Chapter 2
1393 Words
Audrey
"That's it. The jewelry I was looking for. I knew she was the one that took it," Sierra steps forward and claims the green diamond necklace.
"I swear, I did not take it," I vehemently said.
"How else are you going to explain this? Or are you trying to call my daughter a liar?" My stepmother disproved. "What else do you want us to believe when the evidence is right here!" She barked.
I went down on my knees instantly, turning to my last hope.
"Dad please, you have to believe me. I have no idea how that necklace got into my bag. I swear on my life," I begged my father, he was the only one who could save me from the wicked hands of my stepmother but he turned his back on me.
"You shouldn't have taken what doesn't belong to you, Audrey. Did you even think of the consequences before stealing from your sister? If not for one thing, I would have kicked you out of this house. Now I see why your mother complains of your bad influence on Sierra," he growled and left the room.
Once he was gone, my stepmother pulled me by my hair and slapped my cheek hard, leaving a visible scratch from her nails.
"What a sick b***h. Do you think daddy will listen to you when he has me? Next time when you see something shiny, you run away from it," Sierra snickered. It was obvious that she plotted the whole thing.
And having her mother's support, she was able to pull it off.
"I won't warn you again, slut. Don't mess with my daughter's future and remain invisible because nobody wants you. I hope you enjoy your time in this disgusting abode of yours," my stepmother muttered before she and Sierra walked out of my room.
She locked the door, trapping me inside my room like she always does.
"Please, don't do this to me. Let me out. Please, don't leave me," I cried banging on the door as they cackled evily on the other side.
I slide down to the floor, buckling my knees together as hot tears run down my cheeks.
"Mom, why did you leave me in this cruel world? I can't stand this wickedness anymore. How long do I have to suffer like this?" I cried even though I knew my voice only stopped at the ceiling.
My mother died when I was six years old. She was a leukemia patient and before we found out about it, it was too late.
Two weeks later, my father brought in my stepmother and Sierra. As a child I never understood his actions and thought it was for my good until I became a teenager.
I tried to be nice to Sierra but she kept on taking the things I loved until I had nothing left. My stepmother started to change my father's mindset about me and before I knew it,I became the pathetic dirty daughter of the Smith family.
Long story short, my father took their side and made my life hellish.
I started to count my fingers, a habit I did whenever I was nervous. Let on, I drafted to sleep, hungry and exhausted from everything that happened.
But my sleep was cut short when I heard the screeching sounds of cars pulling up on the driveway. I drowsily walked over to the window, curious of the sudden noise.
A group of men in black, stormed into the house, and the sound of things breaking and screaming could be heard. I began to panic even though I wasn't present at the scene.
My head began to think of different possibilities of being the reason. After ten minutes, I heard the sound of slamming car doors, followed by revving engines that disappeared after a short while.
All I could think of was my safety. Whoever those men were, my guts could tell that they are bad news.
It didn't take two minutes for the door of my room to be slammed open. My stepmother stood in front of my room, heaving furiously, with a hint of fear in her eyes.
Her vibrant skin was suddenly pale like she had witnessed the worst murder case ever.
"Audrey, go downstairs and meet your father now!" She ordered, her voice unstable and low.
I quickly rushed down to the living room uncertain of what to think of. Whether something tragic or not happened, I had no idea of how to feel.
On getting to the living room, I found everywhere in a mess. Everything in the room was broken and disheveled like a perfect burglary scene.
My father was seated at a corner, his hands trembling on his lap while Sierra comforted him.
I was far more confused and unable to inquire about the situation because deep down, I felt glad.
Maybe, I am a sadist because seeing these people suffer made me feel relieved.
"Don't just stand there! Come help Dad!" Sierra yelled at me but my feet remained glued to the ground.
"There is no need for her to do such. Your care is enough for me," my father said cutting me straight in the heart with his words.
My stepmother joined them later, making them a complete family with me cast aside.
"Audrey, I called you out because there is something important you must do to make yourself useful in our family," my father started while Sierra clued to her mother like a frightened kitten.
"As you know, your sister's reputation as an aspiring model has to be clean. That means her name and identity must be protected. In order to clear and protect our family, you have to spend a night with Mr. Roderick. We have settled amongst us that you will go in place of your sister. This is the best for all of us," he said and I scoffed, blinking back the tears that formed in my eyes.
He dared to say such a thing to his own biological daughter. I must have been stupid to think that one day he would secretly care about me. But he was completely brainwashed by the evil witch beside him.
"Dad, how can you say such a thing to your own daughter? Do I mean nothing to you? What about my reputation? Is less worthy of this so-called liar who isn't even your blood?" I questioned him as my heart burned with hate and anger.
"Watch your words, Audrey! Your father is only giving you a chance to prove yourself useful. If not for him, you would have been kicked out of this house!" My stepmother yelled.
I puffed air from my mouth, frustrated by the situation.
"I'd rather be an orphan than to have a father like him! " I spat out in anger.
"You ingrate! Do you think that you can say whatever you want because you can? It is time you pay for everything we have done for you starting from the roof under your head, the food, the fees we spent on you and the clothes you wear. Once you clear all of these, then we can let you go on as an orphan," my stepmother snapped. I could see the burning fury in her eyes, ready to dispose of me as soon as possible.
"What makes me so different from your daughter? She is nothing special but a sick lying little brat. I am done with all of and no one is going to take anybody's place." I declared.
"If that is the case then your father and I have no other choice but to use the other means. You have refused to be sensible but don't worry, we can always make you a perfect daughter who can satisfy our needs. Guards, seize her and have her locked up until I say otherwise," my stepmother ordered her private bodyguards to take me away.
"Let me go! Don't touch me!" I struggled but they were too strong for me to handle.
After my tireless effort to break free, I ended up being locked up in my room again. I hurriedly went to my window, and looked down to the ground with a heavy thought on my mind.
"Can I jump this? Will I be able to come out alive if I choose this option?"
- Writer
