Chapter 3

A sharp snap sounded in my head.

“Chloe’s parents have stayed in basements too. Why can’t they?”

Chloe tried to drop to her knees, her whole body swaying.

“My parents got sick from living in basements all these years. Ethan felt bad for them, so he gave them the guest room. If you really mind, Lena, we’ll leave right now.”

Her parents started crying too.

Ethan grabbed Chloe by the arm and shot me a cold look.

“Lena, if you keep this up, there’s no reason for our parents to meet.”

My parents tried to smooth things over.

They pulled me back while smiling and nodding.

“The basement is fine.”

“It’s cool down there.”

Mom lowered her voice.

“Sweetheart, we still have to meet Ethan’s parents. We’re fine.”

They held my hands and rubbed them gently.

“Talk to Chloe when you and Ethan are alone.”

My eyes burned.

“But this is your home too.”

“How can I let you sleep in the basement?”

Ethan gave a quiet scoff.

“You’re so dramatic.”

“Look how understanding your parents are. They’re fine with it. Chloe’s fine with it. I’m fine with it. You’re the only one making a big deal out of everything.”

Chloe smiled and lifted her eyebrows at me.

My parents pulled me out of the room.

“We’ll go check the basement. You get the bags.”

I took a deep breath and told myself to get through one more night.

After tonight, I’d never have to see them again.

I looked around the living room, but the bags my parents had set down were gone.

The housekeeper came over and pointed outside.

“Sir said the things weren’t clean, so he told me to leave them outside.”

My temples throbbed. I gritted my teeth and carried the bags down to the basement.

There was a broken bed and a couch. I dragged a folding cot out of the corner.

“Go to sleep. We’re going home tomorrow.”

I thought I’d sleep through the night.

A shrill, high-pitched noise rang out upstairs, followed by the sound of people jumping around.

I tossed and turned, covering my ears.

After a while, it went quiet.

Then I heard arguing.

I turned on the light.

My parents were gone.

My heart lurched. I ran upstairs.

Sure enough, my parents were arguing with Chloe’s parents.

“You can’t watch a game without cheering?”

“If you can’t stand it, get out! How can you shamelessly keep staying in someone else’s home?”

My parents went white. They stood frozen.

“Sounds like you’re describing someone else.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, Chloe’s father acted as if I’d struck a nerve. His face reddened, and he charged at my dad.

It all happened too fast.

Dad couldn’t brace himself. He stumbled backward, then suddenly lost his footing and tumbled down the stairs.

“Dad!”

I screamed and rushed to him.

Blood covered his head.

Ethan came out and saw what had happened.

“Don’t panic. I’ll call 911.”

He took one step toward us.

Then Chloe screamed.

“My dad has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He can’t handle this! Help him!”

Ethan immediately turned to call the family doctor.

“No! My dad’s head is bleeding. We need to stop it!”

I held my hand over Dad’s head. Blood kept seeping between my fingers.

Ethan gave me a cold look.

“Do you have to compete with her even when someone’s hurt?”

I stared at him, stunned. I was about to answer when the ambulance arrived.