The Devil's Cure

Chapter 1

Heleinaʼs POV  

         A loud thud brought me to consciousness. It looked like I fell from my bed while I dreamed of falling from a cliff. I got up, sat on the floor and touch the back of my head and felt a little sting on the bump where I must’ve hit the floor. I touched my face and realized I’m covered with beads of sweat and tears. I wiped them off immediately.

         ‘That dream again? What’s with that dream? I don’t remember seeing those people before but it feels so... real’  

        “Mama...”  

        Who is that child? In my dream, it felt like it’s me but I don’t remember being in the woods... does it have anything to do with my forgotten childhood?  

         And who is that woman? Is she really my... mother? That can’t be. My father said that my mother died while giving birth to me.  

         I closed my eyes and tried to remember the woman’s face but I can’t. I felt a sudden pain in my head when I tried to focus on remembering what she looked like.  

        “Heleina snap out of it! Are you daydreaming this early?”  

         Oh, f**k! I didn’t hear them coming. I have a keen hearing, quite keen than normal people do and I would’ve locked my doors once I heard them coming if only I wasn’t too engrossed remembering my dream. It was too late now.  

         I opened my eyes and saw my stepmother eyeing me with an annoyed face, her hands on her hips. I heard someone snort behind her and it could only be none other than my insufferable step sister. She appeared behind her mother with a smirk on her face. I raised my perfect eyebrow in question.  

         “What is it, Laura? Why did you barge in my room again?” I said keeping my usual uninterested tone as I stood from the floor and sat on my bed. I never called her mom because she insisted I don’t. She said I will never be her child and will never accept me as her child. She wanted my father but not me.  

         “How disrespectful!” Jenny exclaimed rather exaggerating. “You see what an ill-mannered b***h she is a mom?! I told you this is not a good idea. She’ll bring shame to our name!” Jenny whined dramatically.  

         My eyebrows automatically raised again with Jenny’s remark. But I did get curious. I even expected to hear a series of nagging from Laura after what I said.  

         “Oh hush! Stop with your blabbering Jenny and give me that dress.” She grabbed the blue dress, which I recalled Jenny had worn for a gala some two years ago, from Jenny’s arm.  

         Jenny gasped while my jaw literally dropped with what I heard.

         Huh? Did I hear it right? Did Laura just say that to her rottenly-spoiled daughter?

         I must be dreaming! Unconsciously, I pinched my arm to check if I’m really awake or if I’m still in la-la land.  

         ‘Ouch!’ I’m definitely awake alright. But is Laura smiling sweetly at me? Oh God, the world must be coming to an end!   

        “Heleina sweetheart, today is your 18th birthday right?” she said while she sat beside me with that suspiciously sweet smile on her face. “Since it’s a special day, we are going to have guests for dinner and I want you to wear this dress tonight.” I just stared at the dress and gave her a confused look.

          Since when did my birthday become a special day for her, to anybody in this family anyway?! I’ve never celebrated my birthday. I didn’t even remember it was today if she hadn’t reminded me.   

        I remembered clearly how I once asked if I can have cake for my birthday and she flatly said no because it is just a waste of money. Then she added it will only remind the father of my dead mother and accused me of intentionally wanting to hurt my father’s feeling. I didn’t mean it that way and I don’t want my father to hate me more than he does then so It somehow got to my head and I’ve come to forget about my birthday as well.  

        Seeing my confused reaction, she added, “I know you’re not used to celebrating your birthday but it is different now since you are turning 18. You’re a woman now and it is only right that I, as your mother, introduce you to society.” Her lips wear a smile but her tone and eyes pose a malicious glint.  

         'Is this a joke?' I thought.  

         “What dinner? I don’t have friends to invite. I think no one would care if I don’t get introduced to the social anyway so why bother?” I automatically regretted saying that after I saw Laura’s face turn red in anger.

        My head jerked side-ward when she slapped my face.  

         “Don’t get sassy with me you b***h! No one is asking you if it’s ok with you! You will do as you’re told so get the ass of your bed now and finish your chores!” She turned her back to me and stomped to the door.   She stopped by the door and I heard her say “Make sure you make yourself presentable tonight. That’s the least you can do to not bring shame to your father.” Come, Jenny, we still have to buy you a new dress.

         Jenny squealed in delight.  

        “Serves you right. After tonight, I won’t have to see your annoying face again. Hmph!” I heard her say before she happily followed her mother out my door.