REVENGEE

CHAPTER NINE

That evening, at the Thompson's house, Annabelle, Michelle, Marie and Maddy were watching a movie in the living room when Jamilah came in carrying some case files in a large binder. Marie stood up immediately and carried the binder saying, "These are a lot of files mom." Jamilah sighed, "Well, being a lawyer isn't easy."

The rest stood up and went to hug her. Annabelle said, "You look so stressed mom, you need to take a shower and have dinner. Marie's made dinner already." Jamilah sat down and told Michelle to get her a glass of water. Michelle hurriedly went to get the water and gave it to her. Jamilah drank the water immediately and asked, "How was school my babies?"

Annabelle was about to respond when Michelle cut in, "You know what mom, go and freshen up, we have a lot to talk about. Now go." 

Jamilah nodded, collected her files and went upstairs. Maddy nudged Michelle, "Why do I feel like you have a hot gist to tell mom."

Michelle smiled looking at Annabelle, "Of course it's a hot one."

Annabelle shook her head and went to join Marie in the kitchen to set the table. It was pasta they made. 

Some minutes later, Jamilah came downstairs and they started eating. Jamilah asked once again, "So how was school?"

Annabelle answered, "Mom, I think I like this school. It was so nice."

Jamilah sighed, "Oh really, I was beginning to think you would hate it, besides what happened to you this morning?.....you looked different."

Annabelle laughed nervously, "Oh that, I wasn't confident enough but I'm good now."

Jamilah looked at Michelle, "I'm sure you enjoyed yourself Michelle."

Michelle smiled and they continued eating in silence. Marie noticed Annabelle and Michelle staring at each other and giving signs to each other. Marie tapped Maddy and Maddy whispered to her, "I noticed also, what could possibly be wrong with them now?"

Annabelle blurted out, "Mom, Michelle has something she wants to tell you!"

Jamilah looked at Annabelle, then at Michelle, "What's that Michelle?"

Michelle looked at Annabelle and smiled. Annabelle knew that smile, that was Michelle's evil smile. Michelle answered, "Oh about that mom, I know you might be disappointed when you hear this."

Jamilah drank some juice and nodded, "You haven't said anything yet but do go ahead."

Michelle nodded, "So, something happened at school today. A girl named Charlie, decided to throw a party at her house….but guess what happened mom?"

Jamilah didn't answer and Michelle continued, "Annabelle stood up to her and decided to throw a party at our house on Friday."

Annabelle choked a bit while drinking water, Marie opened her mouth in surprise, Maddy laughed a bit and Jamilah looked at Annabelle. Michelle continued, "Now I know you might be surprised to hear this mom, I was surprised as well that what got into her, but it happened mom."

Jamilah looked at Annabelle and asked, "Annabelle, is it true you want to throw a party at my house?!"

Annabelle was scared already, "Mom, I…."

Jamilah didn't let her complete her statement and said, "You can throw the party Annabelle!"

Marie asked, "She can?!" Annabelle asked as well, "I can?!"

Jamilah nodded, "Listen Annabelle, I'm not really a fan of all these, but you need to loosen up. I understand why you didn't want to break the news to me yourself, but it's fine sweetie, I'm not disappointed in you."

Annabelle forced a smile and looked at Michelle frowning. Maddy said, "Well, since it's Friday night, I and Marie can help throw the party mom. You don't need to be home, the kids would not be comfortable, so I and Marie would be in charge."

Jamilah nodded, "Of course, that's what I had in mind. Now girls, if you don't mind, I need to sleep now, I have a morning case tomorrow. I love you so much." Then she went upstairs. Annabelle packed the dishes with Marie and went to the kitchen. She was so angry with Michelle. Maddy tapped Michelle, "Lemme guess, you planned this party and pinned it on Annabelle."

Michelle laughed, "Oh, you got it Maddy. Now, I have to go to my room, cause I'm sure she will come to confront me." Michelle stood up and went to her room. 

In the kitchen, Marie said as they dropped the plate, "I know you didn't plan this party Anna, it was Michelle right?"

Annabelle sighed and nodded and Marie continued, "Maybe she has a reason for doing that, now leave the dishes, I'll take care of it, go and meet her."

Annabelle nodded and she went to Michelle's room immediately.

Michelle was listening to music in her headphones when Annabelle came in. Michelle removed her headphones and Annabelle yelled, "What just happened Michelle?!"

Michelle smiled, "What happened…...….happened Annabelle."

Annabelle frowned, "Do you really think I am joking here Michelle?! How dare you tell mom I was behind the party?!"

Michelle shrugged, "I did what I had to do."

Annabelle raised her voice a little higher, "Really?! You did what you had to do! Listen Michelle, I really don't understand your stupid self at times!! What if mom got angry with what happened?! Tell me!!! What would you say?!"

Michelle was getting pissed, she had had enough of Annabelle's complaints and she stood up saying, "Exactly Annabelle. Exactly! Mom wasn't angry."

Annabelle pushed her to the bed and yelled, "Go and tell mom what you did!"

Michelle stood up angrily and pushed her to the ground, "Oh really Annabelle, is this how you want it?"

