Chapter 13 All Square

Ice-cold water crashed over Lila, making her shudder. She dragged her head up and met Brenda's overbearing stare. "Still playing dead? Way to bring bad luck." Brenda flung the empty basin aside and looked down at Lila, every word she spoke edged with contempt. "Beat it. Mr. and Mrs. Hart went to Hart Group first thing this morning, and Mr. Cross has already taken Ms. Erin shopping. Don't get in the way while we work." Lila's heart sank as realization dawned on her. She had passed out in the rain and spent the entire night there. And her family? They'd simply gone about their morning. Of course they had. After all, their love and concern were reserved solely for Erin. As for Lila, being abandoned by the Harts was her fate from the moment she was switched and lost as a baby. Lila looked up at the tall courtyard wall and pushed herself off the cold ground. She had barely steadied herself before something jerked at her ankle. Brenda had stuck out a foot on purpose, sending Lila tumbl