Chapter 3 - The Gold Wristband
Two weeks later, I boarded the magnificent ocean liner alone.
Not ashamed.
Not sorry.
Just free.
I made sure to arrive at the VIP terminal, completely bypassing the massive, chaotic lines in the main hall.
While my family was likely sweating in the crowded terminal, trying to figure out why their boarding passes had suddenly changed, I was sipping a complimentary mimosa in the priority lounge.
My penthouse suite was bigger than the first apartment I ever rented.
A sprawling private balcony overlooking the ocean.
A deep marble soaking tub.
A fully stocked minibar.
A welcome basket with premium chocolates and a card with only my name on it.
Welcome aboard, Miss Miller.
For once, something I had paid for belonged completely to me.
There was no one asking me to pay for their dinner. No one demanding my attention. No one taking my generosity for granted.
I spent the entire first day indulging.
I went to the spa. I read a book on my private balcony. I ate room service in a plush white robe.
I didn’t run into my relatives on the first day.
I knew they were on board. The ship was massive, holding over four thousand passengers. It was easy to avoid people if you knew where to look.
But the next evening, hunger led me out of my sanctuary.
I decided to grab a quick bite at the ship's massive main buffet before my reservation at the exclusive steakhouse.
I walked in, holding a plate of fresh fruit, and there they were.
They looked absolutely miserable.
Dad’s face was red, looking furious as he argued with a crew member.
Mom looked completely drained, her hair frizzy from the humidity.
Vanessa was complaining loudly to her boyfriend, Brandon, slamming her plastic cup onto the table.
Then, Mom looked up.
She saw me.
She froze completely. Her jaw practically unhinged.
She tapped Dad’s arm frantically. Dad turned.
Vanessa followed his eyes.
Their faces changed all at once. Shock. Confusion. And then, a bubbling, entitled rage.
I didn't run. I didn't hide.
I stayed by the window, set my plate down, and began eating my grapes.
Slowly.
Peacefully.
They stormed toward my table like a thundercloud.
Dad reached me first, slamming his hands down on my table.
“What the hell are you doing here?” he hissed.
I folded my cloth napkin, took a sip of my sparkling water, and smiled up at him.
“Enjoying my vacation. The one I paid for.”
Vanessa crossed her arms, glaring at me. Then, her gaze dropped to my wrist.
May you like
Her eyes locked onto the glowing gold VIP penthouse wristband on my arm.
Then, she looked down at the basic, flimsy blue paper band on hers.
