Chapter 6
230words
I gripped my phone, a lump forming in my throat, my voice barely a whisper.
"Mom, he doesn't like it. Don't prepare anything."
I forced the words out and quickly ended the call.
It rang again almost immediately.
This time, I ignored it.
"Sophia, don't be sad!
I'm not petty. Let's celebrate Joel's birthday together! You're already here, it's perfect."
Joel's first love suddenly looped her arm through mine, all fake sweetness.
I frowned, eyeing her suspiciously.
Before I could figure out her angle, she smiled and pivoted.
"Oh, but we need to clean up this mess! I saw some stray dogs outside. We could feed them this cake so Sophia's hard work doesn't go to waste. What do you think, Joel?"
Her eyes drifted meaningfully to the destroyed cake on the floor.
Another burst of cruel laughter erupted from the group.
"That's perfect! This garbage isn't worthy of Joel anyway. Those mutts will appreciate it more.
Ha! Though even they might turn their noses up at it."
Strangely, Joel remained silent.
His eyes fixed on the ruined cake, an unreadable expression on his face.
He glanced my way, about to speak, when chaos erupted around us.
"What the hell! Jack, are you insane? You know you can't eat cake!"
"Shut up! Joel, help! Someone call a doctor..."
