Once Laney opened the door and headed to the kitchen, Franny was waiting for her at the counter, the look of a thousand frowns formed
on her face.
“Well hello there little missy, and where might you have been?”
“I was at school, my teacher had to tell me some special news!”
“Ah huh, and what news was this?”
“Well...if you’d let me...I’d like to take this test before school, so that maybe I could go to college early?” Laney replied, trying to uncover what this new smile on Big Franny’s face meant.
“Ah yes, the test. And what makes you think I’ll let you take this test?”
“Franny please, I’ve never dreamed of getting this far! In fact, if I pass, I can finally get out of your hair, and be on my way!” Laney cried, unable to hide her sadness any longer.
“Oh Loser Laney, let’s be honest. There’s no chance I’d give you up just like that. In fact, I have a surprise of my own I’d like to share” Big Franny said a little too happily.
“Yes?” Laney asked, the suspense killing her insides.
“My nephew, who is now 18, is going to need someone by his side once he gets to college, and he’ll need a quiet, devoted wife by his side through it all. Now I was thinking, what better candidate than my sweet, silly little girl to do his bidding?”
A single tear fell down to Laney’s nose, her lungs gasping for air, “No, please”.
“Oh yes. In fact, I’ve already accepted his proposal. And don’t worry, my little David is going to take such good care of you”.
Laney sprinted up the stairs to her room, shoving herself in the corner until there was no more space left to move.
“Go ahead, you selfish little brat. Cry all you want, but this is the best you're gonna get!”
Big Franny’s voice echoed through the halls, making the tears fly down Laney’s face faster than ever, her cheeks stained with blue.
At that moment, Laney hated everything. She hated Mrs. Lucy, Franny, the test, her coins, but most of all, she hated mother, wherever she may be. Oh how Laney hated her. Why would anyone ever leave their daughter with such a terrible...thing. Why would anyone...leave me? Was I not good enough? Am I just a burden that needs to be lifted? Am I really just a selfish
brat? The thoughts flooded Laney’s brain until it was too heavy
for her head to carry.