Will. As soon as that word left Mr. Richardson’s’ lips, people started to murmur.

“Did you know she left a will?”

“No, I wasn’t sure she had anything to leave behind.”

“I hope it’s money.”

“She probably doesn’t even remember you, so there’s no way she would leave you anything at all.”

“Everybody, please settle down.” Mr. Richardson’s’ voice silenced the others. “Mrs. Astarelli left three things behind and I would like to go through them.” Everyone’s attention was on the words that would next leave his mouth.

“The first item is the house. Mrs. Astarelli loved that house since the last decade was the most precious one to her, and that house is filled with the love, happiness and laughter of her lovely granddaughter. Therefore, the house will go to Ms. Reina Astarelli.

People gasp, and I try my best to blend in with the wall in hope to escape the glares that are given to me. I try to sneak a look at my father, but his back is towards me and I can’t see his expression and I’m thankful for that.

“The next thing on the will is the money that was left behind. The amount isn’t much but it’s decent given that Mrs. Astarelli was a retired woman.”

You could see the hopefulness in everyone’s eyes in the room, hoping to get as much of the money as they can.

“The money was left for Phillip Astarelli, in hopes that it would help with what the last item on the list is.” That last statement made everyone confused. What was the last item?

Mr. Richardson sighed as if the next thing put a burden on his soul. “This is the most important thing on this list. Given that Mrs. Astarelli was the custodial parent of Ms. Reina Astarelli, and given that she is still a minor, the law requires the minor to live with the biological parent.”

No. No. No. No. Please, anything but that.

I lock eyes with Mr. Richardson and my heart starts to beat faster and faster and I enter a panic mode. He gives me an apologetic look.

“Therefore, the guardianship of Ms. Reina Astarelli is passed on to her father, Mr. Phillip Astarelli.”

At that moment, my heart dropped. I could feel the blood draining from my face. This could not be happening. Why? Do the heavens have something against me? Between my rapid beating heart, the whispers, and Mr. Richardson’s sad look, there was one thing that stuck out the most. 

The burning, hateful gaze that was being thrown in my direction. I turn to face the owner of it, knowing full well who it belongs to. Thirty feet in front of me stands my father, whose glare is burning holes through my skull. If he didn’t hate me enough before, he definitely does now.