Chapter 2My Daughter, The Bad Seed

That evening, I was lounging on the sofa watching TV when the front door flew open and slammed shut.

Ashley stood before me, face like thunder. She was wearing a skimpy black outfit, way too mature for her age, complete with fishnets. A cigarette dangled from her left hand, a bottle of liquor in her right.

She glared at me, furious. "Old woman, did you cancel my credit card? You trying to force me home with cheap tricks like that? Are you asking for it?"

"Go reactivate the card right now, or I'm running away from home, and you'll never find me."

"No need," I said calmly. "Go wherever you want. I won't try to manage you anymore."

"Are you kidding me?"

Seeing her just standing there, I kindly opened the front door for her, practically gesturing for her to leave.

My change in attitude clearly stunned her. Her eyes darted around, then she awkwardly tried to save face. "Whatever. I know you can't bear to let me go. Dad already ditched you. So you won't end up a lonely old woman, I guess I can consider staying. But..."

She plopped down on the sofa, grabbing an apple and taking a bite. "First, reactivate the credit card. Then, transfer the house and car titles to my name. And up my allowance to five thousand dollars a month."

...

I shook my head wearily. "I'm serious, Ashley. Didn't you say I was too controlling? That I made you anxious and depressed?"

"From now on, skipping school, dating, whatever – those are your choices." I sighed. "You're almost eighteen. I can't control you anymore."

I wasn't saying this out of spite or trying to be tough.

From the moment she became my daughter, I gave her everything, catered to her every whim.

Bought her the prettiest dresses, the best Barbie dolls.

Because my own childhood was poor, I was terrified of her suffering, so I planned out her entire future.

Top schools, study abroad programs, even lining up a respectable job for after graduation.

But all my careful planning, in her eyes, was just my manipulative tactics to trap and control her.

And in the end? I met a violent end, and she actually lied for the real culprit, letting him escape justice.

If that's how it is, then I don't need to knock myself out planning for her anymore.

"You're wrong."

I shook my head again, feeling exhausted. "Mom is just really tired. I can't manage you anymore."

"Bullshit! You're plotting something. I'm warning you, don't try anything funny, or I'll make your life hell!"

Furious, Ashley swept everything off the coffee table, sending mugs and clutter crashing to the floor, then slammed the door and stormed out.

She still thought I was just bluffing.