Aside from eating and using the bathroom, I rarely left my room.
First, I didn't want to see Karina's insincere face, and second, I wanted to focus on my studies to ensure I could get into the best university. Once I made it to college, I could finally leave the Baker family and not have to deal with their favoritism toward Karina.
While I was immersed in my book, a knock came at the door, followed by Karina's hesitant voice. "Sis, Mom made some spiced honey cake. I brought you a couple of slices."
I didn't feel like playing along with her act, so I kept my eyes on my book.
After a while, I heard Karina’s voice outside, now laced with tears. "Mom, does my sister not like me? I just want to spend time with her, but she ignores me… Is it because she thinks I took Mom and Dad away?"
"Maybe if I go back to the foster home, she'll like me again."
Mom tried to soothe her. "Oh no, Shiloh is just a bit spoiled by us. I'll ask her to play with you another time."
Even my brother Layne joined in. "I like Karina more! She's the best, unlike the mean sis!"
I opened the door and spoke coolly. "Alright, we all get it. Your bond is unbreakable, but could you please not loiter outside my door? It's quite noisy."
Karina stepped forward, trying to approach me but hesitating. "Sis, would you play with me if I went back to the foster home?"
"I'll pack and leave right away."
Layne spread his arms protectively in front of Karina and said, with righteous indignation, "You're the bad one, sis! I love Karina, not you. Go away, sis!"
Mom didn't scold him. Instead, she looked at me. "Shiloh, you're being unreasonable! Learn from Karina. She’s younger yet so much more mature than you."
My grip on the doorknob tightened. "More mature and understanding than me? Why not make her your daughter then? Oh right, she already is."
Dad came up the stairs and, without knowing the situation, started yelling at me. "Shiloh, you're getting more and more out of line! Karina is a part of our family now. As her sister, you should look out for her, not act this way! Even your brother is more sensible than you!"
"Apologize to Karina immediately!"
I looked at Dad, Mom, Layne, and Karina standing across from me, and it felt as though they were the real family, while I was just the outsider looking for a place to belong.
How ridiculous. My own parents wouldn't stand up for me; instead, they yelled at me over a single comment. Even my beloved younger brother sided with Karina.
I caught sight of the slight smirk on Karina's lips and ignored my father’s persistent shouting. I slammed the door shut, refusing to respond to his demands for an apology to Karina.
Leaning against the door, I tried to calm myself, still able to faintly hear them comforting Karina.
This life wasn’t much different from the last. Even if I avoided confronting Karina now, they would still think I was being unfair to her.
It was all so laughable.
