Chapter 2Receipts and Revenge

"Oh my god, Diane! I totally forgot about that!"

Aunt Karen slapped her forehead, jumping on the bandwagon immediately.

"Look at you guys now. You clearly aren't hurting for cash. Pay Sarah back!"

"Sarah isn't like you. Her son still needs a down payment for a house! He’s stuck renting! You borrowed that money ages ago."

"We all know Sarah’s had a rough year. If you have extra, you should pay her back with interest. It’s only right."

"Exactly! Aunt Diane, everyone is here to witness it. Just Venmo her now!" Jessica chimed in, loving the drama.

Mom’s face turned a shade of green I’d never seen before.

My dad, hearing this, stared at the floor like the pattern on the carpet was the most interesting thing in the world.

Aunt Sarah and her family hadn't said a word.

From the moment I walked in wearing a designer dress, Aunt Sarah looked like she swallowed a lemon.

She’s usually the quiet, nice one. When Mom claimed her money was locked up, Sarah lent her ten grand without hesitation, even though her own son was trying to plan a wedding.

Now, her son’s wedding was on hold because they couldn't afford a house. The fiancée’s family was demanding a down payment, which Sarah couldn't provide because my mother had her money.

Sarah had asked for it back multiple times. Mom always used the "It's locked in a 5-year CD" excuse.

Sarah was too polite to push. But seeing my "wealth" today broke her.

"Karen, Jessie, it’s not that simple," Mom finally spoke up, sweating. "Ten grand isn't ten bucks. I told you, it’s in a long-term CD. The bank penalties are huge if I pull it out early."

"I was stupid, I locked it away for five years! Sarah, if you're not in a rush, just wait a few more years. I promise I’m good for it!"

"Years? How many years do I have left to live?"

Aunt Sarah finally spoke. Her voice was ice cold.

The temperature at the table dropped twenty degrees.

"Exactly! Sarah needs that money now," Aunt Karen pressed.

Mom tried to dodge again. "Okay, okay! I’ll go to the bank next week and see what I can do. Let’s just eat! It’s a celebration!"

She tried to escape. I blocked the exit.

"Mom," I said loudly. "Didn't Dad get a huge project bonus last month? Like, thirty grand? Just use that to pay Aunt Sarah. You can transfer the rest later."