A Missing Key 218 Missed Calls One Family Secret novel Chapter 13

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Claire was sprawled on the couch, tucked under Mom’s arm with her head on her shoulder, both of them poring over the guest list Dad was holding.

“Can we invite, like, everyone? I want this to be huge.” Her voice had that spoiled-princess tone she does so well.

“Anything for you, baby.” Pure adoration from Mom.

Dad nodded approvingly. “You’re turning eighteen. Time to make the right connections anyway.”

They looked like something out of a lifestyle magazine. The perfect family portrait.

And I was the smudge that ruined the shot.

I tried to slip past unnoticed, heading for the kitchen to grab water.

“Oh. You’re awake.” Mom spotte

me, and her whole face changed-smile gone, voice flat and polite. “Claire’s birthday is early next month. We’re hosting something here. You should probably be there.”

Early next month.

Right when I’m supposed to leave-get out West early and settle in before classes start.

Last time, I bailed on this major summer research opportunity just to go to that stupid party.

Thought maybe it would finally be my shot at feeling like I belonged.

What actually happened?

I crammed etiquette tutorials for a month and still looked like a train wreck.

Claire’s friends spent the whole night mocking me. I was the entertainment.

Those fifteen years I was missing?

They carved out a canyon between me and this world that I’ll never be able to cross.

“Can’t make it,”

I said flatly. “I’m doing a field program through school. Leaving early next month.”

The conversation stopped cold.

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