Kayla's POV
“I'll be there soon, my love. I'm done dressing.” I said to Tristian over the phone as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. “Okay princess.” He replied and I dropped the call.
I admired myself in the mirror. My hair was tied in a pony, my “make-up no make-up” look highlighted my features, and the beautiful black dinner gown Tristian got me a few days ago accentuated my body in the right places. I complimented the gown with a silver necklace and identical earrings. Muah. I giggled.
I looked at myself one last time as a smile of satisfaction played out on my lips. I wasn't dressed too elegant, but it wasnt too simple either. I reeled at the thought of Tristian’s expression when he saw me in this dress.
I had earlier declined his request to go out, but Tristian had his way with his words. He was my light, my peace, my safe haven. He knew how to pull my heart strings so easily. I wish I could find such emotions in my home.
Ever since my mom died and my dad remarried, my life has been nothing short of miserable. My step mother Nuella, loathed me from the moment we met, and it got even worse when she had Tania, my step sister. The both of them always had it out for me, and I couldn't wait to get out of this house sooner. Of course, when dad was around, they acted sweet and gentle.
I knew if my father was around he'd have handled the situation, but he was critically ill. I was left to cater for his needs and pay his medical bills, since Tania is a lazy freak.
It seemed she and Nuella loved the situation. They used every opportunity they got to make my life miserable. It was so hard to overlook them. I always felt like blowing up their heads each time they pissed me off.
I hated two faced people. I had been betrayed a lot in the past, and both of them always reminded me of one thing, pain.
I exhaled, tired of reminiscing and left my room with my bag and phone. I knew Nuella would have something to say about my clothes, my make-up or even going out with Tristian. She always found a way just to get on my nerves. I steeled my steps.
I walked down the stairs with trepidation, and I could hear faint whispers of their conversation.
I got to the final stairs and steered down my eyes. The two of them were sitting cross legged on the couch, whispering incoherently. Probably another plan to get rid of me. Haha. Their heads snapped in my direction at once. Nuella had an astonished look on her face, seconds before it morphed into envy and hatred. Tania's was just jealousy.
"And where do you think you're going by this time? " Nuella spurted, staring at me with a disgusting look.
"I'm going out on a date with Tristian." I replied sharply, not moving my eyes from hers.
"Tristian this, Tristian that." Tania muttered.
“What's the matter? Can't handle it? Are you that desperate to be looked at?" I replied, a hint of mockery in my voice.
“How dare you talk to me like that?” She spat, her eyes wide with fury.
“I can talk to you however I wish, Tania. I'm your elder.” I said, crossing my arms.
"Who gave you such permission to wander around anytime you like? I didn't know you were already a slut.” Nuella cut in between us. Her words grabbed my gut and twisted.
"I'm not a slut and Tristian is my boyfriend. I don't need permission from you or anyone else before I go out with him. " I retorted.
I wondered what exactly she took me for.
"Are you now talking back at me? You think you're all grown up now huh? Have you forgotten who I am?" She roared, her voice laced with anger.
"I didn't do anything wrong to you and I don't have time for whatever you're about to start." I said calmly and turned to leave. I had only walked three steps when she pulled me back with my hair. “Let go of me!” I turned around trying to pry my hair out of her hand when she raised the other, attempting to slap me. I caught hold of the hand and got rid of the one in my hair.
"What was that? You wanted to slap me huh? Don't ever try such a stunt with me again. I'm calm, not weak.” I glared at her, eyes blazing with fury.
She stood there in shock as I flung her hands back.
"How dare you do that to my mom you witch…" Tania muttered. She stood a reasonable distance, trembling. Good, stay away.
"I'm the witch right? How ironic.” I rolled my eyes. “Look, I'm not gonna have this conversation anymore. The both of you should mind your f*****g business.” I said, trying to smooth down my hair. You're the witch, not me. Both of you.
At that moment, Tristian opened the front door. His eyes scoured the room. Nuella standing in shock, Tania standing a few feet away, and me, burning with calm fury. He looked surprised, but with an “I should have known” look. I walked over to his side.
"Babe, you're here. Let's go.” I said, grabbing his arm and motioning for us to leave. I wasn't in the mood to get him involved in all of this.
"She's a witch." I heard Tania curse behind me.
“Just like her mother.” Nuella muttered. That's it.
“And who are you to judge? Are you better off yourself? My mother died saving my life. You two are not even worthy of touching her shoes, talk more of speaking about her.” I spat out.
That was the very first time I retaliated whenever she spoke about my mother. Tristian held my hand and squeezed, calming me down. “Goodbye.” I said to Tania and Nuella before walking out with Tristian.
"Don't even think of returning back here you witch!” I heard Nuella yell as I shut the door.
I knew my response was shocking, even to me. But it would teach them something at least, I am not to be toyed with. Much more my mother.
I looked at Tristian with apprehension. He hadn't said a word since we left the house. How did he feel about all that? My mood turned even more sour.
“Are you okay princess?” Tristian whispered as we walked towards his car. His hands were still holding mine. I exhaled.
“I'm fine I just… I can't stand them. They always do this.” He paused, stood in front of me. He gazed into my eyes, his blue eyes filled with warmth and compassion. Love. He cupped my cheeks.
“We’ll get through this together princess. Soon, you won't have to worry about them anymore.” He muttered gently. “If you're not in a good mood, we can go somewhere else. The park, the bridge, that little bird's nest you like to watch. Anything to relax your nerves.” His eyes crinkled.
“No no, I'm fine. I want to go. But I will take you up on that offer to see those birds again.” I replied with a smile. He chuckled and leaned over, planting a soft kiss on my lips.
His lips were warm, soft and moist. I wrapped my hands around his neck as his hands moved to the bottom of my waist. He deepened the kiss, and I let out a soft moan. He pushed me onto his car, his hands grazing my thighs. Suddenly, he pulled back, on the verge of loosing control.
“Calm down mister, I'm not going anywhere.” I laughed teasingly.
“You're going to be the death of me.” He replied, breathlessly. He arranged his shirt and moved to the passenger’s side of the car, holding the door open for me.
“Great, now you've ruined my lipstick.” I whined,
staring at my reflection on his windshield.
“Would you like me to ruin it some more?”