No, I'm going first

Rachel was getting tired of people pushing her around. It was bad enough that she had to take it from the students at school. But dealing with Victoria was getting frustrating and she was sick of it.

Rachel shook her head and walked over to the bathroom, grabbing the handle. "No, I'm not stupid, Victoria. I'm gonna take a shower and you can just wait your turn."

Rachel wasn't exactly sure where this confidence came from but she was kind of liking it. Only problem was that she didn't know what would happen next. She could see the shock in Victoria's eyes from being talked to like that. Rachel's heart pounded as she waited for retaliation.

But her voice must've been much more commanding when she spoke because Victoria simply turned around and walked back into her room. Rachel watched as she went in and closed the door, not even responding to her younger sister. Slowly, Rachel opened the door and went into the bathroom to shower, worried about how the girl might get back at her some time later.

After her shower, she looked at her wardrobe, trying to decide what to wear. Normally, she'd just wear a simple shirt and some pants. But today, she wanted something... better. She didn't know why but she wanted to show more than what she had before. So she grabbed a light blue tanktop and a pair of shorts. She figured that since she'd be staying inside tonight, she didn't have to worry about hiding her skin.

She walked into the living room to see her mom smiling at her, holding a birthday cake. Victoria was next to her, putting on a convincing fake smile. "Happy Birthday!" They said in unison, though Victoria didn't sound quite so cheery.

Rachel smiled at them, looking around for Emily. Susan seemed to notice as she sat the cake down on the table behind her. "Sorry, hon. I think Emily is on her way right now. She had to work late but she should be here soon. Don't worry."

Rachel tried not to look worried. But she couldn't help it. Emily was the one person who Rachel cared about the most out of the family. Of course she loved her mom and, though Victoria was always a bitch, she still loved her as well. But Emily was on another level. She never bullied Rachel but she didn't gush over her like their mother either. Emily always told Rachel how it was, point blank, always being honest and caring. She didn't hide things and did everything she could to see Rachel smile. It was upsetting to Rachel that she wasn't here right now.

But, like her mom said, she was just running a little late. She'd be here later. Meanwhile, they could just hang out, watch a movie or play a game or something.