SHATTERED ILLUSION

“Susan…., come on, hurry up, everything is already set. Let’s go…..” my mum screamed out, a hint of frustration lacing her tone. I sighed deeply, looking back at the very place that had been my home since the moment I came to this world. I couldn’t believe I was leaving everything behind, not that I had any friends or boyfriend, but still, Mrs Mia down the street, I will miss her loving advice. I dragged the small carry-on bag, quickly walking towards the car, where my mother and little sister were already sitting. “Don’t worry Susan. From here on, only good things for you and Gia. I promise,” my mum whispers softly, gently stroking my hair. “What’s my stepsister like?” Gia asked from the backseat, leaning forward as the car drove smoothly out of the town I grew up in. “Well…, she is pretty. Listen, she might be a bit hostile, but that’s because she still misses her mum, and it’s hard having a new step mum. You girls must promise not to bring up her dead mother, and please be nice to her, especially you Susan.” I rolled my eyes, strolling through my phone. My hands, briefly hover over the new message popping on my screen. I breathe out, opening the message, my heart dropping at the rejection boldly written on it. The third rejection. I have been trying to get a position at a beauty-spy company for three years now. They were the best, and had everything I needed to grow as a fashion designer. I sighed again. Swallowing down my disappointment. “What is it, Susan?” My mother, ever observant, asked quietly. “Another rejection.” I mumbled out, blinking fast to stop the tears. My mum sighed. “Why don’t you apply somewhere else? I mean, I know Beautyspy is good and everything, but surely, after three rejections, you should expand your CV. Your designs are unique, and topmost. They don’t deserve you if they can’t see that.” “Mom, you don’t understand, they are one of the best I mean in New York. I could have applied at the one in Montreal but it’s too far. Anyway, I may have also applied to their teaching program. The first to twelfth position during their exams is given an automatic position at their company. I just hope I get in.” “I hope you do. And if you don’t, I want you to try other companies, OK?” I nodded my head, looking out the window as we passed different scenery. I probably might have dozed off. Because the next thing Gia was shaking me roughly, dragging my hair. “Gia….., stop it.” I grumbled out, rolling my eyes as she quickly jumped out of the car, laughing. Slowly I came down from the car, my jaw wide open as I stared at the huge house in front of me. Wow, I mean I knew my stepdad was rich, I didn't know he was this rich. I looked at my mum, wondering just how she ended up meeting Richard, my stepdad. “Susan, stop standing there, come help me carry some of this bag. Most of them are yours, you know.” My mum called out. I took the carry-on bag from inside the car, closing the door before going towards where my mother had successfully brought out the whole bag from the booth. How long have I been asleep? “Where is Richard? Shouldn’t someone be here?” I asked, looking around. “Oh, Richard is at work, Amelia, too. He already knew we would be moving in today. I mean it’s not my first time here. Just carry what you can.” I carried a few bags inside, looking around at the expensive interior, a far, far difference from where we came from. “Hello, you must be Susan,” an older lady says, suddenly in front of me. “Oh, yeah, hmm, hello. Nice to meet you.” I stuttered out, wondering where she had come from. “Is this everything?” She asked me, pointing at the bags in front of me. “Hum.., no. My mum and Gia are bringing in the rest.” As if hearing her name, my mum came inside, dragging the remaining bag, Gia following behind her. She dropped the bag, breathing out loudly. “Oh, hello. You must be Camille, right?” the older lady says, stretching out her hands. My mum smiled, shaking her hands. “Yes, I am Camille, and, are you? Richard didn’t tell me anyone would be home.” “Fallon Bridge, housekeeper, I was away on leave. Mr Richard doesn’t know I am back yet. I find it unpleasant to not be here, especially since big changes are about to take place. Amelia will need my support and guidance. And also, I need to coach you on how certain things are done around here.” She smiled, a tight menacing smile. Gia and I shared an uneasy look, the hostility clear and loud. My mum smiled back. “Oh, don’t worry, I appreciate you being here to welcome us, but I know best how I run my household. I am sure I will be able to manage, but your assistance will be welcomed.” Fallon nodded, turning towards me. “Come, let me show you your rooms. I didn’t know what you liked, so I hope the arrangement suits you.” “I don't need too much. I am sure whatever is OK.” We walked through a long hallway, beautifully decorated, with various doors. “This is Amelia's room. Please do not enter without permission. This is Mama Tiara’s room; the same rules apply. And this is your room, opposite, is Gia’s room. Dinner will be served at 7:00, but if you need anything else before then, you can help yourself.” “Excuse me miss,” Gia called out softly, almost hidden behind me. “Who is Mama Tiara?” “Richard’s mother. She comes and goes. Anything else?” Fallon asked. “No, I can take over from here, thank you.” my mum told her, carrying my bags inside the large room. Fallon nodded, looking at us one last time, before leaving. Immediately, Gia jumps on the bed, laughing loudly. “Gia…., come on, stop it. You are not a child, stop acting like one. Also, this isn’t your room,” I say, helping my mom drag my remaining bag inside. Gia simply rolled her eyes, shooting out her tongue at me, before running towards her room, her loud excited squeals ringing out through the silent hallway. I sighed, rolling my aching shoulders, gently sitting down at the edge of my very soft big bed. “Are you sure about this mom?” I asked softly, looking around. “Susan, I am not going to lie. Not everyone in Richard's family approves of our marriage. But I am doing this for you and Gia. You both deserve better lives. It’s not going to be all rainbows and sunflowers, but you are both good kids. I am sure with time everyone’s going to warm up to the idea of us being here. Now start unpacking, while I go check out my own room,” she says, winking at me. I fall flat on my bed, a small smile on my face. Soon, Gia joins me, cuddling close to me. “Is everything going to be alright now?” She asked softly. “I don’t know Gia. Hopefully, from here on out, life only gets better.” Yea, right. If only I had known what was in store for me, I probably would never have stepped foot in this cursed house.