“Knows he was wrong?” Virginia snapped, almost spitting. “If he knows, he should leave and apologize to us and his cousins in person! Admit he slandered us last time and spread rumors!”
Madison nodded eagerly, her fingers tapping the coffee table. “Yes! He must apologize publicly and explain! Otherwise, people will think my daughter drives a junk car and we can’t have that!”
“Apologize!”
“He must apologize!”
“Hurry up, act like a man and take responsibility!”
The relatives cheered louder and louder, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
My dad’s temple throbbed. He turned to my bedroom door, trying to control his anger. “You brat! Come out and apologize properly to your aunts and cousins!”
My mom looked toward my room, her eyes anxious and helpless. Amid the noise and stares, I opened my door and stepped out. Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to me.
Virginia and Madison’s eyes were sharp, full of smugness and provocation. My cousin held his head high and my older cousin sneered in disdain.
The other relatives held their breath, expecting me to bow and admit defeat. I walked to the center of the living room, looking over their red, upset faces.
Calmly, I took my phone from my pocket, swiped a few times and found a contact. I looked up and spoke calmly.
“Aunt Virginia, Aunt Madison,” I paused, “I’m asking one last time. Do you really want me to apologize here in public?”
Virginia, angry at my attitude, spoke even more sharply. “Nonsense! Of course, you must apologize! Weren’t you so capable last time, so good at investigating? Now the truth is out! What do you say?”
Madison’s tone was just as harsh. “What? You’re scared? In front of all these relatives and neighbors, take back the lies you spread last time! You must apologize today, whether you like it or not!”
“Yes! You must apologize!”
“Come on, don’t waste time!”
“The evidence is right here; still going to deny it?”
The relatives grew restless again, constantly urging and accusing me. The neighbors outside the door talked even louder.
My parents closed their eyes, looking humiliated and helpless. I looked at Virginia and Madison, confident and relentless.
I smiled and typed, “Okay!”
