Rewriting Tomorrow

The winter break was just around the corner, and my parents had booked us a luxurious cruise. My roommate, Chloe, burst into tears the moment she heard, calling my mom.

Godmother, have you forgotten you have another daughter?

After my mom politely refused, Chloe started crying and throwing a fit in our dorm room.

How can there be such biased parents in the world? Were both their daughters, why treat me differently?

I was stunned. Shed only stayed at my place for a while, and now she genuinely thought she was my parents' biological child.

Phoebe, are you really planning to go on vacation with your parents and just leave me alone at home?

Her question completely bewildered me.

Arent you going back to your own home for the break? Youre not actually planning to come to my house, are you?

Chloes family lived in another state, so she usually stayed in the dorms on weekends. Fearing she might get bored alone, Id invited her to my place once. The moment she stepped inside, she exclaimed, Phoebe, Ive never lived in such a big, comfortable house! Can I stay here forever?

Out of politeness, Id casually said, Sure, you can.

From then on, every weekend, Chloe would come and stay at my house. My mom knew she was my roommate and always made sure there was plenty of good food whenever she visited. Chloe was also quite sensible, helping with chores like mopping floors and wiping tables. My dad would always try to stop her when he saw her working.

Chloe, you dont need to do any of this. Go watch TV with Phoebe.

Its alright, Uncle. I do these things often at home.

Look at Chloe, such a well-behaved child. If only you were my daughter too, Id have two little darlings.

I never expected that one joke would lead Chloe to take it so seriously.

Why dont I call you my godparents? Then Phoebe and I would be like sisters. Im older than Phoebe, so Id be the big sister.

Godparents, Ill take care of you both with Phoebe from now on!

My mom looked awkward. Uncle and Auntie know you have a good heart, but we dont really do godparents in our family.

Chloe seemed not to hear, continuing to call them Godmother and Godfather. My mom tried to correct her, but my dad secretly whispered, Let her call us whatever she wants. Dont make the child feel embarrassed.

It continued until winter break. I thought we could finally enjoy some family time, just the three of us. I never expected her to want to come to my house again!

Chloe looked at me pitifully. Phoebe, I couldnt get a train ticket home, so I guess Ill have to stay at your place this winter break.

Im your big sister, you wouldnt really turn me away from home, would you?

I was already annoyed. Chloe, I dont care if you call us sisters. But this winter break, our family of three is going on a trip, and there wont be anyone home.

And its almost the holidays, wouldnt your family mind if you didnt go home?

In my heart, I only have this one home. Whether I go back to that other house or not doesnt really matter. Since you three are going on a trip, I guess Ill just stay at home by myself.

I almost doubted my ears. Did I hear that right? Youre planning to stay at my house all by yourself for the entire winter break?

Yes, is that not allowed?

Absolutely not! I refused outright. Im sorry, but its not convenient to let you stay in my house alone. Youll have to find a way to buy a ticket and go back to your own home.

Chloe didnt say anything else, and I assumed shed accepted it. But on the day we were leaving for break, when my parents drove to pick me up, Chloe showed up with her luggage.

My parents and I stared at her, dumbfounded. She stood before us, looking a little flustered.

Godparents, can I come home with you?

I know youre going on a trip, but you dont have to worry about me. Ill be good staying at home alone!

I can help you watch the house, and help with cleaning!

My parents only gave me enough money for a cheap train ticket, and theyre so hard to get. I couldnt get one to go home.

Everyones gone home for the holidays, even the dorm supervisor. Im really scared to stay in the dorms by myself.

She started tearing up as she spoke. My dads heart softened, and he opened the car door.

Get in.

Chloe immediately beamed, picking up her luggage and climbing into the car. I was pretty unhappy, feeling she was far too comfortable, but knowing wed be roommates for another three and a half years of college, I decided not to make a scene.

Back home, Chloe put down her luggage and immediately went to the kitchen to help wash vegetables. Godparents, youve worked so hard. Let me make dinner tonight.

She was always so sensible, voluntarily taking on chores, and even offering to massage my parents shoulders. My dad always liked to compare me to her. Look at Chloe, if only you were half as sensible as her, wed be content!

But in reality, every time Chloe offered to help, my parents would never let her. After all, she was a guest, and how could we make a guest do work? Sure enough, as soon as Chloe put the vegetables in the sink, my mom pushed her out of the kitchen.

Go watch TV. Let Phoebe help me with the vegetables.

I rolled up my sleeves and went into the kitchen. Mom, Chloe has offered to cook for us so many times, but Ive never actually eaten her cooking. Todays a good chance for her to show off her skills. You go rest.

I pushed my mom out of the kitchen, then beckoned to Chloe. What are you waiting for? Start cooking.

