Taking a deep breath, Gwenda turned from the door, wanting to ignore her unexpected visitor. But the doorbell rang incessantly, followed by her phone; the dual ringing gave Gwenda a massive headache. Gripping her phone tighter, she spun around and threw the door open, yelling, "Are you done or not?"

Pauline, the mysterious visitor, was shocked by her stepdaughter's attitude. Quickly adopting a concerned expression, she said, "Oh, did I wake you, Gwenda? I tried calling, but you didn't answer, and I was afraid you didn't want to see me, so"

"So why are you still here if you knew I didn't want to see you?" Gwenda interrupted impatiently.

Pauline's smile faltered. She hadn't expected such disrespect. "Gwenda, you haven't come home in two months. I was worried about you"

"There's nothing about me worth worrying about. I'm fine. Please go."

Gwenda started to close the door, but Pauline stopped her.

"Gwenda, we're a family. Please don't sulk. I came to tell you something."

Gwenda knew her stepmother wouldn't give up easily. She took a deep breath and released the door. "Fine, come in."

With no resistance, the door swung open, nearly knocking Pauline over. Forcing down her anger, Pauline straightened her clothes and entered the apartment.

Gwenda went straight to the sofa, crossed her arms, and sat down. Staring coldly at Pauline, she said, "Say whatever you came to say."

"Gwenda, how have you been these past two months?" Pauline continued her act of concerned motherhood.

Pauline's presence grated on Gwenda. Frowning, she said irritably, "What the hell are you trying to say? It's just the two of us; aren't you tired of pretending?"

Her act exposed, Pauline struggled to maintain her composure. With a stiff smile, she said, "I was just worried about you. Your dad is too. He talks about you constantly and wants you home soon."

"Wants me home soon?" Gwenda sneered sarcastically. "I think he wants me never to come home! Shouldn't an 'unfilial child' like me be kept as far away from the family as possible? Besides, even if you aren't revolted by my presence, wouldn't Gretchen be grossed out?"

Stunned, Pauline's anger showed. "How could you think that way, Gwenda? I've always treated you like my own daughter. You know how much I love you."

"Yes, you love me," Gwenda said, cocking an eyebrow and staring frigidly. "Ever since you married into the family, you've given me everything and let me have my way. When I fought with my schoolmates, you praised me; when I wanted to skip school, you helped me. Even when I fought with Gretchen, you took my side. Everyone said what a great stepmother you are"

Pauline felt a surge of pride, but Gwenda's words took a sharp, bitter turn. "But it's precisely because of you that everyone hates me! I picked fights and skipped school; I have no friends because they see me as a bully, and the teachers hate me. Even my own father thinks I'm beyond saving!"

"It's not" Pauline began, wanting to explain, but Gwenda cut her off harshly. "Enough! Drop the act. Do you really think you're a qualified mother?"