That’s when I learned another truth: Marissa had taken out a massive loan and used Mom’s house as collateral!
My sister had forged her name on the paperwork! When I confronted Mom, she cried in the kitchen for hours.
Having lost the house, Mom had no choice but to stay with us. She didn’t complain once, but I saw the way she folded the same towel over and over, and how she stared at the door as if waiting for her life to return.
Marissa’s wedding did go on. Some of it was paid for by Brent’s parents.
And Mom, desperate not to see her youngest daughter disgraced and failing to learn her lesson, emptied her savings.
I didn’t go, nor did Jasper. I heard there were fireworks and an ice sculpture shaped like a peacock.
A few months later, Mom passed away suddenly. They said it was a stroke.
She had always been fragile, but I think the loss of Dad, her home, and her faith in Marissa was too much.
At the reading of her will, there was almost nothing left. My poor mother had drained most of her accounts to help fund Marissa’s life over the years. My sister didn’t even bother attending.
She probably knew the truth would finally come out, and I wouldn’t be too pleased.
“Hello, this is Susan from Crescent Credit Recovery.
We’re trying to locate Marissa. She has large outstanding balances from gambling accounts. Please do contact us if you can help.”
“Gambling,” I whispered, confused.Continue reading…
