THE RISE OF VICIOUS LAURA FROM MISERY

My name is Laura Indy McKenzie, and today is my 22nd birthday. But honestly, it feels as ordinary as any other day. Neither my sisters nor my mother even remember it was my special day, which means no birthday party for me! Sad, right? But I've gotten used to it. Like every other birthday, the only one who remembers is my dad. He's the one who wishes me a happy birthday and prepares presents for me. I'm grateful to have at least one person in my life who cares. My father, Giovanni McKenzie, is a kind and honest man. He's the only person who takes care of me. Despite his busy schedule, he treats me like a princess. He loves me more than anyone, and he's the only one who treats me like a daughter, not trash. My mom, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of my dad. Sometimes, I even wonder if she's my biological mother. My father always tells me to love and treasure my mother, and that I'm the only one who can change how she sees me. But I still don't understand why I should. My mom doesn't like me the way she likes my two younger sisters. Is that even possible? I doubt it. To my mom, I'm like a fresh wound that will never heal. She hates me the most, or rather, she despises me so much that my death would be her pleasure! I don't understand the roots of this hatred. Or is it true that I'm just an adopted child like my sisters Linda and Elina always say? Whatever. I'm my dad's daughter. That's what my father always tells me. I once asked my father if what my sisters said was true, but he told me, "My darling, don't listen to what your sisters say. Whatever happens, you will always be my baby, and that fact will never change." Yeah, that's my father. Enough talk. Time to make breakfast, or else I'll be punished. Oh, I forgot to mention that I do the cleaning, wash dishes, do laundry, and prepare meals. In other words, I'm more like a housekeeper in my own house. And my sisters? Well, they're more like my bosses. All they ever do is boss me around: "Laura, do that, Laura, do this, Laura, where did you put my clothes, where are my shoes..." They never help, only make my life more difficult. You could say I'm a modern-day Cinderella. I'd be lying if I said I didn't mind being treated this way. Of course, sometimes I wish I were born into a different family. "Laura, don't tell me you're still sleeping!" Oh my God, they're up, and their breakfast isn't ready yet! "Can't believe you haven't prepared breakfast!" Linda complains. "I'm sorry, Linda, breakfast will be ready soon." "Shut up! You're just a useless sister! " Elina responded. " Look what time it is! We're late for school because of you, and you still dare to talk back! I swear I won't let this go if I get late today! " "I'm sorry, this won't happen again!" "Of course, it won't happen again because if it ever does, I'll let Mom know about it, and I'm sure you'll be sorry for that," Elina says. "I'll keep that in mind!" Seriously, Elina is the youngest, but she's wicked and difficult to deal with. Linda is the stupid sister who always follows Mom and Elina, doing whatever they ask her to do. Don't get me wrong, I never said she has a good relationship with me. She hates me as much as Elina does. I'd be lying if I said I didn't hate them back, but I still don't want to hurt them. We are sisters, after all. "Breakfast is ready!" I shouted. "Coming..." "Laura, where did you put my shoes?" "Laura, I can't find my bra." "Laura..." they both called at once. Here we go again! I rolled my eyes. Seriously! "I'm coming!" I replied. Alas! What do I do? I might be late for school too. Never mind, it wouldn't be the first or the last time anyway. I can manage to get there on time.