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Stranded(62)

By:Eve Vaughn


Jack’s eyes narrowed. “Considering this affects you, dear little sister, you ought to care.”

Steven looked as if he wanted to punch her brother in the mouth, and India wasn’t sure if he would have or not, when the three of them were called to the table.

“Jack, Steven and India, dinner is ready,” she called out. The gaiety in her mother’s tone sounded false to India’s ears.

Her mother motioned India to the foot of the table, the chair usually reserved for Leila. “Since you’re the guest of honor, you should sit here.” India knew what her mother was up to the minute she took the seat next to Ellen while the next closest occupant sitting at the head of the table was her father. Steven didn’t look happy when Jack took the seat next to him.

Thus began one of the most excruciating meals she’d ever suffered through. Every time Ellen asked a question, her mother would interrupt and answer for her. What got to India was the hypocrisy.

Her parents pretended they’d been devastated when they learned of the plane’s disappearance. At one point the frustrated reporter gave up, but it didn’t stop Leila from talking.

Ellen tried to direct the focus back to India with steely determination. “So, India.” She emphasized the name, making it clear to all whom the question was directed to. “Could you tell me a little about your experience on the island and how you felt when you learned you were one of three survivors?”

India put the fork down she’d been using to toy with her food. “I was scared,” she answered honestly. “There were four of us who actually survived the plane crash, but one of us obviously didn’t last that first night. We buried him and that’s when it hit home that we were on our own. I can’t pretty up my experience and say we lived some Gilligan’s Island type fantasy, it was grittier, more harrowing, not knowing where our next meal would come from…or whether someone would come rescue us. Those first couple days were the hardest, but we somehow managed to get by. If it weren’t for Rafe and Grant, I doubt I would have made it.”

When she thought of them, a smile touched her lips. She’d only seen them a few hours ago, but she felt like a part of her was missing. More than anything she wished she could go be with them.

Leila smiled indulgently. “And we’re so proud of her, aren’t we Trevor?”

Her father merely grunted.

To finally hear those words from her mother’s lips was like a double-edged sword. She’d been waiting all her life to hear them, but they held no meaning because there was no truth behind it. India knew her parents could have cared less whether she’d lived or died.

Suddenly, everything she’d been holding in finally burst forward. “Are you really, Mom? Proud of me, I mean?”

Leila’s composure slipped for a moment, but the careful smile she’d pasted on her lips remained. “Of course I am, dear, I’m your mother. I’m proud of both of my children. Our Jackson is a rising star at the accounting firm he works at. Why don’t you tell her a little about it, honey. I’m sure India is tired of being the center of attention.”

“Because heaven forbid, I get any attention at all, right?” India didn’t care how it might have looked to Ellen, who was now squirming in her chair with a look of distinct discomfort.

Trevor gave India a quailing look. “India! That’s enough. Now isn’t the time to play the diva.” Her father must have realized how that might have sounded to the reporter, and tried to soften his words with a smile, but the damage was already done. He turned to his son. “Jack, tell the lady about your job,” Trevor said gruffly trying to switch the conversation away from his outburst.

Jack had spent the entire meal sending her and Steven resentful stares. “I no longer work there,” he finally answered. “I’m currently looking for something else,” he muttered, stabbing a piece of lamb with his fork before stuffing a hearty bite in his mouth.

The shock was evident on her parents’ faces. Once again the apple of their eye had pulled a stunt which India would have received a scathing tongue-lashing for.

“You never said anything, Jack,” her mother scolded lightly. “Although I’m sure you had a good reason. You’re a go-getter. Not willing to settle for something mediocre. You’ll find something in no time I’m sure.”

“Mother, would you just shut up!” Jack’s sudden outburst surprised them all.

Leila gasped in surprise. India had seen Jack talk to their parents any way he pleased in the past, but she never would have imagined he’d do it in front of witnesses. The hurt look on her mother’s face didn’t move India a bit. A stunned silence fell across the room, no one moving.