Chapter 4

Abby waited patiently in the car, scrolling through her phone to pass the time as her grandmother finished speaking with her father. When her grandmother emerged from the house, Abby looked up to see a mix of annoyance and anger on her face, a familiar expression. However, as she got into the car, her grandmother forced a smile and said, "Let's get out of here and have some fun at grandma's."

The hour-long drive to their grandmother's house in the city was filled with car games, sing-a-longs, and storytelling. As they pulled into the carport, Abby noticed that Lily and Derek had fallen asleep. She suggested that her grandmother get Lily while she took care of Derek, and then she would come back to retrieve their belongings.

However, her grandmother reassured her that someone would bring their bags up to their rooms, and Abby could focus on resting after laying Derek down. Abby declined, citing her homework as a priority, and headed into the house with her grandmother.

Abby carefully carried Derek up the grand staircase, making sure not to wake him. She gently laid him down on his bed and tiptoed out of the room, shutting the door softly behind her. Their grandmother's opulent house was a sanctuary for them, a place where Abby could temporarily escape her caregiving responsibilities and focus on her own needs.

Abby headed to the kitchen, craving her favorite snack - frozen green grapes sprinkled with tajin. It was a tradition she looked forward to every time she visited her grandmother. The chefs on staff would prepare anything she desired, but this simple treat was her go-to indulgence.

With her snack in hand, Abby returned to her room and settled in for a productive evening. She pulled out her laptop and notepad, ready to tackle her homework. Her teachers' recorded lessons were a lifesaver, allowing her to catch up on any material she missed during the week while caring for her siblings. As she began to work, Abby felt a sense of relief wash over her, grateful for this brief respite from her responsibilities.

Abby settled into her well-organized desk, laptop and notepad at the ready. She dove into her homework, determined to maintain her perfect grades. Despite the heavy workload, she studied diligently for five hours every night, ensuring she stayed on top of her assignments. Her homework typically took her the entire weekend to complete, with deadlines looming on Sundays.

After making progress on her homework, Abby took a break and headed to the living room, where her grandmother was still hard at work on her latest design. Glancing at the clock, Abby noticed it was almost midnight. Her grandmother beckoned her over, holding up a stunning silk dress. "Abby, come here, darling. Let me put this on you."

Abby walked over, and her grandmother helped her into the dress, making adjustments as needed. "Thank you, my dear. This dress should be ready by tomorrow. You must walk in the fashion show tomorrow in this dress." Abby felt a shiver run down her spine at the prospect of being in the spotlight, her introverted nature rebelling against the idea of drawing attention to herself.

Abby stood firm, her voice cold as she told her grandmother, "No. I will not be at the fashion show. I will wear it for prom, and that's it." Her grandmother sighed, turning away, "Fine. Have it your way. You look beautiful in that dress. More than you know." Abby thanked her grandmother and walked away from the living room, seeking solace in the backyard.

She sat by the pool, her mind wandering to her parents' well-being. Pulling out her phone, she sent a text to her father, "Hey Dad, just a check-in text on you and Mom. Text me when you can. Love you." As she waited for a response, Abby drifted off to sleep, only to be awoken by her phone vibrating. Her father's text read, "Yeah, we are good. Sleep tight, see you kids Sunday."

Abby put her phone away and headed inside for a midnight snack. She typically maintained a balanced diet during the day, saving her favorite authentic meals for nighttime. The quiet house, filled with the aroma of her grandmother's cooking, was a comforting haven, a place where Abby could escape her worries and simply enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.

Abby opened the refrigerator door to find a plate of dinner waiting for her, courtesy of the chef. The perfectly cooked steak, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese looked and smelled amazing. She smiled, knowing that the chefs always made mac and cheese especially for her, as it was her favorite dish. Abby heated the plate in the microwave, then turned to the counter to write a thank-you note on the pad provided. She drew a smiley face at the bottom and stuck the note on the clean refrigerator door.

After retrieving her heated meal, Abby walked to the counter to gather silverware and her drink. She finally sat down to enjoy her dinner, savoring the flavors and textures. Halfway through her meal, her phone started vibrating, breaking the peaceful silence. Abby looked annoyed but finished her current bite before pulling out her phone from her back pocket. She didn't recognize the number but answered anyway, her voice filled with curiosity. "Hello. Who is this?"