Chapter 2 - Vanessa’s Perfect Vacation
Vanessa began planning the trip as though Millie did not exist.
She created a family group chat called Miller Caribbean Adventure.
Millie was not included.
She learned about it accidentally when her cousin Daniel mentioned a themed dinner.
“What white outfit?” Millie asked.
Daniel’s face changed.
“Didn’t Vanessa send you the schedule?”
“No.”
He quickly changed the subject.
That evening, Millie asked her mother about the missing chat.
“Oh, it’s nothing important,” her mother replied. “Vanessa is just organizing outfits and photographs. You’re always so busy.”
“Can you add me?”
“I’m sure she will.”
Vanessa never did.
Instead, she sent Millie separate messages about payments.
The spa needed a deposit.
The photographer required confirmation.
Their father wanted a premium internet package.
Their mother needed a new suitcase.
Every request ended with the same promise.
We’ll pay you back after the trip.
Millie paid because she did not want money to ruin her mother’s retirement celebration.
Two weeks before departure, she visited her parents for dinner. Printed cruise schedules covered the dining table.
Vanessa quickly gathered them into a folder.
“What was that?” Millie asked.
“Nothing.”
Millie reached for the folder, but Vanessa pulled it away.
“You don’t need to worry about the schedule. You have your own plans.”
“I thought these were our plans.”
Vanessa exchanged a look with their mother.
Their father continued eating.
Finally, Vanessa sighed.
“Millie, you don’t actually enjoy family activities.”
“I’ve never been invited to most of them.”
“That’s not true.”
“Then why am I not in the group chat?”
Their mother placed a hand on Millie’s arm.
“Please don’t create drama before the trip.”
Millie stared at her.
May you like
Asking to be included was drama.
Taking her money was family.
