Chapter 6

For the next few days, Avery stayed in her room most of the time, only coming out to eat. She kept counting down the days until the divorce was final and paid no attention to Calvin or the boys as they tried to please Britney. Soon, Britney's birthday arrived. Calvin had wanted to throw a lavish party, but Britney softly refused, "Let's just celebrate at home. I don't really like big crowds." Noah jumped in right away. "I agree! I don't like a bunch of strangers fawning all over us anyway. It's so much better with just our family together!" On the big day, the house was decorated in a lavish yet cozy style. The maids bustled about, and Calvin gently placed a birthday hat on Britney's head. "Make a wish," he said, his eyes filled with warmth. Britney pressed her hands together and closed her eyes in the candlelight. After she blew out the candles, Calvin and the boys brought out their gifts. Calvin gave her a set of antique jewelry, Noah handed over keys to a limited-edition sports car, and Simon presented her with the deed to a private island. Britney's eyes grew misty with emotion. "Thank you..." Suddenly, she turned to Avery, who had been silent the whole time, and smiled sweetly. "Avery, what did you get me?" Everyone turned to look. Avery met Britney's expectant gaze and answered calmly, "I didn't get you anything." She didn't want to. Honestly, she didn't think Britney deserved anything from her. Noah's expression instantly darkened. "Mom! How could you? You knew today was Britney's birthday!" Simon pouted, "That's just rude!" The boys exchanged a look, and suddenly, Noah's eyes lit up. "Hey, Mom has all kinds of nice stuff in her room from Dad. Let's pick something out and give it to Britney!" Simon nodded eagerly, "Yeah!" Before Avery could react, the two boys thundered up the stairs and made a beeline for her bedroom. "Wait!" Avery's face went pale. Forgetting all about her leg injury, she stumbled after them. She burst into her room to find the boys tearing through her drawers. Jewelry boxes had been dumped on the floor, and her things were scattered everywhere. "Found it!" Noah shouted, holding up a silver necklace with a tiny moon pendant. "This one's pretty!" Avery's eyes went wide in panic. That was the last gift Henry had given her before he died. "No!" She lunged for the necklace. "That was a gift from your uncle! He left it for me!" Noah dodged away easily. "It's just a necklace. Can't he buy you another one next time?" Avery's voice trembled as she said, "He's dead!" Simon rolled his eyes in annoyance. "There you go lying again! Last time it was just a dummy. Uncle Henry is on a trip! He said he'd bring me something back!" He leaned over the banister and shouted downstairs, "Britney! We found the perfect present from Mom! You're going to love it!" Avery tried to grab the necklace, but Noah shoved her hard. "Why are you being so stingy?" "Ah!" Her foot slipped and she tumbled down the stairs. The back of her head smacked hard against the steps, and blood instantly streamed down her forehead. Lying in a pool of blood, her vision blurred, and a ringing filled her ears. "Mom!" Noah and Simon, terrified, rushed down the stairs. Noah stammered, "I... I didn't mean to... It's your fault for trying to take it..." Simon broke down in tears. "Mom, you're bleeding!" Hearing the commotion, Calvin hurried over. The moment he saw what happened, his face changed completely. "What's going on here?"