The Sky Waited for Answers by Orin Flux 4
Chapter 4
After the savings disappeared, all I had left from Dad was that monthly five hundred bucks.
Five hundred dollars.
Mom left me assets worth millions. In the end, I was down to five hundred a month.
I stretched every penny.
Skipped breakfast. Ate the cheapest veggie dishes at the dining hall for lunch. Dinner was usually crackers.
My roommates asked why I never went to the dining hall anymore.
I said I was on a diet.
I lived like that for six months.
First month of sophomore year, Melinda called.
“Renee, honey, I need to talk to you about something.”
I didn’t say anything.
“That five hundred a month–your dad and I were talking, and we think it’s a bit much.”
I still didn’t say anything.
“Think about it. Five hundred a month, that’s six thousand a year. Over four years, that’s twenty–four thousand dollars. That’s not pocket change.”
“That’s the allowance Dad gives me.”
“But your dad’s under a lot of pressure right now, sweetheart. His salary has to support this whole household, and Bryson’s startup costs…”
“His son’s startup. Using my mom’s money.”
She paused. Her voice changed. “Renee, what kind of way is that to talk?”
“I’m just stating facts.”
“How can you be so cold?” Her voice went shrill. “I married your father, I work my fingers to the bone taking care of this family, and this is how you treat me?”
“What exactly have you taken care of?”
“You!” She sucked in a breath, lowered her voice. “Fine. You’ve got some nerve now. Talk to your father about the money yourself.”
She hung up.
That night. Dad called
“Renee, about the allowance…”
Stepmom Cut My Funds? Should’ve Asked My Big Shot Grandpa First
Chapter 4
“I know.”
“Melinda’s got a point. Five hundred is a bit much. I was thinking, how about three hundred a month? That should be enough, right?”
“Three hundred?” I took a deep breath. “Dad, three hundred won’t even cover food.”
“Then get a part–time job. Earn some yourself.”
“I have classes.”
“What about weekends? Breaks? Other kids manage to earn money. Why can’t you?”
I gripped my phone tighter. “Dad, how much do you give Bryson every month?”
He froze.
“For his startup. How much do you give him?”
“That’s different…”
“How is it different? His startup is using Mom’s money, and you’re giving him extra on top of that. I’m your actual daughter, and you think five hundred bucks is too much.”
“Renee!” He shouted. “Why do you keep bringing this up? The money’s already invested. When it pays off, you’ll get double back! Can’t you cut me some slack here?”
“Cut you slack? Who’s cutting me any slack?”
He went silent.
After a long pause, he said, “Fine. Three hundred it is. Do whatever you want.”
He hung up.
I started looking for part–time work on campus.
Handing out flyers–fifty bucks a day.
Tutoring–thirty an hour.
Stocking shelves at the supermarket–eighty a day.
Classes in the morning. Work in the afternoon. Homework at night.
My roommates said I looked thinner.
I said I was just busy.
Three more months went by like that.
A week before Christmas break, Dad called.
“Renee, come home for Christmas this year.”
“Can’t afford a ticket.”
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Chapter 4
“What do you mean you can’t afford it? I give you three hundred every month…”
“Three hundred doesn’t even cover food.”
He was quiet for a moment. “I’ll send you five hundred. For the ticket.”
“Don’t bother.”
“Renee!”
I hung up.
That Christmas, I didn’t go home.
I stayed on campus and worked at a restaurant. A hundred and twenty a day.
On Christmas Eve, the restaurant was closed. I ate instant ramen alone in my dorm.
Mom had been gone three and a half years.
I was starting to forget what she looked like.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
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