Banished: Book 1 of The Grimm Laws Read Online Free Page A

late tonight.”
    Elle’s stomach clutched. All week long, she’d been living for the moment when her father would return. She didn’t realize it until this moment, but she’d been counting on him being there to watch her walk across the field.
    “Don’t stand there sulking like a lost puppy. It’s a pity he’ll miss homecoming, but Josselyn and I will be there.” She flashed a cool smile. “After all, we’re your family too.” Her voice ran like syrup, but unlike syrup, there was nothing sweet about it—it was all bitter.
    Elle hated the smug look on her face. She was obviously thrilled that her dad wouldn’t be there to see her tonight. She swallowed back the disappointment and met Sera’s eyes full on. “While I may not be able to remember everything, I do know that my father loves me. That much I do remember.”
    Sera let out a nervous chuckle before reaching up to push a loose strand of hair back into her severe bun. “Well, of course he does, dear. What a silly thing to say. Now getting back to your chores.”
    “Josselyn’s chores. I did my chores.”
    “Don’t you get uppity with me, young lady.”
    Elle blew out a breath. Had things always been this difficult with Sera? “I’m not trying to argue with you, Sera. Why don’t you ask Josselyn? We were both standing right here when you gave us the assignments yesterday.”
    “Very well, if you insist.” She craned her neck and yelled, “Joss, get in here.”
    A moment later, Josselyn stepped into the room. “Yes, Mother. What is it?”
    “Elle keeps insisting that I gave you the assignment to clean the bathrooms yesterday.”
    Josselyn’s eyes went wide. “What?”
    “You were standing right beside me when she gave you the assignment.” Elle’s face was growing hotter by the minute.
    Josselyn was a picture of innocence. “No, she assigned the bathrooms to you. She told me to unload the dishwasher, take out the garbage, and dust the bookshelves. And that’s exactly what I did.”
    “What!” She wanted to rip Josselyn’s head off. “How could you stand there and tell a boldfaced lie! You didn’t do all of those things. I did!”
    “Elle, why are you saying all of these mean things? You weren’t feeling well, so you lay around all day yesterday.”
    “I did my chores first, and you know it!” She glared at Josselyn, daring her to disagree.
    Tears sprang to Josselyn’s eyes. “Look how she treats me, Mother. She’s always so mean.”
    Elle saw red. “I’m being mean? You’re the one that’s standing here lying!”
    “Enough!” Sera boomed. “That will be enough from you, young lady!” She pointed at Elle. “I’m going to tell you what you’re going to do. You’re going to clean all three bathrooms and mop. And you’re going to do a thorough job! Furthermore, you are to pull all of the dead flowers from the beds in the front yard. If it’s not done by the time we get back from shopping, then you won’t go to the game tonight—homecoming attendant or not! Do you understand?”
    She was trapped. Trapped in her own house by this horrible woman and her lying daughter. No wonder she’d lost her memory. She’d probably chosen to block it all out because it was too terrible to contemplate.
    “Answer me when I’m talking to you!” Sera demanded.
    Elle looked at Josselyn who wouldn’t meet her glare. “You win. I’ll do your stupid chores.”
    “Mother!” Josselyn wailed. “She’s taunting me.”
    Sera placed a hand on Josselyn’s arm. “Never mind her, dear. It’s just noise.” Her eyes met Elle’s. “Insignificant and useless noise.”
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    “ S tupid flowers ! Stupid yard!” Elle plunged the spade into the earth, attacking the dead flowers and yanking them out. It felt good to vent her frustration, even if it was only at the beds. The more she thought about Sera and Josselyn, the madder she got. How could her father possibly be happy with that insufferable woman? Being around Sera made her wonder