Destined Mate

CHAPTER FIVE

Emily’s POV

“How are you feeling today?” Mother asked me, her eyes scanning my body like a cat that was about to pounce on an unsuspecting mouse.

She didn't seem concerned, it was obvious from the lack of interest in her voice, but I didn’t know if she was being put to the test for being a good mother or had something because I had no idea about what was going on.

What was missing?

“Fine, Mother” I kept my reply curt, my eyes were fixed on my feet.

There were times I received unending slaps for looking her in the eyes and there were also times I received slaps for not doing that - it all depended on her mood, you see. Right now, I can't decide which one she was in.

When I dared look at her, she looked as if she wanted to slap someone. Or at least punch someone. Her face was so red I thought she could start burning the house down.

It wasn't rare she was mad at anyone and especially not at me. And this wasn’t just anger at me either. This was fury.

I swallowed.

“Go back to whatever you were doing” Her dismissal brought me joy even when her tone was icy.

I hurried away from her presence, as soon as I could manage, without looking suspiciously like I was fleeing from danger. I took quick strides through the hallway, trying not to trip and bump into anyone- I meant Father and Avery.

“I am so excited about the dance”. I heard Avery squeal from the living room. I was currently there and was cleaning up the mess she created after breakfast. I sighed inwardly at the memory of the food I had to endure that morning and continued my job.

“No way!” one of her friends spoke up and from the deep voice you could tell it was Laurene or was it Laura? I couldn't really tell.

“I would rather die than participate in a dance!”

“Oh come on Laura, it will be fun!”

“Yes it will, but why?” There was a hint of sarcasm in the girl's words, and I stopped my work to listen in.

“We'll he's taking me” Avery announced with so much pride that I fought the urge to roll my eyes, knowing that she was talking about that dumb boy that had made her cry a million times over the last two weeks.

“You two broke up, no?” Laura- Laurene seemed confused.

“We are back together, isn't it perfect?” I was sure Avery had stars and sparks falling from her eyes.

“It's the perfect chance to get away from him. He doesn't want anything more than our friendship anymore” Lauren’s tone implied it was obvious that we had already discussed this.

I snorted internally. Yeah, that definitely sounded like Avery and her stupid obsession with getting away from that jerk. I don't think she was ever going to leave him.

“Why are you still here? You are supposed to pick up my dress at Mrs. Demarcus” Avery turned to me as if discovering that I was an alien who wasn't supposed to be listening to her love life.

She gave me that look where she expected me to have an answer ready.

My lips twitched, it was the best thing in the world when Avery got riled up, she always ended up acting like a child instead of a grown woman. “Mother said I had to do this first.”

“Fine” she snorted. “Let's go to my room then” Avery spoke to her friend, who hurriedly joined her.

I saw the look of disgust in their eyes and looking down at myself, I honestly wouldn't judge them for giving me such scornful looks.

Apart from the fact that my face was still looking like I had been run over by a giant truck, my skirt was shabby and torn at the end of its length. My blouse was wrinkled and I knew that my shirt would only take a few more attempts to get decent until it came out completely dirty and wrinkled.

My skin was pale. I had dark circles under my eyes. The bruises covering half of my neck weren’t visible due to my black sweater.

I tried to make do with what Avery and Mother always left me whenever they changed their wardrobes, which was done whenever they pleased. Sometimes they'd burn their old clothes on purpose and I'd be left to scavenge for the clothes that survived the flames.

So yeah, I didn't expect much.

I took the journey to Mrs. Demarcus's store just like Avery had commanded and I ignored the stares I got as I whimpered slightly with every step.

I had seen and felt worse,

I had grown used to the stares, whispers.

and glares that came my way and I learned to ignore them. I had also grown to learn that people thought it was safer to avoid me and I couldn't blame them.

No one wanted any trouble.

I focused on the weather, it helped me stay sane in that crazy place they called life.

I arrived there a while later after taking a walk. Mrs. Lukas was waiting patiently, her hand was resting against the door frame. She opened the door and I entered as quickly as I could without attracting attention.

Mrs. Demarcus closed the door behind us and we started walking down the aisle of dresses, each of them looking beautiful as they stretched in front of my eyes.

“Do you want help picking one for yourself?” It was the first time I had heard Mrs. Demarcus spoke.

“No, I am here to get Mother and Avery’s” I answered politely and smiled, although I was pretty sure she didn't see that through all those layers of clothing.

“Of course,” her lips pursed tightly in a thin line before she resumed her silence.

After a long period of silence, we arrived at the dresses that Mrs. Demarcus quickly put it in a bag for me to take.

I thanked her and headed to the door.

The streets were filled with chatter and excitement that I couldn't relate to. People were laughing and joking with each other while shopping, while couples were hugging or holding hands. Everyone looked content. I felt like I was intruding.

Like a ghost.

As always, I was left standing alone, staring at everything, the air was heavy with memories that I couldn't remember, thoughts that wouldn’t be voiced. But the feeling was there as I stood there, I felt numb.

I felt empty, cold. I felt dead inside.

Like I wasn't allowed to be happy.