CHAPTER TWO: DECEITFUL SECRET'S
1145 Words
ABELLA's P.O.V.
I kept glancing at the time to know when uncle and Aunt Betty would return.
My hands were still on the piles of clothes I was washing. My heart bled knowing I was washing my cousin's underwear, including her bras. I mean, we weren't even of the same age. I was much a year older than Emily.
As I washed, my spirit, body and soul became cold, when I realized that a bucket of water was splashed at me from the other side, making me jump up in fright as my whole body became wet.
I turned to see her in shock, and saw Aunt Betty stirring at me murderously and hatefully.
Damn, she's back.
“A-Aunt Betty?”
“What do you think you're doing there? I told you to prepare dinner before we're back, to come to see it's not yet prepared, Abella?!” She yelled at me.
Oh! My lord, I don't even know what to say and how to respond to her, because I know that no matter what, she would dash me the consequences on a hurtful scale.
“I-I couldn't do it because Emily asked me to wash her clothes. But don't worry, I'll make sure I do it after…”
I was welcomed with a slap that came to me like a flash of speed.
Christ, when did she get to my front?
“A-Aunt Betty,” I whimpered as the pain in my cheeks stung. Her hands were always doing something to my pale skin.
“You left my orders to answer my daughter?!” She raged.
“It’s not…”
I tried to speak when she slapped me again. This time, I started to see real stars from an invisible world I can't really explain.
“You better go in there and prepare dinner for my husband and me! And if you're done, you can resume washing her clothes!” Aunty Betty spat at me before trudging back into the house arrogantly.
Throughout that day, I stayed in my lane, walking helter-skelter just to please them. And finally, it was night. The only time I'm free to do whatever I want, when they all go to bed.
As I descended the stairs to visit Bailey, the entrance door squeaked open and Emily came in with a man who's barely older than her. Did I forget to mention Emily was beautiful?
Her cinnamon hair and her dimples added to her extravagant lifestyle.
Emily whispered words to the man and they laughed. What was funny?
I pretended not to see them, still heading for the door when she pulled me back by the hair.
“Let go, Emily!”
“Bad manners, uh? Didn't you see me here? Where are your manners of greeting?” She snapped at me.
“I didn't see anyone to greet here, Emily.” I retorted.
Emily scoffed at me and turned to the gent, smooching him with kisses.
Yuck, have you no shame for this girl?
I pulled the door handle only to realize it was locked. What the hell? At once, I turned to see Emily fiddling with the keys as the man pulled her to her room.
Emily!
I knew fighting her was worthless because she'd find a way to pin the blame on me the next day. I sat on a couch, waiting patiently for her to fall asleep with the jerk of a man she brought along with her.
As soon as she fell asleep, I slowly sauntered into her room. She was half naked on the man's chest.
Unlike my room, Emily's room was considerable and luxurious. Filled with different brands of bags, hair, and shoes. Mine was nothing.
I tiptoed over the lampshade beside her bed, when my eyes caught something.
Emily's wedding dress!
It was probably the most alluring thing I've seen today. But my mind couldn't help but ponder about who the guy was.
“Who would want to marry my p********e cousin?” I asked, in my mind.
****
A few days later, the D-Day of my cousin's c*m wedding finally came. But have you ever heard of a wedding without a bride?
Yeah, Emily was nowhere to be found. Aunt Betty and Uncle were seen pulling several calls, and asking different people of the whereabouts of their daughter.
“The groom's family are waiting. What do we do?” I heard Aunt Betty ask her husband worriedly from the kitchen I was in.
“I don't know either, Hun. Emily is nowhere to be found.” Uncle Andy replied. His voice was raspy.
I gave a secret chuckle. Who in the hell dumps her wedding on a special day like this? She's probably with another man.
My thoughts were erased when someone called my name. “Oh, Abella!”
It was Aunt Betty's voice.
“Yes, Aunt.” I responded, rushing to them. They were already dressed to go to the cathedral. To my uttermost surprise, Uncle Andy stretched out a plate of cookies at me.
What? Am I seeing clearly? Someone pinched me.
I c****d my brows.
“Uncle Andy…”
“We know we haven't thanked you one day, but today we want to use this medium to tell you 'Thank you' because you've been so good to us, Abella.” Uncle Andy smiled sickly at me, as I gawked at Aunt Betty to see her smiling as well.
What's happening? Something felt weird.
“W-why are you offering me this, Uncle?” I asked suspiciously as Uncle Andy forced one into my palms.
“It’s a way of showing gratitude. We won't be treating you like a slave anymore, Abella. Please eat this, don't make us feel sad.” Uncle Andy purred. His face looked sober and peaceful, like one who has just enrolled in a spiritual school of reflection.
I gave a curt nod, parting my lips as I ate from the cookies, still staring at them. Even if they mistreated me, I wouldn't
want to disappoint Uncle Andy.
“It’s delicious,” I complimented.
“Yeah,” Aunt Betty gave me a sickly smile, and that's when my vision started getting blurry. I couldn't stand properly, as I held the counter for support.
Uncle Andy and Aunt Betty rushed to my side.
“Uncle…I…” I tried to speak, but it only got worse when I felt my head spinning, tears pouring out from the corners of my eyes. Why was it hurting?
“Uncle, what's… what's inside those cookies?” I managed to ask, forcing myself to stand properly. I couldn't see their expressions clearly, but I could see Uncle Andy smirking.
“We don't want this either, but you'll have to be the bride, Abella.” A familiar voice informed me.
“W-what?” I could mutter before passing out on the floor.
- Writer
