Chapter 12: Family Rules

Natalie really believed she was Aubrey now, soaking up everything I’d always hated.

That was the plan. If she could fool my mom, we’d both get what we wanted.

I spent the afternoon writing out all 121 family rules in my homework notebook and handed it to her. Before she even read them, she tore up the five pages.

“I don’t believe you. This is just your way of trying to get your life back.”

“Even if it’s true, I don’t need your warnings. Mom will recognize me.”

“Maybe she’ll notice I’m a little different, but that’s because I’ve changed. I’m an obedient daughter now.”

“I read your chats. I don’t get why you want a mom who’s always around. I only feel sorry for my mom working so hard. If my mom stayed home, we’d be broke. I couldn’t even afford the bus.”

She wasn’t lying. Once, it rained hard and her mom forgot the bus fare. She had to borrow $1.50 from me.

Just then, a text popped up:

[Sweetie, I’m cleaning at the neighbor’s. Take the bus home, okay? Mom made your favorite pork dumplings. If you’re hungry, cook some.]

Even though she forgot the fare again, just thinking about dumplings waiting for me made my heart feel warm.

Home wasn’t about money or rules. It was about dumplings, hugs at the door, the smell of dinner drifting through the house.