or gotten pregnant. It’s my fault.”
I slapped myself repeatedly with my head bowed. It hurt at first, but I later grew numb.
I turned and left the house, only realizing that it was pouring when I stepped outside. I heard a clap of thunder, to which Valerie cried out in fear from inside. “I’m scared of thunder, Chucky!”
Chuck hurriedly ran back inside. “Don’t be scared, Val. I’m coming.”
I used to be scared of thunder, too. Chuck would always hold me in his arms and comfort me when it rained. Now, however, I didn’t seem to be scared anymore. It wasn’t because I’d become braver but because I no longer had anyone to protect me.
I left, knowing that Chuck would say I was shameless if I stayed any longer.
…
That night, I had many dreams. I dreamed about my past with Chuck and jolted awake when I dreamed about him dragging me into the operating theater. I felt my forehead and realized that I had a fever.
I instinctively grabbed my phone to call Chuck before remembering that I probably didn’t have the right to do that anymore. Instead, I dug out something to make the fever go away and took it before getting back into bed.
