LARISSA

Chapter 9

BEATRICE LAURENT

"Hey, where are you guys?   Can we meet up today? The same spot!" Lindsay, my best friend, and I talk on the phone. I'm sitting in my car, waiting for someone to accept my invitation.

Lindsay scrunched her brows. “What? I can't believe you're still inviting us to hang out!"

"After all, why not?" My brow furrowed an inch.

Lindsay gave me a sideways glance. "Of course, you should feel sad and in mourning right now.  Larissa, your cousin, is missing. And just now, everyone is looking for her. I'm not sure why you still want to enjoy yourself despite what's happening to your family," she said as if I were an impossible person.

I'm Beatrice Laurent. Rafaela Laurent, my mother, and Clint Laurent's only daughter.  Larissa, my cousin, and I were almost the same age. She's only a few months or a year ahead of me.

"They're already on the lookout for her.  I don't believe my help is needed there. Police and investigators are doing their jobs,"

"Okay, but at the very least, Bea, show some respect.  Your family is under stress. What if they find out you're having fun, and they're all concerned about where your cousin is?"

I clenched my teeth. "Well, I don't care what they think of me anymore!  I just want to have a good time with you guys,"

"You're unfathomable, Bea..."

"I can't believe you, Lindsay. Are you really my friend? Why are you also siding with Larissa?"

"Of course, I'm your friend.  Your best friend. And I'm not on Larissa's side. But she's your cousin, sis. After all of this chaos, we can have some fun. Please show some decency. It's fine if you can't help with the investigation. But for the time being, just do your thing."

“Ugggh! Lindsay, I hate you! Don't bother talking to me again, bye!" I hung up the phone and tossed my latest iPhone into the car.

It's their loss if they don't want to join me in the bar; it's their loss, it's not mine!

I drive, and minutes later, I'm in our favorite spot.

I spotted Andre, the bartender. "Same order," I said.

He gazed around as if searching for someone.

"Are you by yourself? Where have your friends gone?"

I was irritated as I glanced at him. "Do you happen to see any of them?  Did you catch that I'm with someone? I'm alone, right? Now, please offer me my favorite order."

He nodded and scratched his hair.

"Hot-headed as usual," he chuckled as he set my cocktail down.

I take it all in one shot. Andre appears surprised. “Woah! Do you have a problem? Do you intend to get drunk tonight?"

"Stop talking, Andre. Just  serve me. I'll pay you twice as much."

"As always, Beatrice, the bratinella," he smirked.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "I'm not Bratinella, okay?"

"Ha, ha!  Bea, you're not aware. But, you are. In any case, how is your cousin Larissa doing? Her disappearance has spread throughout the country. I was continually seeing her on the news."

He offered me another shot, which I took with zest. "Oh my God, I can't believe it. I assumed that coming here would prevent me from hearing anything about Larissa. And now you're questioning me about her. Why is everyone seeking for her and concerned about her?" I asked vehemently.

Andre brought his brows together. "Are you not concerned about your cousin?  You should be the first to look for her because she is the same age as you, and you two seem to be close,"

Andre is right in certain ways. Larissa and I used to be close. But then I realized she always outperforms me. When I understood I was a follower of hers and one of her shadows, I became irritated by her presence.

She excels in everything she does. The beautiful, good, and perfect daughter. She is intelligent, well-liked, and everything else. And what I despise the most about her is that the guy I've admired since junior high has begun courting her. I cursed Larissa and regarded her as an enemy from that day forward.

She had no idea I was growing to hate and envy her. I'm acting like a good angel and her buddy if she's around. But when she's not around, I always disparage her to everyone who knows her.

I despise Larissa in every way.

Why does she feel she has to be so perfect?

Life can be unjust at times.

I sighed and shrugged. "No, Andre, that's not how it works. That is life."

He stared at me, puzzled. “I… I can't believe you hate your own cousin,"

"The adage that blood is thicker than water is no longer accurate. I can't help myself. Her presence irritates me greatly."

 "Is that so? On the other hand, Larissa seems like a good person to me. She genuinely cares about her friends and family."

I shot him a death stare. "Would you please stop talking about how perfect Larissa is?  I'm here because I want to relax, not because you're giving me lectures."

Andre sighed and raised both palms in defeat. "All fine, I gave up."

"Give me my order now,"

"As soon as possible, ma'am," I noted the mocking tone in his voice when he addressed me as Ma'am. Andre never addressed me in this manner.

But what's the point? I don't give a f**k.

I hate Larissa to the core of my being. She attracts the attention of guys, friends, and even my own father and mother.

They no longer have time for me. Our entire family is preoccupied with finding that b***h Larissa. My parents aren't asking how I'm doing. I only heard from the house that Larissa was nowhere to be found. She's gone missing and all. And I freaking hate it!

Ugh! I wish she'd never been found again. I believe the spoiled brat is simply having a good time with her guy while everyone else is going nuts trying to find her.

Because, if she was abducted, why isn't there a ransom demand? If they want money from the Laurents, they will very certainly demand a million dollars.

Does that make sense, right?

My thoughts wandered to an idea. Right!

I must prove to everyone that Larissa is not missing. That s he's with her guy! As an outcome, social media and the rest of the world will see her as a bad daughter.

Our family will disown her. And if that happens, I'll be the clan's sole left heiress.

Yes, absolutely! I need to take action and move forward. I need proof that Larissa is not dead, kidnapped, or tortured. I need to tarnish her name in front of everyone!

That way, the entire world will be focused on me. It's now my turn to shine.

My lips formed a mischievous grin. The dizziness caused by the cocktail drink dissipates in an instant.

I gave Andre a nice smile. "Here's a tip for you. Thanks,”

Andre follows Beatrice's gaze out of the bar. "What the hell is going on with her? Bipolar," he grumbled to himself.