Marriage On Hold by Mark Twain 2
Chapter 2 Blood and Tears
288 ¡Vouchers
Chapter 2 Blood and Tears
Dad shook his head, a cruel smirk tugging at his lips.
“Not enough.
“Five grand barely covers three months of his lost income. Your achievement, however, has boosted the family’s reputation, while his repeated failures have dragged it down. One gain, one loss, not canceling each other out, but stretching the gap wider!”
He produced a crimson notebook that recorded all my “crimes” and flipped it open with a snap.
“You must make additional compensation! Starting next week, you’ll work nights at the convenience store downstairs, and dedicate every penny of your salary to your brother’s social and recreational expenses until he lands a proper job!”
He pushed his glasses up and announced with authority. “It’s called ‘Family Resource Allocation.””
I jerked my head up, staring at him in disbelief. Then my gaze shifted to Barnaby, whose smug grin practically said “that’s more like it,” and then to Mom, who had buried her face in her plate, pretending not to hear a word of this absurdity.
My scholarship, my achievements, the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into my studies-they had, in this moment, become my “crimes.”
Soon, Barnaby blew my “social funds” and found himself a new girlfriend, named Eileen Conway.
Eileen was pretty, her makeup perfectly done. She was also a smooth talker.
On her first visit, she successfully charmed Mom and made her giggle like a fool.
She bought Dad a top-shelf Bourbon and a silk scarf for Mom.
From her designer bag, she fished out a beautifully wrapped gift box, presenting it to me with a radiant smile.
“Syl,” she cooed. “Barny told me that you’re a straight-A student and the family’s pride, so I chose this Parker pen for you, wishing you all the success in the world.”
I yanked my hand back as if I had been scalded.
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Chapter 2 Blood and Tears
288 (Vouchers
In this family, there was no such thing as “gifts,” and everything revolved around the concept of “equivalent exchange.”
Subconsciously, I stole a glance at Dad, who perched at the head of the table.
He pushed his glasses up, his gaze sharp and cold.
“Sylvie, you can’t accept other people’s things for free. This pen is considered a ‘favor’ from Eileen. What will you offer in return?”
The smile on Eileen’s face froze. Clearly, she didn’t expect this to happen.
I stood there awkwardly, not knowing how to respond, my cheeks burning as shame crawled up my spine. I wished I could disappear.
“Cut Sylvie some slack, Dad! It’s just a pen! Don’t make a scene on Eil’s first visit. We’re a family. Tell her to take it!” Mom interjected.
“Rules are rules,” Dad stated, his voice devoid of warmth.
In the end, Eileen smiled awkwardly and took the pen back.
She clung to Barnaby’s arm and pouted. “It’s my fault! I totally forgot about your family’s rules. Barny, you never mentioned that your family is so ceremonious. It feels like I’m at court!”
Barnaby’s face went red and pale.
He shot me a glare, then whispered to Eileen, “My sister has always been like this, bookish, obsessed with rules, and clueless about people. I’m sorry if she embarrassed you.”
The whole meal, I was on pins and needles.
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