“He left you rags, Chelsea. And it shows.”
“It looks like you’re wearing something from the dollar store,” Lia added. “Although that’s totally your style.”
I blinked hard, willing the tears not to come.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, three loud knocks, cutting straight through their laughter.
Camila groaned. “Probably someone complaining about your parking again, Chelsea. Go answer it.”
I tried, but my legs wouldn’t move.
Camila sighed, brushed past me, and opened the door. A military officer in full dress uniform stood on the porch. Next to him was a woman in a dark suit, holding a briefcase. Both looked solemn.
A military officer in full dress uniform stood on the porch.
“Are you Camila, ma’am?” the officer asked, voice calm but commanding.
She straightened. “Yes. Is there a problem?”
The officer gave a small nod, then glanced past her, scanning the room. His eyes landed on me.
“Which one of you is Chelsea?” he asked.
My breath caught. “I am.”
Something in his expression softened slightly.
“We’re here on behalf of Staff Sergeant Martin,” he said. “I have a letter to deliver, by his instructions, on this date. This is Shinia, our military attorney.
My stomach dropped.
“Your father was very specific,” the officer added gently. “He asked us to deliver this on the night of your prom. He wanted to be sure we were here in person.”
The woman stepped forward, opening the briefcase. “There are additional documents regarding the house. May we come in?”
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Camila faltered but stepped aside, suddenly unsure. The officer and the attorney stepped inside. The house, so loud seconds ago, was silent.
Jen whispered, “What’s going on?”
The officer turned to me. “Chelsea, your father left instructions for tonight.”
He handed Camila an envelope. She tore it open, hands shaking, and read aloud:
“Camila, when you married me, you promised Chelsea would never feel alone in her own home.
If you broke that promise, you broke faith with me, too.
This house belongs to my daughter. You were only ever allowed to live here while you cared for her.”
If you’ve mistreated her in any way… she has every right to kick you out.”
