Never Again

Chapter 7

"Aly, you're so gorgeous!" Exclaimed of the woman behind me with an evidently satisfied expression on her flawless beautiful face.

It's my big sister: sister Avery. The one who worked her magic on me. Making me into a person that I myself didn't even recognize as I looked at myself in front of the human sized mirror.

"I'm sure the people at the banquet will drop their jaws when they see you! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Sister Avery spoke boisterously.

Well, although I'm quite skeptical about eating Av's statement. However, to be frank I—myself can't help, but to be amazed and be dazzled at the person who's intently staring back at me in the mirror. It mimics all the movements I make which made me realize that the ethereally gorgeous beauty in front of me was... me.

I really did not expect my sister Av to have such skills. Although I am completely aware of the fact that despite her manly mannerisms, and the way she presents herself which is not to the norms; I know she knows how to use what normal girls, and most of the women ought to use, but I didn't think that she has this level of make up skills.

"Sissy, come, come. Let's go downstairs. I really wanted to see those buffoons expressions seeing my masterpiece kekekeke." She said with an evil grin.

I just looked at her helplessly then shook my head.

Sometimes I wonder which of the two of us is really older...

Shortly after, we walked downstairs.

When we arrived at the stairs, we found brother Pen, and brother Ark sitting in front on the long sofa on the left side. They are wearing their tuxedo with matching colors: red.

Brother Al was standing on the right side of the stairs with a red tux also, while looking at his watch, probably checking on the time.

I was surprised when sister Av suddenly pushed me to hide behind her back which made me frown. What's up with the trip?

"ZUP BOYS!" Av's sister got their attention. At the same time, brother Al, brother Pen, and brother Ark turned in our direction.

Brother Ark frowned as he looked at sister Av with a displeased look, while brother Pen looked surprised.

Brother Al was just staring seriously, but it was obvious that he was also not satisfied with sister Av's shouting.

Sister Av just snorted seeing their reactions, then uttered a disdainful, "hmph!"

If you're wondering why they still haven't noticed me. Well, I forgot to inform you that Sister Av is quite tall for a woman's height. She's above average. Plus, with my petite body. I'm really secretive.

"Anyways, are you ready to see my masterpiece?" She said with mysteriousness laced in her tone.

Brother Ark changed his initial reaction into a poker-faced expression. Evidently, having no interest in what ate Av's saying.

Big brother Pen was now frowning while looking at sister Av.

"Where's Aly?" Big brother Pen asked. Ignoring sister Av's question. He then looked from left to right, right to left, up and down, down and up.

"I asked for the ball pen first. Don't answer me with a question!" Sister Av was annoyed.

"So? Where did you hide our little sister?" Brother Ark suddenly gave a warning. Looking at sister Av with squint eyes.

"Why—take your ship too! Tch!"

I just sighed and left behind sister Av. I'm tired of these guys.

"Keep calm, it's like you're in the market if you shout." I groaned as I slowly walked down the stairs.

I felt the surroundings suddenly become quiet, so I wondered if I looked up. The three older brothers were staring at me.

I couldn't help raising the corner of my lips when I saw their different expressions.

Brother Pen really had the most exaggerated expression because his two eyes were really wide open while his mouth was wide open. Pfft.

"What's with your expressions?" I asked amusedly.

I then bit my lower lip, forcing myself not to laugh.

"Gorgeous isn't it?" Suddenly, sister Av came from behind me with unconcealable pride in her tone.

A moment of silence.

"Hmph! Now your speechless beyond words?" She added sneeringly.

"Just... so-so." Brother Ark slowly answered although his expression is saying otherwise.

"...y-yeah. If we exclude Aly's already exquisite face. Your work is barely plausible. You should be thankful to Aly's top-notch features that it was able to greatly enhance your average skills." Brother Pen then stated after composing himself, and clearing his throat.

"Yeah, yeah. If you omit that dazed expression of yours someone will believe you." Sister Av smirked.

Thank you These two tsunderes they can't just lower their oh-so-high-pride and praise aunt Av with her excellence. Psshhh...

"GOODNESS GRACIOUS! IS THIS MY PRECIOUS BABY?!!!"

All of a sudden, mom's loud scream echoed in every corner of the mansion.

The four of us turned around at the top of the stairs while sister Av, who was still at the opening of the stairs, just turned her back.

Then we saw mom and dad walking down the stairs. Sister Av also followed them.

Actually, we all wore a red dress and tuxedo because that's what mom chose as the color for today's banquet.

Welp. She's the Master.

"Is this really my precious sweety?" Mom screamed again when she got in front of me. Her eyes shine with a thousand stars.

"Yes mom. Ain't I awesome? Hehehe." Sister Av answered proudly.

"Yes. Although, you just made our little Aly a little bit more beautiful, but still you did a great job."

"... Mom?" She said with an aggrieved tone.

"Kidding. Of course, you are. How can my offspring not be great?" Mom said with pride. "Hmph! It's already a given that no matter what my descendants did, it's always the best."

"Alright. Alright. Let's go now. We're running late." Dad suddenly interjected while looking at his wife with an indulgent gaze, and overflowing affection.

I saw my siblings except brother Al crumpling their faces upon seeing dad's expression. Apparently, I'm one of them.

Oh please, save us from nightmares.

"Right. Let's go." mom

"Have I?"

Brother Al suddenly asked me, who had been silent for a while. He stretched his right hand towards me.

"Of course." I smiled at him, and then placed my left hand on his outstretched one.

He also smiled back.

We then set off to Ferguson's grand birthday banquet.

...

At the entrance of the Ferguson's.

"Be careful." Kuya Al reminded me when he helped me down the black limousine.

"Thank you." I smiled.

"Mr. and Mrs. Quinn's, it's a pleasure to have you here," an aged voice suddenly rang out.

We turned to the source of the voice, and there we saw an old man standing not far away from us with an amiable look on his aged face.

"Old Go, it's been a while." Dad said with a smile on his face.

"I see that your old bones are still as strong as ever, Old Go." Mom stated with a grin.

"You overpraised me Mrs. Quinn." The old man answered with a polite smile.

"Aiya. What's with the formalities old man. It's not like you haven't seen me with diapers, and my husband peeing his pants when we're little." Mom said laughingly.

Dad almost choked on his own saliva, he looked at the old man embarrassedly then looked at mom helplessly. Afterwards, he turned his head towards us.

At the same time, we both looked away from each other.

Dad... You're on your own.