Catherine Howland:
We text each other every night an hour before bedtime, sharing important details of the day or the occasional silly thing that makes us laugh.
Landon finally got back with Amy two months ago after spending the last four months in no contact. They had decided to take a break, a mutual decision, but somehow they began talking again and decided to give it another try.
This time I was relieved they did, genuinely happy for them because their abrupt split had been because of me.
My heart aches, but at least the weight on my conscience has eased seeing them together again.
“She’s grounded,” Mom reminds. “She will not leave the house unless it's for school.”
“It's been 6 months, you can't continue this foolish punishment. It wasn't even her fault, Mother,” Lan sounds weary, having spent the whole morning trying to convince Mom to lift the grounding she imposed on me.
Dad gave his approval half an hour ago, tired from my brother's persistence.
“I won't change my mind, Landon. Catherine needs to understand that she can't do whatever she pleases while living under my roof.”
“Then hand over her custody to me. I can take care of her, you won't have to monitor a teenager's every move if I take her to live with me.”
I choke on my own saliva upon hearing that, drawing Mom's and my brother’s attention, but they dismiss me to get back to their standoff.
“And do you think Amy will be pleased with that decision?”
Of course not; the girl has despised me since that misunderstanding with my best friend's brother.
Once she had a chance to get back with Landon, she made sure to turn her mother and mine against me, claiming she used to be my brother's girlfriend but they broke up because of me.
Technically it's true, but she twisted the story too much, making me out to be some selfish, attention-seeking bitch.
Now both families are aware of Amy's relationship with Landon, overly content to see them back together and constantly telling me not to interfere.
“I don't see why it would bother her when we are talking about my sister. I am not trying to bring another woman home to live with me,” my brother says, his dark-blond eyebrows nearly knitting together in frustration.
I continue to sit on the kitchen room stool, watching as Mom stands arms crossed over her chest. I tried to leave them to it a while ago, but they both ordered me not to move from my spot, and since then, I've been the primary spectator in their verbal showdown.
“You think it’s that easy to take care of this girl?”
“Catherine has always been a good girl,” my brother assures, though my focus stays on my name as it leaves his lips.
It's always Cath or dolly, but on rare occasions has he used my full name.
“Okay, you win,” Mom concedes. “You can have her on weekends, then she comes back to us. While she's here, she will still be grounded, but it will be your responsibility to decide what to do with her Saturday and Sunday.”
“If I can only get the weekends, then I'll take them,” Lan agrees.
I can't believe he actually managed to get me out of the house.
I must be dreaming because I can't imagine going to live with him, in his new apartment, the same apartment he rented five months ago and where Amy has been pressing to move in with my brother. Something that hasn't happened yet because they've only been back together for two months and Lan doesn’t want to rush things with her.
“Take her now,” Mom flicks her hand towards me. “I want her back by Monday afternoon, so you'll take her to school that morning. I don't trust the school bus, so don't even think about letting her go on her own. Either with her friend or with you. I swear, I’ll kill you if you don't follow this one rule.”
My brother smiles at Mom, who looks extremely upset and far from pleased with the outcome.
“I’ll make sure of it,” he accepts.
I watch as Mom nods then turns to look at me.
“Don't forget your toothbrush and school uniform,” she says, her dark brows furrowed and her brown eyes on me.
I rise from the stool and hug Mom; she may not be affectionate with me, but she doesn't turn away when I steal one or two hugs.
“Thanks, Mom,” I say before rushing to my room to pack everything I’ll need for the weekend.
Today is Saturday, and it’ll soon be lunchtime, so I’m guessing after leaving here, my brother will take me out to eat.
It will be the first time having lunch together since he moved out.
I'm so excited that my stomach feels weird, like a hundred butterflies are trapped inside trying to escape.
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