Not every family is perfect

Michael sighed heavily and said, "I've been adopted by this family for nine years, and I still have no clue why she hates me. She's always rude to me every time we meet and makes snarky comments. She doesn't even try to get to know me. All she does is glare and ignore me. And the fact that she's the oldest sibling is not helping either. Maybe it's just me. Or, I did something to upset her, and I don't know what I did. I don't know why she is like that."

Florence looked at him with eyes filled with worry and sadness and said, "Sweetie, I'm sure she doesn't hate you. She's your sister. It's normal. And it's not your fault, honey. Many things are going on, and it's just how it is. Sometimes, siblings argue and fight, but they will never hate each other. So, don't think about it too much, and forget it. Everything will be fine."

"No," Michael shook his head and said, "If I see her again, I will apologize if I ever did something wrong or offended her, and I'll tell her that, I love her. But I don't hate her. No matter what happens or how she treats me, I won't hate her."

Florence said, "Michael. You should never apologize for no reason."

Michael looked at her and said, "She is my older sister. Not some stranger. So, I will apologize, even if I don't remember doing anything wrong."

"But..." Florence wanted to protest, but Michael shook his head and said, "No, Mom. I'm not taking it back. I will do what's right. I will apologize and try to get along with her, even though she's a jerk."

Florence sighed and thought, 'At least he has the mindset of a mature man. But... Christina began to treat him rudely since he was adopted. I know she has a problem with the adoption thing. But, she should not take it out on him. He's a sweet kid. I have tried everything, but she won't listen. What else can I do? What else can a mother do?'

* * *

Seven years ago,

Eleven-year-old Michael was sitting on the ground in the living room, reading a book, and he didn't even notice when seventeen-year-old Christina came home. She entered the living room and saw Michael sitting on the carpet and reading a book. She frowned, walked up to him, and looked down at him.

Michael saw her shadow, and he raised his head up, and his eyes widened when he saw her looking down at him with a frown.

He scrambled to his feet and greeted, "Sis. You're home."

"So, what are you doing?" Christina asked and crossed her arms.

"Reading a book, Sis," Michael answered and showed her the book.

"Hmm... And, what's your name?" Christina asked and tilted her head.

"Huh? Sis, it's me, Michael. I'm your brother.", Michael said, not understanding her question.

"Really? I'm not so sure about that. It looks more like an alien to me, " Christina said, looking him in the eye.

"Wha—."

"Don't talk to me! Don't you dare speak to me! You are nothing but an intruder, a fake, and a stranger. How can you call yourself my brother, huh? You are not. You are an outsider, a fake, and a thief. I hate you. Don't speak to me ever again. You will regret it if I hear a single word from your mouth. Now, leave! Get out of my sight!" Christina yelled and pointed to the hallway.

Michael's eyes widened, and he began to tear up. He was hurt. Her words felt like knives piercing through his heart and his soul.

He looked at her tearfully and murmured, "I'm sorry."

He turned around and slowly walked to the stairs.

Christina scoffed and said, "Tch! Fucking bastard."

At that time, Florence walked into the living room and was shocked to see her son's state.

She ran up to him, gently grabbed his shoulder, and asked, "What happened, Michael? Are you alright, honey?"

Michael looked at her and cried. He then ran away, leaving a stunned Florence and a glaring Christina.

"Christina Taylor!" Florence yelled and looked at her daughter.

"What?" Christina asked, unfazed by the yelling.

"I want an explanation. Now. What did you do? Why was he crying? What did you do, Christina?" Florence demanded answers.

"Nothing.", Christina said and shrugged her shoulders.

"Nothing?! Really?! You just made your brother cry, and you say that you did nothing?!" Florence yelled and glared at her daughter.

"Yeah, so what? He's an intruder. He's not even your real son. So, I told him he was a fake, and he believed me. So, I guess he deserved it.", Christina said.

"Enough. You will not speak such things about him, and you will not talk to him in such a manner ever again. Do you understand, Christina Taylor? And, if I catch you mistreating him ever again, I will send you to a boarding school and ground you until you graduate college. Don't test me, Christina. You are my child, and I will not allow you to disrespect your brother just because he is not your biological brother. He is your brother, and I am your mother. You should tell me if you have a problem or something bothering you. You are grounded, young lady. Now, go to your room. We will talk about this later.", Florence ordered and pointed to the stairs.

Christina rolled her eyes and walked past her not before saying, "I hate you! All of you!"

She went upstairs and slammed her door shut. Florence sighed and rubbed her forehead.

* * *

"Mom? Hello?" Michael called out.

Florence came back to reality, and she realized that she spaced out.

She saw him looking at her, confused, and she blinked a few times and asked, "Yes, honey? What is it?"

"Are you okay, Mom? You've been staring at me for the last minute. I called you many times, but you didn't answer. Is something wrong?" Michael asked, worried.

"No, honey. Everything's fine. Don't worry. It's just... I was thinking about something. You don't need to worry. Now, eat.", Florence said and smiled at him.

Michael nodded and went back to eating. A few seconds later, Florence's phone began to ring, and she picked it up and saw that it was from her assistant, Julie.

She answered it and said, "Hello, Julie. Is there something wrong?"

"Ms. Taylor, I'm so sorry to call you at this hour, but it's an emergency. You are needed in the office right now."

"Why? What happened?" Florence asked.

"Do you know the kid, Damian K. Marrow, who's missing? His family is here, and they want to speak to you.", Julie explained.

"His family? Why?" Florence needed clarification.

"Unfortunately, Damian's body was found curled up in a suitcase near Reed Lake Park. The police also found a suspect who confessed to kidnapping and killing the kid. His name is William G. Marrow. The suspect is his father, who claimed the child was not his son. According to him, his wife, Elizabeth K. Marrow, had a one-night stand with another man, and he was the result. They wanted a child, but the doctor said that Mr. Marrow could not have a child due to a medical condition. So, William killed Damian and hid the body so the authorities would not find him.

Also, according to him, they were going to flee to another state, where he has relatives, live a new life, and make a family with a real child. He also claimed that the kid was not human and that he had horns and fangs. The doctors checked the body, and they didn't find any horns, but they did find some blood, which the police are currently investigating. Anyway, Damian's sister and the rest of the family are here. And they want you as their lawyer. Can you come to the office right now?" Julie explained.

Florence was a bit shocked by the news, and after a few seconds, she sighed and said, "Alright. I'll be there soon."

She cut the call and said, "Sorry, honey. But I have to go to work."

"Work?" Michael asked.

"Yes, I must go to the office to meet a client. Sorry, but I'll be late for dinner today." Florence got up from her chair.

"That's alright. Go. I'll take care of the dishes and lock the house.", Michael said.

"Thanks, honey.", Florence said and ruffled his hair, making him smile.

She went to her room and walked out a few minutes later wearing a dark brown mid-length skirt, a black blazer, and a white shirt. She also wore glasses. She picked up her purse from the dining table and said, "I'm going."

"Take care, Mom. Bye.", Michael said and waved his hand.

"Bye, honey." Florence smiled, picked up her car keys from the key stand near the front door, and closed the door behind her.

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