When I got back home, the house was so quiet.
I went straight into my room and closed the door.
Margaret had put a piece of chocolate cake on my drawer.
I smiled to myself but then noticed that there was an envelope next to the cake.
I grabbed the envelope and opened it.
Dear Ashley,
I forgive your recent bad behaviors.
I canceled the shopping today.
Hope you come with me tomorrow.
Your stepmom,
Viola.
Bad behavior?!
I crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it on the ground.
I lied on my bed and took a bite of my cake and put on my headphones.
As the music flowed through my ears, the memory of last night stirred in my mind.
I couldn’t stop thinking about that stranger…
My eyelids drooped and I went into a fast sleep.
-- - -
“Don’t you wanna wake up, sweety?”
I slowly opened my eyes and stared at my dad who was stroking my head.
“Dad? When did you get home? I missed you!!” I murmured.
“I know sweety…. I know…” he said.
“What time is it?” I asked and sat upright.
“Around eight.” He said.
“Oh god… I didn’t even eat lunch!!!” I said and stood up.
“It’s okay sweety… it’s dinner time. Change your clothes and come down for dinner. We’re waiting for you.” he said and left the room with a smile.
I put on a plaid dark blue dress with matching headband, letting my hair fall on my shoulders and headed to the dining room.
Viola was sitting in front of my dad, on the other side of the table, wearing a sleeveless white blouse and a pearl necklace.
James was sitting in the middle of the table, wearing that same white t-shirt.
George pulled out a chair for me… I had to sit in front of James.
I cursed and sat.
My dad watched me from behind half closed eyelids and cleared his throat.
I looked at him confusingly.
“Don’t you wanna say hi to your mom, Ashley?” he said gently.
I clenched my fists.
“She’s….” my voice trailed off when I saw the look on my father’s face.
I bit my lower lip in anger and closed my eyes.
“Hello ma’am.” I said as politely as I could.
A wicked smile planted on her lips.
“Hello, sweety.” She said.
I rolled my eyes.
“Say hi to your sister, James.” Viola said.
I glanced at him.
He looked as angry as I was.
“Hi…” he said.
I smirked at him.
He made a face.
My dad and Viola exchanged a meaningful look.
“Dinner, please.” My dad said to George.
George nodded and clapped his hands.
Margaret and a bunch of other servants brought our dishes.
Nobody say anything until the desserts.
“So… James… found any friends?” my dad asked.
“Nope… not yet…” he said.
“Maybe Ashley can help you find some.” My dad said and looked at me with a smile.
I glared at him.
“I’m sure he can find some himself, dad…. He’s not a toddler.” I snapped at him.
I saw Margaret smirked from the corner of my eye.
James stared at me.
“Ahley!!” my dad kinda warned me.
Viola smiled and glared at me.
“She’s right… I can find myself some friends.” James said.
“Sure you can!!” I snapped at him.
My dad sighed loudly and shook his head.
After the dinner, I went into my room and turned on the TV.
Someone knocked the door.
“Ashley?”
“Come in dad.” I said and turned the TV off.
He came in and stood next to my bed.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I want you to go shopping with your mom, tomorrow. She told me what you did today and I expect you to act more mature. You’re not a 16 or 15 year old girl anymore, Ashley. You’re 19. Stop being so stubborn and give her a chance to get closer to you. she loves you, Ashley.”
“How can you be so sure, dad? That woman hates me!!” I said through clenched teeth.
“She doesn’t!! just give her a chance, please… for me?” he said softly.
“Fine.” I said quietly.
“That’s my girl. Good night sweety.” He said and kissed my cheek and left the room.
Who knows? Maybe he was right…

Notes

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