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Just as Rory finished breakfast and was about to clean the table, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
“You’re up early,” her mother said as if she didn’t think Rory was capable of such a thing. She was followed by her father, who as always looked deathly serious.
Rory often wondered whatever happened to the dad who was so much fun to hang out with when she was a little girl. Over the years her mother had changed Bill Loughlin drastically and made him just like herself. At least he doesn’t make stinging remarks.
“Hello, Rory.”
“Hey, Dad.”
“Had a good flight?”
“Yes, Dad.”
“Good. Let’s have some breakfast.”
“Thanks, Dad, but I already ate.” She smiled at him. His face remained serious, his eyes looking at her from above his reading glasses.
“What? Your mother’s cooking is not good enough for you so you had to cook your own breakfast?” Mary Loughlin chided.
“It’s not like that, Mom.”
“Then what is it? I’m going to make all of this breakfast for whom?”
“Give it to Tara when she wakes up.”
“Tara’s not here. Why would she stay here? She is a grown-up with a real job. Why would she stay with her parents?”
Rory knew that this was a jibe at her. In no time, her stress levels had reached code red already. Fuck. I wish I had money to stay in a hotel.
“You’re going to eat this breakfast with us. At least for some time, pretend that you have a family and act your part.” With that parting shot, her mother’s attention went back to cooking. Her dad stayed silent, firmly engrossed in the newspaper.
Rory pretended to look at the phone, but she was desperately trying to control her emotions. She never understood why her mother had to be so mean to her at all times. Why? Because she thinks I am a failure? Does it make her look bad in her social circles?
At the same time, Rory knew how crucial it was for her to maintain calm. Upon waking up that morning she had decided that she would ask her father for financial help right away and be done with it. She did not want to feel anxious throughout this trip, constantly wondering whether her father would agree or not.
Just as she was about to start a conversation with her father about her financial situation, her mother interrupted.
“Bill, we have a lot of running to do today. So you better be ready by ten. Tara is busy and we’ll have to get it all done by ourselves.” Her mom, ordering people around as always.
“Will she be around later?” her dad asked.
“Will who be around later?” The kitchen door opened and there she was. Tara entered, wearing a smart business suit dressed to the nines, grinning like she had just conquered the world. Next to her, Rory felt inadequate in her sweatpants. Stop it Rory. Stop it.
“Hello, darling.” Bill’s face lit up as he kissed his favorite daughter on the cheek. “This is a surprise.”
“Well, I thought I’ll drop in quickly and see my favorite sister,” she smiled. Mary Loughlin gave Rory a knowing look, as if to say “learn something from your sister.”
“C’mon, darling. Sit down. I’ll get a plate for you,” her mother told Tara.
“No, Ma. I don’t have time for that, besides I want to fit in the wedding dress. If I keep eating that delicious food you make, that’s not gonna happen.” Tara laughed and her parents joined in wholeheartedly.
“All right, dear,” her mother replied sweetly.
“And Rory. Seems like you have made quite a name for yourself in the one day that you have been back here.” The mischievous looks on Tara’s face made Rory nervous. She wanted to stay silent but was also curious to know what Rory was
talking about.
“What do you mean?”