Chloe reluctantly tied on an apron. She actually managed to whip up four dishes, all of which my parents loved. My parents were even more fond of her after that.

Chloe, I cant believe youre only eighteen and you cook so well. My Phoebe can only wash vegetables; she cant even steam rice.

If Godmother likes it, Ill cook for you every day. After saying that, she shot me a triumphant glance.

Phoebe, you should learn from Chloe. When were not home, you just order takeout, which isnt healthy.

Its okay, Godfather. I can cook for Phoebe from now on.

Oh, and are you leaving for your trip tomorrow? Im so envious of Phoebe, getting to travel every break. The furthest Ive ever been is from home to school.

My dad looked a little pained hearing that, and he turned to my mom. How about we let Chloe come with us?

Before my mom could even speak, Chloe was already excitedly tearing up. Thank you, Godfather, can I really go?

Then she looked at my mom expectantly. My moms lips parted, and she finally said, Ill ask the travel agency if theres still room.

A moment later, my mom said, Im sorry, Chloe, but the travel agency says theyre fully booked. Theres no way to add another person. Next time, well go together another time if we get the chance.

Disappointment flashed in Chloes eyes, but she could only nod and say okay.

After dinner, Chloe followed me into my bedroom. She suddenly said in a chilling voice, You should have told me earlier that you were going on a trip. If you had, Godparents could have taken me too.

I couldnt be bothered to respond, and just grabbed my change of clothes and headed to the bathroom to shower. When I came out after my shower, I suddenly slipped and fell at the bathroom door. I clutched my leg, sweating from the pain. Who moved the non-slip mat from the doorway? Why is there shower gel all over the floor? No wonder its so slippery!

My mom helped me up, asking Chloe, Did you move the non-slip mat? And spill shower gel everywhere?

Chloe looked remorseful. Oh, I accidentally spilled some shower gel earlier, and I thought Id take the mat to scrub it clean. But before I could finish, Phoebe came out. I really didnt mean to. She looked on the verge of tears. Phoebe, are you okay? Im so sorry.

My dad helped me up. We need to go to the hospital. Our daughter took a bad fall.

The whole family went to the emergency room with me. After a thorough check-up, thankfully, no bones were broken. But my ankle and knee were swollen like balloons, and I needed help to walk. Chloe said worriedly, Phoebe fell so badly, she definitely cant go on the trip tomorrow. Its all my fault. Will the tour fees we paid be wasted?

Godmother, can the tour fees be refunded? What if they cant? Its so much money, it would be such a waste for no one to go.

I couldnt go, so shed just slot right in. Chloes hints were quite obvious, but my parents just didnt take the bait.

Then none of us will go. Well stay home and take care of Phoebe.

Chloe was a bit displeased, but she quickly composed herself. Godparents, you go ahead and enjoy your trip. Ill take care of Phoebe.

I also said, Yes, Mom and Dad, you go have fun. Chloe and I will be more comfortable at home anyway.

My parents, persuaded by me, ultimately decided to go on the trip. Only Chloe and I were left at home.

You deliberately caused me to slip yesterday, didnt you? It wasnt a question; it was an accusation.

Oh, I really didnt mean to. Why would you think such bad things about me? Godparents didnt even blame me, why are you still dwelling on yesterday?

She opened the fridge and unceremoniously took out some durian and cherries, beginning to eat.

Order some takeout quickly, Im starving. Order plenty, Ive invited my friends over. There are five of them, and they eat a lot, so dont be stingy and make them laugh.

Your friends are coming to my house?

Yes, this is my house too. Cant I invite my friends over to play?

I was about to explode with anger. No, you should at least ask me before inviting your friends over! This is my house. Youre just my roommate. You really think this is your own home!

Chloe stood up abruptly. How is this not my home? Ive adopted godparents, so this is my home!

Godparents told me to treat this as my own home. They like me very much. Youre the only one who treats me like an outsider!

Chloe, are you really so oblivious to polite language?

Alright, thats enough. My friends will be here soon. I dont want to argue with you. If you dont want to stay, you can leave.

This is my home, why should I leave!

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Chloe immediately went to open it. Oh, youre finally here! I was just about to order takeout. What do you guys want to eat?

I want steak!

I want Japanese food!

There were five girls, some from other departments, and others she knew from a part-time job. Chloe simply grabbed my phone, opened the takeout app, and started choosing.

Chloe, thats my phone!

I know, darling. Oh, my sweet little sister, my friends are here. Dont you think you should be a good host and treat them to something nice?

I held out my hand. Your own friends, you entertain them yourself. Give me back my phone!

It wont cost you much. Dont be so stingy.

I couldnt walk properly, so I couldnt snatch it back from her. Chloe held my phone and ordered for a long time, then threw it back to me. Thanks, little sister.