Distance Between Us

“It’s mine “ Ariel yelled loud enough to attract the attention of her mother . “No , it’s mine “ Gianni couldn’t take it anymore so she starts crying and yelling . “What’s wrong Ariel” her mother asked , bending down to carry her into her bosom . “Mommy , Ariel wants my toy when she has hers “ Gianni said but janet ;their mother paid no attention to her but instead took the little doll and gave it to Ariel . “Come on now baby don’t cry anymore okay ?” She cooed at Ariel with noting but love in her eyes. “But mommy it’s mine “ Gianni cried out . “Shut up you little wench , don’t you know you are older ? You should make sacrifices for your little sister and not take from her “. With that , she took Ariel inside and left Gianni outside. She stood outside watching the woman she called mom turn her back on her and she wished that she could experience just a little love . ******************************************* 10Years passed and Janet’s attitude didn’t change towards Gianni. She was stripped off her right as the first daughter of the Jellal family , with each passing day ; all she wished for was a little love . It’s her birthday today and the only person who remembers is her Nanny . “Happy birthday to you , happy birthday dear Gia , happy birthday to you “ she sang joyfully to her room with a little cupcake . It had always been a little tradition since she was a little girl . “Thank you nanny “ she smiled as soon as the door opened to her nanny holding a little cupcake on her left hand and a gift bag on her right ; she’d always given her presents to mark each year . This year for her eighteenth birthday she got her necklace with a little locket pendant and inside the pendant was their family portrait and a picture of her beloved nanny . Gianni smiled as she opened her present she couldn’t help but cry ;”thank you nanny “ she hugged her . “Oh dear child , it’s your birthday you don’t have to cry okay ? Now make a wish and blow out your candle “ she replied. Gianni nodded and proceeded to make a wish , she wished she found happiness. She’d stopped wishing for her parents love a long time ago , she finally accepted her fate . She blew out her candle and her nanny clapped and danced with her . “I have to leave now my dear , and remember don’t ever take off your necklace okay ? “ “Yes nanny I won’t “ “Okay then see you at breakfast “ she hurriedly left the room . ***************************** “Gia “ she heard her mom calling but refused to answer . “Gia” the door opened and her mom walked in .” I’ve been calling you , didn’t you hear me ?” She asked . “Sorry mom I didn’t hear you , what do you want me to do for you ?” She answered nonchalantly. “It’s your sisters graduation today , and we are having a party to celebrate her , so I need you to run some errands “ “But mom , it’s....” “No buts missy , the list is on the dresser, the chauffeur will take you to the mall , and I want you to get everything on that list understood ?” She left before she could get an answer . “It’s my birthday” she said with a sad face . She took a deep breath, got dressed and left for the mall with a smile on her face , it’s her day and she wasn’t gonna let anything ruin it . “Happy birthday ma’am “ the chauffeur greeted with his head bowed “ thank you , shall we ?” She replied with a smile . ******************************* “Honey , what color dress do you want “ “I want a black dress “ Ariel replied . Her mom was helping her choose a dress for her party . “Honey , don’t you think pink is better ? It matches your skin tone” “Okay mom” she replied. She wasn’t happy about the choice but she had to be a good girl if she wanted to have everything to her self . - just a few more years - she thought to herself and smiled . Just then Gianni walked into the room . “Mom I’m back from the mall “ she said and then turned to her sister to compliment her beauty . “You look amazing Ariel” she said with all smiles . “Thank you sis “ “Congrats , I’m so happy for you , have a wonderful party okay ?” “Okay “ she smiled . Gia turned to leave when she heard her sister call out to her . “Happy birthday sister”. Ariel said . -she remembers- she couldn’t help but smile as she said “thank you sis “ she gave a slight bow to her mother before leaving . She still had her sisters love and that was enough for her . ************************************ It was time for the party , the dining area was filled to the brim with people from her fathers company and friends from school . Gia looked at the crowd