Holiday Roommates

Chapter One* Then I heard the car horn blaring from downstairs. I rushed to the window and peeked through the blinds. It was honking loudly — for me. I let out a slow sigh. Of course. My ride had arrived. It was just eight days until Christmas — a season that used to bring me joy, warmth, and a sense of belonging. But this year? It was going to be the worst ever. I’d been told I'd be spending it with my father. The billionaire creep. Arrogant, heartless, cold. It had taken me seventeen years to finally see him for what he was — someone who had never truly cared about me as a daughter. The sound of the car horn dragged me back to reality. I grabbed my bag and rushed down the stairs, already bracing myself for more disappointment. And there she was — my mother, Lilian. Equally cruel in her own detached way. Standing next to her, as smug as ever, was her latest boyfriend, Nathan. He looked... weird. “Eww,” I whispered under my breath, barely hiding my disgust. "Finally, Alisa!" my mum said in that fake, sugary tone that grated on my nerves. "Get into the car, baby girl. You’ll be spending time with your dearest father." I rolled my eyes and slipped into the backseat. *Dearest father*? Please. That man would never be a father to me. Not in this life. I hissed quietly to myself. *Mtcheeeew.* As the engine started, Nathan turned slightly, trying to make conversation. “So, how are you doing, Alisa? Your mum has been very sweet to me. And you... you’ve grown so beautifully. Just like her.” I stared blankly at him, already regretting listening. He chuckled awkwardly, then added, “If I weren’t older, I might have gone for the younger version — I mean you — instead of your mum.” Before the awkwardness could get worse, Lilian shot him a deadly glare that shut him right up. “Sorry, didn’t mean it like that, honey,” Nathan stuttered. I couldn’t help it — I burst into laughter. At least Mum still had that fierce energy. One of the only things I admired about her. If I had to admit it, maybe I got that from her too. We finally pulled up in front of the mansion — my father's mansion. Mr. Albert. I never even bothered to remember his surname. He was just Mr. Albert to me. Rich, polished, well-connected… and a complete failure as a parent Ah yes, *the agreement*. Whatever arrangement these two made behind closed doors — whether for money, image, or guilt — I was the pawn in the middle. A teenage girl passed between two selfish adults playing house with no real intention of parenting. And so, it began — my Christmas holiday with a man I didn’t know, didn’t like, and couldn’t trust. And a mother who was more interested in her image than my wellbeing. But what choice did I have? None. At least not yet. Chapter Two* “Maids!” shouted Mr. Albert. “Move the bags to Elisa’s room now. Prepare lunch for the guests.” He didn’t even glance at her. Just gave orders like a general. “So… about the agreement,” Lilian said, her voice tight. “I know Elisa is spending Christmas here, so I’ve sent twelve million dollars to your account.” “What?” she blinked, trying to hide her shock. “You… did? How come I didn’t realize?” “Maybe because you were too busy with your asshole boyfriend,” Elisa muttered under her breath, just loud enough for herself. Mr. Albert didn’t flinch. He turned toward Lilian with that same icy calmness. “You can leave now—with your boyfriend. The deed is done,” he said, final like a closing door. “Okay, okay, I’ll leave. No need to rush me,” Lilian said, rolling her eyes and adjusting her bag. “I’m leaving anyway.” She turned to Elisa, giving a little forced smile. “Be a good girl, Elisa. Mama’s coming back after Christmas.” Then she left, fast—like someone who had just won a jackpot and wanted to disappear before anyone changed their mind. Elisa stood there, arms folded. “Please, Dad. You don’t have to act fatherly toward me now. After Christmas, I’ll be out of your hair.” He barely reacted. Maybe he wasn’t listening. Or maybe he didn’t care. “So… where’s my room?” she asked, already exhausted by this whole reunion. “Maids, lead her to her room. Now,” Mr. Albert commanded. Finally—freedom. At least for now. Elisa just needed her space, far from both of them. The maids led her through the mansion, their footsteps echoing along the marble floors. The halls were grand, the walls lined with expensive art. Everything smelled like money. But money didn’t impress her. Then the door opened, and her jaw dropped. The room was huge—elegant chandeliers, velvet curtains, a four-poster bed, and a window view that looked like something out of a movie. “Wow… this is queen treatment, not princess,” she said, spinning slowly. “I love this.” For a brief moment, a real smile touched her lips. “I should have come here a long time ago,” she muttered. But just as quickly as it came, the smile faded. She walked to the window and stared out into the distance. Her chest tightened. Memories had a cruel way of showing up uninvited. She remembered last year—Christmas with Mike, her ex. Their late-night talks, silly inside jokes, the warmth of his hand holding hers. For a while, it felt perfect. She had actually believed he was *the one*. But that chapter closed faster than it began. She sighed. Even though she told herself she was over it, part of her still hurt. A single tear slipped down her cheek. She wiped it off quickly as a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. “Miss Elisa?” a maid’s voice came gently. “May I come in?” “Sure,” she said, clearing her throat. The door opened, and a young maid stepped in. “Ma, I came to ask what you’d like for dinner.” Elisa blinked. “Wait… I get to *choose*?” “Yes, ma. This is Mr. Albert’s mansion after all. And you’re his daughter,” the maid said with a respectful nod. Elisa chuckled. “Well, if you put it like that… I want jollof rice, fried chicken, and *dodo*. That’s plantain—just so the chef doesn’t mess it up.” The maid smiled. “Understood, ma. Please freshen up while the meal is prepared.” “Alright. You can go now,” Elisa said. Then paused. “Actually… I have something to tell you.” The maid turned back. “Yes, ma?” Elisa hesitated, then shook her head. “Never mind. It’s nothing. I just… thank you.” The maid gave a small bow and exited quietly. Elisa walked to the bed and sat on the edge. The mattress hugged her softly. The pillows were perfectly arranged, the sheets crisp and cool to the touch. She lay back and stared at the ceiling. It felt strange. This mansion, this comfort, this sudden shift in her life—it didn’t feel like hers. It felt like stepping into a movie where she didn’t know the plot. What did they want from her? Her mother traded her off like a pawn for money, and her father, now pretending to be present, was more interested in his image than her life. She didn’t trust either of them. But she knew one thing: this Christmas might be the worst—or it might be the one that changed everything. Either way, she was here now. And she would survive it. Just like she always did.