Thorns of Roses

Bruised Angel

SONG FOR THIS CHAPTER:

BOTH OF US-CAMILA CABELO

CHAPTER 5

CORINNE

I barely even see Carina at school, I saw her with her group of friends. My step sister is very beautiful and when you first saw her, you immediately see her Mother. Her Mom is a famous actress in her peak. She’s gorgeous and beyond that pretty face, she’s also talented too at singing. I don’t know the rest of her story with my Father. But all I know is, when my Mother comes into view, she didn’t take that well. Her bruise ego is more important than her own life that made her do such things, Carina is only seven that time.

My Mother was the one who comes first into the life of the famous Marcus Andrei Lewis. But I am not here to make a valid point who comes first between her and Martha. My Mom chose to run away from Marcus even if he still didn’t now about my presence. And I figured that she chose right on keeping me away from him.

Marcus then met Martha and the history begins.

When my father first brings me home in to that mansion, I can see the life and the glee on my step sister’s eyes. That even she knew that I am her oldest sister, she was so willing to give me her toys and clothes. She’s excited even.

Martha was consistent in the way she treats me since day one. Not that I am complaining, because truth be told, I might have the same ill feeling when my own husband has his own daughter in another woman. I am not blaming her for her reaction to my presence up to this day. But sometimes, it’s infuriating. Sometimes, she’s getting out of hand, especially when she made some snarky remarks about my Mother even knowing that my Mother is fighting for her own life in a hospital bed for almost four years now.

Carina and I both hopped inside our Car when Mario is waiting for us outside the campus. I didn’t forget to observe the way her body stiffened and her eyes water when some of the students inside the campus saw us hopping together in this car.

Carina was embarrassed of me. who wouldn’t? I almost kill the campus bad boy in front of everybody last winter. Earning me the name of wicked witch in the eyes of many that doesn’t know the story.

“How was your day, C?” C, that’s what I used to call her when everything between us is fine.

I looked at her on the mirror to see that she is contemplating whether to answer my question or not.

I don’t know what happened between us, we used to be so close and inseparable. But when her own Mother made her turn her back on me, I don’t know if I can do anything about that.

It’s her Mother between me.

So, she chose to stick with her own Mother than to me who is someone she didn’t know until later in her life.

“I can’t believe you’re asking me that.”

“What do you mean?” I saw that there’s hurt or annoyance in the tone of her voice. “Did someone bully you?”

She scoffed and I can even see Mario bracing himself yet into another brawl that might happen inside his car. “As if. I am Marcus’ Lewis legal daughter. The nerve they bully me is just awful.”

Ouch. Legal. Yes, I might be older between the two of us, but technically, Carina is the only legal daughter of our father. Actually, it’s fine. At least I can still swallow some of my pride given to what Marcus Lewis’ doing to me. it’s better that I am not his legal daughter even in the eyes of so many and the law. We’re just stranger.

“Yeah, you’re right.” I sighed in defeat.

“Why should we have to go home together?”

“Carina.” Mario tries to stop her from telling hurtful things. Mario earned that right since he was our driver since we were still a little kid.

“What? I am just stating the embarrassing fact that I don’t want anyone to see me with her.” She pointed to me as if she’s disgusted by me.

I sighed and smile at Mario, thankful that somehow someone stood out for me. someone in that household. Him, Nora and Arthur. They all I’ve got in that dark mansion. “I am fine, can you just drop me off downtown? At my studio. I have something to do.” I asked him.

Carina scoffed and put her arms around her chest “Does Father know that you are not going to go home first?”

“He is. I already called him telling him that I need some time to do my art for the annual art exhibit.” I answered her.

She rolled her eyes “So f*****g arrogant.”

I chuckle sadly, because I am not trying to boast out of it. Carina is quite good at singing too, but Father was so strict when it comes to her. He doesn’t want Carina to have the same fate as her Mom, in his own words. I don’t know what he meant by then.

But Father was so supportive or proud even in my arts, throughout the years he’s the one who is pushing me to do some things that I may need later on my life. That what makes Carina think that I am the favorite daughter.

Or maybe, I am. That is why he’s doing things to me that no father should do to their own flesh and blood.

It’s better to be me than my little step sister.

Mario dropped me off outside my studio in Downtown. It’s a full establishment. It’s not that fancy, beside it has so many wall arts on the wall outside that I painted myself. It looks like more a car garage or something like that. The first time, I saw this place on a sale, I pestered Dad to loan me some money for me to be able to afford the place. And he did, he may not in favor in the place but I managed to please him to say yes.

Downtown part of Oklahoma isn’t quite good neighborhood. Gangs and some other people are in here, but that’s what I like about this place. The complexity and the simplicity of it without the Lewis’ name flashing outside. I am good.

“Thanks, Mario.”

“Call me if you’re ready to go home, I will pick you up.” He says.

I nod “Will do, thank you.” I looked at my step sister sitting on the far back of the SUV “Bye, C. see you at home.”

She chose not to answer me as Mario starts to drives off.

I opened the pull-out door of the garage and close it again. Inside my own studio is so many sketch, scratch and paintings. Sometimes it looks like a hidden garbage, but nope it’s my works. And there’s too many of them that I lost count.

I opened the lights and the radio, I lay in bed in here closing my eyes for a moment and having a slow and calm time alone with myself. I need to come up with a fresh yet unique idea for the exhibit.

The opportunity is so big to passed on. I needed this.

Then it hits me. I like the idea of a bruised and dark angel. It’s far unique than what you can see on some establishments.

Start to sketch the design that I wanted, endless sketch until I get the one, I want.

Once I am finished, I start to mix the cement that I will used for the sculpture and let my hands do the rest of the work.

This is what I need, the space that voids the dark thoughts when I am at home.

I was so inspired when my phone rings. It’s Dad.

“Yes, Father?”

“What time are you going to go home?” he asked.

I looked at my wrist watch to see that I’ve been doing my work for three hours now since Mario dropped me off. It’s past eight in the evening and I didn’t notice the time. “Shoot.”

“What?”

“Sorry, Father. I will go home now, I just got a little carried away by my work so I didn’t notice the time.”

“Okay, just come home. I will let Mario drive there to pick you up.”

“No, it’s fine. I will just book an uber.” God, Mario has his own family. His own daughter to mind to.

“Are you sure?”

“Yep. Hundred percent.”

“Okay.” Dad hangs up first and I sighed in relief that at least I get to start some part of the sculpture. I am planning to make it so big and broad. Even his wings. I am planning to make it so tall. I smiled because I loved the idea. I loved the inspiration. I don’t know where I get it, but I am thankful that I did.