Chapter 16

"Hi mum," said Halle as she entered her room. "How you feeling?"

"I'm good, honey." Cassie slowly sat up and gave her a smile.

"Lie down."

"It's okay." Cassie said. "It easier to talk when I sit up."

"I called Shizuka, she said she'll be a little late to come back home." She said. "They went shopping."

"Yes, Shizuka told me before they went."

Cassie ruffled her hair. Her smile dropped a little looking at Halle's tired eyes. "You look so tired, Halle."

"This entire week we've been swarmed with customers, mom." Halle explained. "Some of them even gave us orders for a cake for the holiday. It's been a lot of work. But we're getting the money." Halle smiled. "I think it's going good for us, mum."

Cassie smiled caressing Halle's face. "You know," she said. "Your father would have the same look on his face when he achieves his goals."

Halle didn't expect to hear about her dad. Not in her expression.

"Why don't you call your sister?"

"What for mum?"

"I know why you're doing all of this," she said. "You're working extra time to make more money. How long until you save the amount we need? It might take years—"

"But—"

"— so why don't you take her help?"

"You know why mom!" Halle cried. "She doesn't want to. She thinks all of this is my fault. Why should I talk to her?"

"Honey, it's not your fault. It was never—"

"She blames me for what dad did." Halle said. "You think that's fair?"

Why does she always end up lucky?

"Do it for me," said Cassie finally. "Just one time."

"No, mom." said Halle. "I'm sorry."

Halle got up and left.