Chapter 5
781words
"I don't care. I'm going back! Katerina and Chris ran off to travel the world and dumped the kids on me!"
On screen, she stood by the pool, hair wild, face worn. One kid in her arms, another strapped to her back, a third splashing at the edge.
The swagger she had when she left? Gone. She just looked tired and old.
I'd thought it was something serious. I dropped onto the couch. "How are you even planning to come back alone? Just wait for Katerina and Chris."
Her jaw clenched. That old fire in her eyes sparked back. "Anya Kovarik, you just don't want me to come back!"
I nodded. "Finally, you get it."
She froze, eyes wide. "What did you say? You dare talk to me like that?"
Dad yawned, trying to play peacekeeper. "We can't really do anything. How about I call Katerina and tell them to come back?"
Mom snapped, "You think I haven't tried? They won't even pick up. Who knows what country they're in! I don't care—you have to come get me right now! Or—" She jabbed a finger at the pool. "I'll jump!"
Same old stunt.
I didn't even flinch. I rubbed my temples. "Go ahead. Maybe you'll finally learn to swim."
I hung up, tuning out her screaming.
Dad frowned. "What if she actually jumps?"
"It's fine. That pool's barely waist-deep. She won't drown."
And someone as scared of dying as Mom would never really do it.
Sure enough, her call came right on schedule the next day.
This time, she was smart enough to call during the day.
As soon as I picked up, she started sniffling. "I can't live like this anymore. I don't understand anything people say here. Anya, come get me. I've lost four pounds in a month!"
I kept my voice calm. "That's just weight loss, Mom. No big deal. When Katerina and Chris get back, they'll take care of you."
When the fake tears didn't work, she cut to the chase.
"I can't wait anymore. Buy me a ticket and bring me back."
I frowned. "Didn't you leave with over five hundred grand? How can you not afford a plane ticket?"
Her face went stiff. Eyes darted. Wouldn't look at me.
"Katerina said they were starting a business, so I invested the money..."
That was all I needed to hear. No way I was paying for her flight.
As I moved to hang up, she snapped, "But Katerina promised to double it! It's only $500,000—Chris makes that in a month!"
I rolled my eyes. "Then wait for Katerina to buy your ticket. Why are you calling me?"
What I couldn't wrap my head around was—if Katerina and Chris were so rich, why couldn't they just hire some help?
Last time, Dad had been their unpaid servant for ten years.
I glanced at him now, sitting in the living room, quietly doing calligraphy. My chest tightened.
Eventually, their world tour ended. With the holidays coming up—and Mom pushing hard—they decided to fly back to Bellavaro.
Before they even landed, Mom demanded we switch cars for the pickup.
"There's a lot of us. Your husband's taxi won't fit. And Chris is a boss—he can't show up in a cab."
I stared at the phone. "Then rent your own. We've got work."
When they realized we weren't coming, they had no choice but to grab a cab. One that charged by the meter.
Mom stormed in, scowling, and slammed her suitcase down.
Eva, totally missing the vibe, ran over. "Grandma Milena! Aunt Katerina! You're back!"
Mom shoved past her and flopped on the couch.
Katerina's kids didn't hold back—they dove straight for the snacks and fruit on the table.
Eva hesitated, then offered sweetly, "Grandma Milena, want a cookie? I saved my favorite one for you. It's really good."
"Eat, eat, eat! That's all you ever do, just like your mom!"
Mom snapped, then shot me a nasty glare. "Do you know how long we waited at the airport? You don't even know how to act like a human being!"
Katerina jumped in with fake concern. "Mom, don't get so worked up."
Then she turned to me. "Anya, you too. Mom was just venting. You really couldn't have Pavel pick us up?"
I laughed, sharp and cold. "Don't pretend you care. If you actually gave a damn about Mom, why didn't you take her on your little world tour?
"And my husband's not your driver. He's not on call for you."
If they didn't like it, too bad. Let them choke on it.