and wondered when she’d get this kind of party . “Gia honey” her nanny called from behind her . “Yes nanny “ “Don’t feel bad okay ? It’s your birthday after all , so it’s also your party “ she said with a smile . “Yes nanny “ she smiled back and snuggled her nanny for a hug . “Thank you “ she said still in her nannies embrace . “For what dear “ “For being my mother , I’ll never forget you nanny , never “ she smiled through the tears in her eyes . “Oh my dear child , I’ll never forget you too “ they Both laughed . “Come on now , nanny got some work to do , take care of yourself and enjoy the party okay ?” “Okay nanny “ she smiled and went downstairs while her nanny watched -such a lovely child , wish she was mine - . “Attention everyone “ the mic boomed as mr Jellal raised his glass to make a toast . “Let us toast to my beautiful daughter ; Ariel Jellal who just graduated from high school today , congrats sweetie and I know you’ll keep making us proud , cheers “ he smiled and everyone cheered as she walked down the stairs to welcome her guests . Gia stood at the far end of the hall with a sketch pad and a pen , she’d always had a thing for art and fashion; she stood there drawing her sister in a long beautiful pink dress walking down the stairs .-I’m going to Frame this for her sixteenth birthday- she thought as she drew with smiles . “There she is “ she heard a familiar voice from behind her . “What are you doing standing there young lady ?” She seemed visibly angry . “Sorry mother was there anywhere I’m supposed to be ?” She asked a little bit confused . “Yes , you are supposed to be serving the guests and not mopping around doing nothing “ she blared . “But mom the servants are already serving the drinks “ “How dare you give me excuses?” She raised her hand and released a slap on her face . Gia stood there in shock . “Mother..” she called her voice breaking . “Don’t just stand there start serving the guests , if I come back to meet you here , you won’t like my next line of action “ she walked away leaving a shocked Gia behind . “I’m sorry ma’am “ the servants apologized . “It’s fine , just get me an apron will you” she tried to hide her pain and tears from the servants . The servants brought the apron and a tray of drinks to her and she immediately got to work . She couldn’t even eat or drink anything from the party . The party ended and soon all the guests had left ; she was made to join the servants to clean up before going to bed . She crawled up to her bed and allowed the tears fall -how am I always treated differently? Could it be that I am an impostor in this home ? I need to leave . But what about nanny ; surely she’ll miss me but what can I do ? I guess I’ll just have to tell her about my plan . ************************************ It was morning and she could barely move , she felt pain all over her body, she was sick . “Oh dear , Gia are you okay honey?” “Nanny ?” She could barely open her eyes . “Yes darling , you are burning up , hold on let me get a towel “ she rushed out of the room and came back with a bowl of water and a towel . “Nanny , can I tell you something ?” She asked . “Of course baby , what is it ?” “I want to run away , I can’t stay here anymore “ “Honey , but where will you go ? How will you survive ?” “I’ll survive just pray for me okay ?” “It seems you’ve made up your mind, but please wait till you recover ,” “Okay nanny”. “Rest a little , I’ll get you something to eat okay ?” She left the room to get her food after which she put her to sleep . ******************************* “Gia !!” Mrs Janet called again . She heard her calling but she quickly faced the wall and pretended to be asleep . “Gia ?” She walked into the room .”didn’t you hear me calling ? Wake up “ No response “Okay “ she walked out . Gia didn’t budge but closed her eyes to sleep . Splash!!! Splash !! ?? In a split second her clothes and bed were drenched in water . “Mom” she yelled “didn’t you notice I’m sick ?” “That does not stop you from carrying out your duties , young lady “ “Duties ?? Since when did I have duties “ she retorted , which was the first of its kind . She had never yelled nor talked back at her mother but she crossed the line today . “I do not have the time to banter words with you , missy , get up , get dressed and come downstairs for breakfast your father is waiting , after which I’ll assign you to your duties today , five minutes “ she stormed out of her room . Gia just sat there in silence . — I’ve got to leave this house — she thought to her self .