The Good Lie

Chapter 2

KATY

"Katy, I'm sorry." Mom started the moment we got inside the house. This time around her voice was slightly sober. In fact, it has to be. Seeing her daughter humiliated had to make her snap back into her senses. "Let's drop the discussion. It has already happened" I ushered back. Slouching down on the couch, I buried my head in my palms. A frustrated sigh made it way out of my lips

I thought she'd understand the situation I was in, and let me be. Yet, she spoke up again. "Listen, Katy, you don't have to do this. They're just taking advantage of the situation to get money from you. And besides, the money is not that much for him to throw a tantrum like that."

"Mom! Please! let me be" I was beginning to be fed up with her behavior. Even after what happened. Even after the harsh words, the man said. She still doesn't feel any remorse. Sometimes I used to wonder what kind of a mother she is. No matter how hard I try not to think of all the problems happening in my family, it always crumbles back. 

"Katy, I-" She began again getting cut off by me.

"It's okay Mom. I'm used to it already. Just go to your room. I know you will not remember anything tomorrow" Without saying anything more, she trekked to her room barefoot, almost tripping on her way. An exasperated breath made its way to my lips as I stare at the wooden door. What will I do now? Amy will soon start her exams. I need a new job. The pay at the diner is not that much. Mom uses her money in drinking. I didn't know when a lone tear slid down my chin. Trying to act strong is something I find hard, not with the things occurring in my life. 

"Katy" I heard my sister's voice from behind. I wiped my face immediately. Showing her my weakness will only discourage her. Turning around, I offer her a smile. However, she didn't offer back.

"You know I can see right through you right? I heard everything" She said leaping forward. And all the tears I've been bottling up escaped their way out of my eyes. "What do I do Amy? Why is life so unfair? Is it my fault that our family is like this? First, it was father now Mom. Why is our family turned apart?" I blabbered. The tears falling off earnestly. I don't blame them. They haven't been out for a while. I took Amy as a sensitive person but she became my strength at the night. She didn't join me in my cries. She held me tight and embraces me. "Cry it out" She whispered rubbing circles on my back. And I did. I let the tear flow down. It wasn't silent tears. How I wish mom was sober enough to hear me. To hear how hurt her daughter is. But I knew she is fast asleep already, being a heavy sleeper. 

"You have me. Your little penguin Amy" she whispered again. I found myself letting out a chuckle at her statement. Little penguin is my nickname for her. For some reason, I felt calm as we stood there, in each other's embrace. 

Pulling apart, I brush off the excess from my face. "Thank you, Amy," I said. She nodded her head in return. "Mention not. What are sisters for? We have to be strong. As you said, she's our mother no matter the circumstance. So let's find a way to bring back our old mother. She needs us, more like we need her" 

"When did you learn how to say all those emotional words?" My brows were raised curiously as I stared at her. An amused smile made its way to her lips. She pulled out the book I caught her reading. "I dare you to read this book and thank me later" She beamed flipping through the pages. I must say the title was beguiling to the eye. However, I'm not a fan of reading novels. It's not that I don't read them at all. But I was busy taking care of my matters that I hardly get time to read. Graduating from college was a bit challenging for me. I had to retake some courses. I'm not the best student but I still managed to graduate with lower credit which is better than nothing. The faraway voice of Amy brought me back from my trance. She was already sitting on the couch, her mini laptop laid on her thigh. Right! I was supposed to check out some job offers. 

"Amy, can I use your laptop for a minute please?" I uttered squatting beside her. 

"Sure" She places the laptop on my lap and diverts her attention back to the novel.

I started by checking my email accounts for any new message but found none. "Great!" I muttered. Even after sending my resume to multiple companies, I still didn't get one reply. Great. Just Great. I surfed through some other companies looking to hire a new employee but found none, just a few which are barely even a job. Raking my hands through my messy hair, I exited the window and instead log into my f*******: account. It's been a while since I got in touch with Darnell. 

"Hey best girl" I typed away.

Darnell. is my best girl. We've been friends since high school days. But unfortunately, we couldn't attend the same college. They had to relocate to Scotland due to her father's new job. Darnell had been a good friend to me. I spend most of my time at their house which is just a few miles away from ours. Our life was going well. Until my father got into trouble and the once happiness was shattered. Even though we're far away from each other, she supports me in many ways that words could not be enough to thank her.

The laptop made a sound indicating a message. "Hey, my not so best girl. You have forgotten about me!!" I know her reply came straight from her heart.

"I haven't. Just been busy. Looking for a job here and there"

"You still haven't gotten a call from any company?!!" Darnell is someone I share my worries with. Sometimes I used to envy the life she's living in. She got to enjoy her life. Her family. A good job.  A good life. But I know with time all my hard work will pay off. 

This time around, she didn't reply. I couldn't deny the little pang I felt. She must've left. Maybe busy. I let out a dejected sigh and was about the close the laptop, when a sound resonates from it. At first, I ignored it thinking it might be the unusual sound the laptop always makes since I bought it as a used laptop. It made a sound again. Something at the back of my head tells me to check it. It might be one lucky day for me. Following what my head kept ushering me to do, I unlocked it and clicked on the notification, only to find myself letting out a shout.