A text from Diana appeared on the screen. “I already told the local police you are not allowed on the property. Do not embarrass yourself by trying to break in.”
I stared at the message for a moment before forwarding it to Evelyn with a short note explaining the situation.
The response came within seconds. “It is time to handle this properly.”
Another text appeared immediately afterward from a different number.
Madeline.
“Mom said you tried to ruin my party,” the message read. “You were never really part of this family anyway.”
I set the phone down and sighed quietly.
Madeline had been ten when her mother married my father. At first she had seemed shy and quiet, but over the years Diana slowly shaped her into an extension of herself. Every accomplishment of mine had been overshadowed by something Madeline needed more attention for.
If I won an academic award then suddenly Madeline deserved a celebration for finishing a school project. If I received praise from teachers the conversation shifted to her dance recital the following weekend.
After my mother d/ie/d that imbalance grew worse.
My phone rang again.