THE PRINCIPAL'S PROPOSAL

CHAPTER 1

FLASHBACK…….

I woke up because of the loud clanging from the kitchen. It must be my stepmother trying to act like a house wife because my Dad just got back from his one week out of the town work. I rolled my eyes at the thought of her in the kitchen trying to cook something when the truth is she can’t even boil an egg. Hilda, my stepmom is a witch to say at least. She always makes sure that my life is miserable but I do the same thing to her. I don’t act like a damsel in distress. That’s not how I was raised by my mom. I fight for my right and that includes my right to make her life a living hell.

I got up from the bed to have a quick shower. It’s a beautiful Sunday morning and the sun is high in the sky. I went down in the stairs and head directly in our kitchen where my dear stepmom is struggling to finish setting up the table. I opened the fridge and got some eggs and bread to prepare for myself because I ain’t eating burnt pancakes.

“Addie, what are you doing? Hilda cooked for us already. Put that down.”my dear Dad said which made the rest of the people (Hilda and her daughter Tricia) in the dining table smirk.

I rolled my eyes as I put the pan in the stove and faced them. “I am not a medical geek but I know for sure that eating burnt food is not good to my health.” This made their smirk disappear and made my father’s head hotter than his coffee. I just shrugged and continued to fry the egg and toasted my bread.

“Look at how she treats me, Landon.” Hilda whispered enough for me to hear it and her pseudo sobs. It is true though. I never treated her well but she did it to me first.

“Addison, come here and say sorry to your mother.” Dad said that made me giggle. “That’s disrespectful!” he added.

I finished what I’m doing so I carried my plate and walked towards them.

“Respect, hmm? That’s a really big word. I’d like to hear more of it from the both of you.” I said as I sat beside my Dad and Hilda and Tricia is in the other side of the table. They remained silent. Dad looked so disappointed at me. He never thought I could say these words. I never thought so too but I am already eighteen. I’m not the sweet girl who would oblige to everything the people will say.

“How dare you talk to them like that?” Tricia said. It’s funny how the both of them can act so holy every time dad is home and turn into witches when he’s not looking.

“Oh, Tricia, my dear stepsister, I did not say anything wrong. Don’t put the words on my mouth.” I said and sipped on my coffee. “Bitter.” I added referring to my coffee and Tricia but she did not get it because she’s dumb like that.

“I will let you talk to me like that but not to your father. If this is still about your mom, Addie, grow up. This is the reality.” Hilda said. She was about to say more but I saw dad holds her hand to stop her.

I leaned on the table and place my hand on my chin like a child willing to listen to a bedtime story. “Dad, let her talk. I like to hear the “grown up” love story. They say that the way to a man’s heart is through her stomach so clearly that’s not the way with you ‘cause you don’t know how to cook.” I said as I look at her in her eyes. I would like to know how they betrayed my mother.

“It’s true love.” Hilda proudly said.

“I am not informed that a “grown up” love story is consist of betrayal and home wrecking and snatching of husband. I don’t want it then.” I said still trying to enjoy my breakfast.

“That’s enough! Both of you!” dad said while looking to the both of us.

Hilda walked away and Dad followed her. I am left with Tricia who is looking at me like I’m the bad guy here.

“You’re not supposed to be here.” She started. Here comes her true color. I look at her and sweetly smiled.

“My dear, have you forgotten that I’m the real child while you’re a-hmmm. How can I say it decently? The daughter of the mistress.” I said and leaned back at my chair because this will be an interesting conversation.

“My mom is the wife now.”

“They did not get married. Plus, you’re still not dad’s child.”

“He treats me like his own. Maybe you’re just jealous because I have his attention, bitch.”

“Are you kidding? I don’t need his attention because I can look after myself. While you, being the dumb kid as you are can’t do anything right.”

“I’m not gonna fight with you.”

“Too bad. I really want to pull that hair out of that empty shell of yours.” I said that made her walk out too.

It feels fulfilling every time I see that helplessness in their eyes.

I put my dishes on the sink and went to the garden area. This is my mom’s garden. It overlooks the wide swimming pool. There are a lot of different flowers. I maintained this garden since mom died. I often see Dad here at night.

We are a wealthy family. Maybe the reason why Hilda got attracted to Dad. I had everything that I want and need growing up.

I am walking around the garden and I looked up in our house. Dad is looking at me from the window of his office. The moment I looked at him, he turned around but I saw how he wiped his eyes. Is he crying?

“Don’t act like you’re hurt. You did this to us, Dad.”