Chapter 2
I waited a while: until Melanie, as well as me and Emma (who was bawling her head off by this point) had calmed down a bit. Though now was not the ideal calming situation.
"Why now?" I asked Melanie, pulling myself together.
" I can look after Emma better now – better than I could before."
" What makes you say that? Last time I spoke to you, you told me you 'couldn't cope'. What's changed?"
" Dante, you're not gonna believe this but… I got lucky. I won the lottery – euromillions."
Melanie. Won euromillions. Oh. My. God. Out of all the things I expected to come out of her mouth, I certainly didn't expect that. I suppose it explained the clothes though.
My mouth gaping with shock, I asked the killer question: "How much?"
" Sixty-three million."
First I was hit with a wave of shock, closely followed by joy, owing to the vague notion that maybe she'd agree to share the dosh. But then, in quick succession came two, much more sinister emotions. Jealousy. Then hate.
Melanie didn't deserve this ."Out." I commanded, rage bubbling inside me.
" But-" came Melanie's shocked voice.
" Get out!"
" I can give her a better chance in life!"
"Money isn't all that matters."
"Dante, I know that isn't how it should be, but right now, it is. As much as you hate to admit it, I'm in the best position to look after Emma right now."
She stepped out of the front door, into the cold air. As soon as she was out, I slammed the door in her face.
" I'm sorry Dante." She mouthed through the window; I didn't know why.
But I forgave her, just like that. AS IF.