Annabelle stood up and was about to talk when Michelle stopped her, "Do not say a word Annabelle. I knew you would come to my room anyway to confront me, but I just thought you would come into my room to ask why I did it instead of yelling at me."

Annabelle asked, "Why did you lie Michelle? Why did you pin this on me?"

Michelle answered, "You know what Annabelle, I decided not to talk about this, but I would be forced to. Ever since we were little, mom has always favoured you more than me, she gets you things, pretty things and gives me those that are less pretty. She makes sure you get taken care of and leaves me on my own."

Annabelle asked slowly, "What are you talking about Michelle?"

Michelle answered, "I remember when we went on a trip and I asked mom if I could get ice cream, she said I wasn't going to get it until you wanted it. I had to wait for hours and you didn't want ice cream because you had a toothache then. I told mom you had toothache but she said no ice cream for me then, I was sad and I had to tell Maddy and she got it for me. I had to take my ice cream behind the car."

Annabelle was about to say something and Michelle continued, "Or was it when we were getting ready for that dinner we had at our last school. I told mom I wanted a sparkly dress, I knew she could get it for me, but she said if you didn't tell her you wanted a sparkly dress, she wouldn't get it for me, and unfortunately, you never wanted one."

Annabelle said, "But you wore the sparkly dress to the dinner."

Michelle nodded, "Yeah I did. I knew mom would do the same thing she had always been doing and so I saved up for it, and I got it. I didn't wear it in her presence, I wore it when I got to school, that was why I went to school earlier than you did."

Annabelle took her hand and said softly, "Michelle….I...didn't know all these were happening."

Michelle nodded and wiped the tears that started forming in her eyes, "Yes, you didn't know about it, it's not your fault. When I thought about this party, I knew mom wouldn't let me throw it unless you approved it and I know you wouldn't want it, so I decided to use you instead to get what I want."

Annabelle sighed, "You want to start using me to get what you want now?"

Michelle nodded, "Yes, if mom would not change...then yes Annabelle. Get ready."

Annabelle pulled her into a hug saying, "Oh Michelle, I didn't know you went through a lot. Your expression doesn't show it though. I'm so sorry mom made you be this way."

Michelle smiled pulling out of the hug, "Oh please Annabelle, did you really think I would let that affect me? Well yes it does, but I will make my way through it."

Annabelle patted her hair, "Now here's the Michelle I know. Why did you even think of throwing a party? I mean I know you want to humiliate Charlie for wanting to hit me earlier today but is planning a party not too much?"

Michelle shrugged, "Oh Charlie, I've got a lot of ways to humiliate her, just watch me Annabelle."

Annabelle smiled and said, "Anyway, I'm glad you told me all this Michelle, I really am and I will make things right. I promise." 

Michelle lay on her bed, "Whatever….now get out."

Annabelle laughed and left her room.

Annabelle went to her room and washed her hair in her bathroom. She came in front of her mirror and thought about Max and Jace. They both have cool personalities. She thought about when she was at the swimming arena with Jace and how she opened up about herself to him a bit and how she noticed him leaning close to her. She thought again, "Was Jace trying to kiss me?"

She thought about how Max has been so far. He has been nothing but good to her but she kept on pushing him away. She remembered who he was. He was the one with Charlie that night. She sighed and said to herself, "This is killing me right now." She groaned, stood up  and went to her bed. She plugged in her earpiece and listened to music till she slept off.

Max was still in his room smiling about Annabelle when Olivia peeped from his door and watched him. She watched him for a while before she barged in pointing at him, "I know what is happening to you Max. You are in love. Who did you fall in love with? Charlie?"

Max frowned at her immediately because she interrupted his thoughts, "Get out of here Olivia."

Olivia shook her head, "You know I will not answer you. Now tell me Max, is it Charlie? I need to tell her immediately if she's the one."

Max sighed, "Olivia, are you really that clueless?"

Olivia blinked twice as she wasn't expecting that and asked, "What are you talking about Max? Clueless?"

Max nodded and continued, "Yes Olivia, clueless. It is obvious Charlie and Kara do not want you in their group, why do you keep forcing yourself on them, and also using me to get to Charlie?"

Olivia shook her head, "No Max, you are wrong. Charlie loves me, I don't know about Kara but I know she does. Kara is the one keeping both of us apart."

Max sighed and said, "Olivia, I am telling you this as a brother but you are not listening to me. When everything turns out badly later on, just remember what I said." He paused and said, "Now get out of my room." Olivia looked at him and left his room immediately. 

Max knew that what he said got to her and he loved it that way because it was obvious Kara doesn't want Olivia with them and Kara and Charlie have been friends for years. He had eaten his dinner already. He took his journal, wrote something down and went to his bed and slept off.

Charlie was in her room furious about what happened at school today. She didn't like the fact that the school made their names customized on their seats and now she cannot trade seats with anyone. She was furious with Michelle for humiliating her in front of the whole school. She said to herself, "No, not this time. I won't let this happen to me. I am the queen of the school and I'll make sure I bring Michelle down no matter what. I don't care what Annabelle is, with her face looking like an innocent angel but she should watch her back, I don't joke with Max."