“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 40

*Clara’s POV:*

Several months have passed since my arrival at Lexington. By December, I’d fallen into a basic routine. Classes, lab, research. Over the course of those past few months, Gloria, Casey and I became a healthy family of three. Casey had finally mustard up enough courage to ask Gloria out and to his surprise she said yes. Everything was going great, I was excelling in my classes, shocking even the instructors. Never one to hog anything, I’d gained friends through study groups and tutoring. After-all, these were gonna be the minds of the people to help pioneer medicine, if I could help them get there a little faster I was honored to do it.

By the time mid-terms rolled around, everyone was exhausted and eager to go home, except for me that is. I actually dreaded leaving my peaceful sanctuary of school. As Gloria and I packed, she walked over handing me a small notebook.

*“What’s this?”*

*“This has all of my points of contact as well as my parents.”*

During Thanksgiving, I actually spent it with Gloria and her family. Casey came that weekend to meet her parents. Form the moment I met Charles and Whitney Rhinehorne, they embraced me like a daughter. Just as sweet and caring as Gloria, I could see where she got it from. Over break, I broke down and told Gloria and Casey the truth about my home life.

*“What a fucking scumbag!”*

Casey was every bit the angry big brother. Gloria cried hearing all that I had been through. Hugging me tightly, she told me any time I wanted to, I could live with her once I turned 18.

*“I’m serious Clara! I know you only just turned 17, but you don’t have to deal with those people forever! The minute you turn 18, if you want to leave our doors are opened!”*

That night I cried hard for the first time in a long time, it felt as if the weight of two lives came crashing into me at once. I was glad I had these people in my life this time around.

*“So, if anything happens during winter break, you call me immediately, me and Casey will come and get you.”*

I hugged my friend tightly and promised her I would only stay there for a few days. In the months I had been a Lexington, I had already received multiple awards for award winning thesis papers. Not once did my father come to any of the ceremonies, lying and telling his fellow alumni he was busy. So, I had no intention on staying, I just wanted to get a few more things from that house.

I arrived home that Friday around 6pm, there were still 6 days until Christmas, so I wanted to finish packing and be gone by day three.

As I walked into the mansion, the family I had not seen in months didn’t even bat an eye as I walked through the door. It didn’t bother me; however, I wasn’t there for their warm welcomes.

As I made my way to my room, I father suddenly called out to me.

*“Clara! Get in here now!”*

I walked backwards and turned around to enter the living room. My stepmother and Sophie stared at me with a smug look. Rolling my eyes slightly so he wouldn’t notice, I looked directly at my father.

*“Is there something I can do for you father?”*

Jameson’s face twisted up with disdain at my question.

*“Such disrespect! Do they no longer teach manners at Lexington, or do you think you’re too good to address your father now.”*

I silently laughed at the irony of him talking about manners and respect.

*“Apologies father, I’m a little exhausted from mid-terms and traveling.”*

Jameson was unimpressed. He let out another scoff and continued to complain.

*“Always some excuse with you! Your sister had mid-terms as well and you see she is showing me all of her love.”*

I watched while Sophie snuggled under our father with an innocent expression.

*“That’s because I love you daddy. But why don’t we give Clara a break, she must be extremely busy at Lexington, she didn’t even come home during Thanksgiving.”*

Jameson’s eyes shot up, fury burning inside of them. Finally, he stood up.

*“That’s right! You didn’t! And what is this foolishness I hear about you changing your last name to Rouleau! Do you think you’re too good to be a Granger?!”*

Ah. So that’s what he’s pissed about. I’m sure by now some of his colleagues have informed him of my name changing. Jameson was now staring me directly in the eyes. I could feel the heat from his body as he fumed.

*“Listen girl! I don’t give a shit what ‘prodigy’ they claim you to be! In this family, you represent me! I won’t tolerate any disrespect.”*

At that point I had enough. Staring back at my father without the slightest bit of fear, his eyes slightly recoiled.

*“I wasn’t aware taking on my mother, your deceased wife’s name was disrespectful. She meant just as much to the medicinal world as anyone else, if not more.”*

***SLAP!***

My father slapped me hard across the face, his breathing erratic. By now, Sophie and her mother were rushing over. Anna began rubbing Jameson’s back while staring daggers at me.

*“Can’t you ever come home without starting trouble Clara!”*

Sophie chimed in.

*“Daddy, please don’t be mad at Clara! It’s not her fault if mother still isn’t as precious as her dead mother.”*

That was it…

***SLAP!***

I slapped Sophie hard. She went sprawling onto the floor. Anna went running towards her while my father stood in shock. Never had he seen me be so brazen.

*“Clara what the hell do you think you’re doing!! Apologize to your sister now!”*

I looked at my father like he wasn’t human, it’d be a cold day in hell before I apologized.

*“Did you hear me!!”*

*“Oh, I heard you; I’m just not apologizing. She should learn to keep my mother’s name out of her mouth.”*

Sophie and Anna were crying hysterically; my father was fuming.

*“I want you out of this house first thing tomorrow morning!”*

I scoffed.

*“Fine by me.”*

Suddenly my father grabbed my arm, he mouth was practically foaming.

*“You think you’re some hot shit! You think I won’t beat that sass out of you and pull you out of Lexington!”*

I looked at my father, not blanking once. Maybe he could sense the fire and lack of fear because he suddenly let my arm go.

*“You could do that father. But know that if you do, I’ll make sure I let every person you’ve ever known the entire truth. That you’ve spent years abusing and humiliating your daughter. Caroline Rouleau’s daughter! What do you think your colleagues would say then?”*

My father stood back in shock; he hated what I said but my words were true. He knew the medical world still held my mother to the highest regard. Backing away, he said in a lowered tone,

*“I want you gone by noon.”*

I turned and headed to the basement. As I began packing the rest of my things, I called Gloria.

*“Change of plans, can I come tomorrow?”*

Without a single waiver Gloria immediately answered.

*“Me and Casey will be there tomorrow morning at 10am.”*

*“I’ll be ready!”*

Smiling, I turned my music on and finished packing.