Frog Tale by JT Schultz Page B

sat down next to her and she continued to stare at the necklace, just so she wouldn’t have to look at him.
    “ I really don’t think there is anything to say.” Her voice was cold and the numbness she had experienced started to melt away. No not now, she didn’t want to give into weakness and do something stupid like cry.
    She cleared her throat and struggled for control of her emotions and more importantly, her voice. “Maybe you should go check on your other two daughters, in case one of them feels upset or heaven forbid poor self-absorbed Stella may now have a lower self esteem because she doesn’t have long blonde locks anymore. Whatever will she do?” She finally met her father’s concerned expression. “Allow me to answer that, Dad. She is going to milk it for all its worth and you and mom will rush out and buy her new clothes until the little demonic worm feels all happy inside.”
    “A bout Luc―”
    “ I don’t want to hear your excuse or you defending Stella. My stomach is upset as it is.” Her chest tightened to the point it became painful. 
    Her Dad’s heavy sigh filled the room and fiery tears gathered behind her eyes. She didn’t want to blink, in fear that tears may fall.
    “Can I see the necklace?”
    “ Be my guest.” She tilted the box, not letting go of the expensive case and the treasure inside. “I meant what I said to Stella. If either she or Georgina touches this piece of jewelry, you will be one, if not two, offspring short.” Finally, she passed him the luxurious velour case and his gaze took in the fine detail.
    He lifted his attention to her and blinked. “Do you have any idea what something to this extravagance would cost?”
    “Lots?”
    Smiling, he nodded. “This is incredible.” His lips thinned. “The pendent suits you perfectly.” He passed the jewelry back and he glanced at the note. “What does the note say?”
    Her heart tightened. Damn her body for not staying numb and unfeeling. “Nothing I wish to share.”
    “Chloe you just received a necklace worth the price of a small car and you tell me there is nothing you want to share.”
    Tears filled her eyes. “I’m not ready to talk about the letter with anyone. I don’t even know whom the gift is from. It doesn’t matter Dad because I hurt so bad right now. I don’t feel bad for what I did to Stella. She threatened Luc, time and time again.”
    “What if Stella had nothing to do with Luc’s disappearance.” He wrapped an arm around her and she only became mildly comforted by the gesture.
    “ I don’t believe you. I would hate to think she’s that cruel, but I know from past experience she is.” She gulped back a sob. “Please don’t defend her anymore.”
    “ Chloe, maybe one day the truth of what happened to Luc will come out. Go easy on your sister.” He paused. “Why would you think I don’t love you as much?”
    More hot tears rolled down her cheeks. “You didn’t wait up for me last night. You always wait for Georgina and Stella, but not me. I could have come home at three am and you wouldn’t have cared.”
    He frowned. “You don’t believe that do you?”
    “It’s not a far stretch, I saw you first hand asleep in your chair.” The memory of the sight flashed through her mind followed by the horrific ones that followed and the realization her friend and world were gone.
    “Oh! Chloe,” he sounded so apologetic. “It’s not that I don’t care about you. You’re my youngest daughter. I love you just as much as I love your sisters. Only, maybe in truth I don’t worry as much about you.”
    I knew it. They say admitting it is the first step.
    She sniffled and wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. “Big shock.”
    “I don’t think you understand.” He sighed and squeezed her shoulders gently. “You are nothing like your sisters and for that I’m grateful. You’re the one with a good head on your shoulders, where Stella and Georgina, well I wonder sometimes what