Chapter 3Grounded at the Finish Line

We searched online for ages before finding a cheap but remote motel.

After all this hassle, I lost all mood for fun, filled with anger and guilt.

Chloe didn't mind, but if this hadn't happened, we would have been happily exploring all morning.

Mom still didn't reply or answer calls, so I called my dad.

At home, Mom wore the pants, and Dad listened to her. But surely he'd help his daughter this time?

Dad answered, his voice cautious: "Hello, Sierra."

"Dad, Mom cancelled all the bookings. Can you send me some money? Or give me my savings back."

Dad sighed: "You almost gave your mom a heart attack. Of course she cancelled it."

From Dad, I learned the reason for Mom's sudden change.

Turns out, Mom's coworker, Auntie Wang, was her nemesis. Her daughter took the SATs this year too.

Mom swore her daughter had good grades and often used scores to taunt Auntie Wang about not knowing how to educate her kid, saying her daughter would have to rely on marriage to climb the social ladder.

Auntie Wang, having a short fuse, made a bet with Mom. The whole office knew.

Results came out. Auntie Wang's daughter scored 1550. That 10-point difference made Mom lose face at work.

I didn't know my scores were betting chips for adults.

No wonder when we checked scores at midnight, Mom wasn't thrilled but still told me to take lots of photos.

Dad continued: "Sierra, I can't help you this time, or I'm done for too."

"Borrow some money from your friend and come back to apologize to your mom ASAP."