Our Secret

Dinner didn’t affect his mood. Was I such a fucking albatross that he couldn’t deal with me living here for a while? I spent time here during the summers growing up. He had a delightful lake at the back of the property. I almost smiled thinking of all the fun I’d had then, but then I caught a glimpse of my father’s expression.

He was watching me carefully. Studying me, really. I shifted uncomfortably and looked over at Ella, hoping she’d come up with something brilliant to say. That was a stupid hope, for Ella was never known for uttering anything brilliant. She was a sweet enough girl, but her brains were not her best attribute.

I cut my steak up and delicately placed a piece of it on my tongue. I could feel Dad’s eyes burning through my flesh and bone and I couldn’t take it anymore.

“What is it?”

Dad didn’t pretend to not understand. “I just can’t believe how much you’ve turned into your mother.”

“Well, you left me alone with her.” I sipped the wine that had been poured for me, in s