I took a deep breath and headed downstairs.
If that was the case, then I didn’t want either of them.
I was going to become a gem all on my own.
Just then, Queenie suddenly yanked the strap of my shoulder bag.
The medical journal Mom left me fell straight to the ground, pages flying everywhere.
Rage surged through me.
I didn’t know where the strength came from, but I raised my arm and slapped Queenie hard across the face.
She stumbled backward and let out a dramatic cry.
“Nigel! Save me!”
Nigel’s expression changed in an instant. He rushed to catch her in his arms and then turned around and kicked me in the stomach.
Unable to react in time, I was sent tumbling down the stairs.
My body was numb from the pain.
Before me were the pages from Mom’s journal scattered across the steps, and above me, I could hear Shawn’s furious voice as he rushed over.
“Yvonne! My brother’s been letting you off easy, and you still won’t leave Queenie alone? You better not forget that it was Grandpa who took you in back then. Otherwise, you would’ve died with that short-lived mother of yours!
“Do you think just because your father’s back, you can behave recklessly with his backing? You ungrateful little snake!”
Everything in front of me blurred, my mind fogging up like a window in winter.
I just sat there silently.
Then, as if he realized he might’ve gone too far, Nigel muttered, “You started it. I was just…”
I felt something warm drip from my nose. Reaching up to wipe it, I saw bright red blood staining my hands.
I forced myself to stand, picked up Mom’s journal, and walked toward the door.
Just as I reached for the handle, Shawn rushed forward and grabbed my wrist.
