Part 2Sisters of Scars

Autumn ignored Dad, completely lost in her tirade. "Skylar fought, she cheated, she skipped class—how many messes did you clean up for her? I worked myself to the bone just to get an ounce of the attention you showered on her, and still, everything revolved around her."

"Why? Just because I’m the older sister? Am I supposed to be her lifelong blood bank, dragged down by her failures?"

The throbbing in my neck was unbearable, and her words ignited my own fuse. "You think I want you as a sister?!"

Years of playground brawls had taught me a thing or two. I broke free from her grip, shoving her hard. She stumbled backward, hitting the corner of my dresser with a sickening thud. A faint thwack. My vision was red with rage; I barely registered her trembling form.

"You were always perfect, always the best. I could never measure up."

She lay curled on the floor, her face ashen. Dad, still fuming, stood with his hands on his hips. Mom started to move towards Autumn, but Dad held her back. "Don't touch her! Let her cool off. Holding a knife to her own sister? Unbelievable! What a heartless child I've raised!"

Tears welled in my eyes, my voice shaky. "Every teacher we ever had said, 'How could this straight-A student have such a dim-witted sister?' Every family gathering, relatives would say, 'Autumn’s the one to count on.' And me? Everyone just shook their heads."

"They'd all point at me and say, 'You two are sisters, but one's an angel, the other's a devil.' Autumn, you're smart, you're brilliant, but why does everyone have to step all over me to praise you?"

"And you call me a parasite? You think I wanted you as a sister?"

I stepped over her, pushed past Mom and Dad, and flung open my bedroom door. This house was suffocating. I needed to get out. Professor Davies’ class, tuition money, who cared?

Before I even reached the front door, I heard Mom’s horrified scream. "Blood! Oh my God, Miles, Autumn’s bleeding from the back of her head!"

I spun around to see Dad scoop Autumn into his arms, rushing towards the exit.

Autumn was taken to the hospital. Several stitches in the back of her head. A large patch of her long hair was shaved off. Mom and Dad sat in silence until she woke. Autumn opened her eyes but refused to speak. Mom held her hand, tears of pity streaming down her face. "Autumn, don’t be mad at your sister, she didn't mean it. You know how she is, always a tomboy, never knowing her own strength. See, you even cut her neck, and she didn't say a word."