“Why shouldn’t I scold her, where did she get the money for those clothes, car and condo?” lucy shouted.

“How do you know? Maybe I have some money saved” April enquired and sipped her tea calmly.

April also noted that Lucy had mentioned her car and condo. She didn’t see her drive in so how did she know? April continued to glance at Lucy.

“Of course you have no money!” Lucy was still pointing and waving her arms in April’s direction.

“Hmm… And why is that?” April asked. She could see Lucy start to lose it now.

“Because I took your bank card years ago that’s how I know. So which sugar daddy bought you these clothes and car?” Lucy screamed and then her eyes bulged at the realisation of what she had just said, her mouth hung open like a fish.

April was secretly gloating but she put on an aggrieved facade and glanced to her father before putting her head down, “Thats right you did take my card years ago and you also told me to never tell my father about this matter. Now that you have announced this, does this mean that you will give me back my card?”

Martin was in shock he had no idea that all this was happening right under his nose. He had thought the money he had put on April’s card was used by her now it turns out this was not the case.

Martin sighed and put down his newspaper and looked sternly at Lucy, “Give April back her card.”

“I..I…” Lucy started to stutter she had said too much. She was provoked by that b*tch she thought. She glared at April unhappily.

“Now Lucy!” Martin who had never scolded her had raised his voice for the first time.

Lucy started to shed a few tears, “But I…”

“Tom bring Lucy’s handbag over please.” April didn’t want to give her any time to think of any excuses.

Rachel sat forward and held her daughter’s hand, Lucy now looked like the one that had been taken advantage of and April was being portrayed as the villain.

Rachel turned to Martin, “Dear, maybe it’s not as simple as we think maybe April gave Lucy the card willingly. She maybe doesn’t need the extra money.” Rachel then turned to April prompting her to agree with her statement.

April sipped her tea and made no eye contact or comment. Doesn’t need the extra money, your foot daughter doesn’t need it! Tom had brought Lucy over her Hermes bag and had set it on the coffee table in front of her.

Tears streamed down Lucy’s face and she whipped them away and looked up pitifully to Martin, “Mother is right me and April agreed that I would take her card.”

April internally sneered and put down her teacup calmly, “Lucy why would I give you my card. For all these years you have been using my card while I have to wear your hand me downs and either get the bus or walk home no matter what the weather is or how many bags I am carrying. Why would anyone accept this hardship? From now on what is mine I shall keep.” April then turned to her father, “Thats okay isn’t it father.”

Martin looked at April’s calm face and realised he may have overlooked a few things in the past. He nodded his head and turned to Lucy, “Give April back her card.”

“But…but. What about her clothes and car where did she get the money? She must be going out with some old man. Doing all sorts of unsavoury things.” Lucy didn’t want to give up the card, she tried to change the subject and deflect the conversation quickly.

“Father, please just cancel my card. I’d much rather get a new one anyway.” April smiled at her father cheerfully. She had succeeded in getting Lucy to confess herself. This was one small victory.

Lucy’s eyes bulged, she then grabbed her bag and emptied its contents on to the coffee table she sifted through the items and then finding the card she stood up and threw the card at April. She then dashed up the stairs wailing loudly.

April ignored her display of dramatics and looked to Tom, “Tom please cut up this card.” She then passed Tom her card, which he then disappeared with into the kitchen with.

Rachel was eyeing April she thought something was different, April would have usually taken the blame if Lucy slipped up with her words but now she had offered her no help and even provoked her into saying more.

April was indeed wearing an expensive brand of clothing. Where did she get it? Her daughter had also mentioned a car and a condo too. Had April got herself a wealthy backer? This will not be allowed.

Rachel wanted April to stay here where she could keep an eye on her. She smiled at April, “You are staying for dinner, why don’t you get started on the cooking.”

April looked to her father who was staring unhappily at nothing in particular as if he was lost in thought, “What did you do when I was not here. Surely you cooked or asked Mrs Kitty too?”

“You love to cook dear remember, that’s why you run to the kitchen every morning and evening,” Rachel replied as she eyed April.

“Oh… I don’t remember saying that.” April then turned to look at her father, “Father do you have time to speak with me in your study?” she asked.

Martin glanced up slowly, “Sure let’s go up now. I am not too hungry tonight.” Martin then stood and walked up the stairs. April quickly followed behind.

As Martin walked up the stairs he looked down as April followed him, it was like when she was five years old again and was following him up to his study to keep him company. He would work and she would paint. He hadn’t remembered a happy memory like that in years.