The Hidden Heir

I’m rummaging through Goodwill trying to find a dress for the party tonight. Noah would be insulted if he found out I got my clothes from there. He already curls his nose up in disgust every time I mention I have a job, but so does everyone else at school. I feel physically and mentally exhausted, but those feelings don't see the soft side of sheets before 3 am every night. Working two jobs to make ends meet whilst being a full-time student takes a toll on someone after a while. After what seems like hours of rummaging, I find an outfit which seems fitting for the event. I built my outfit and began walking towards my house. It’s not really a home, but with minimum wage, it’s really the best I can manage. I rush upstairs as I start to get ready by pounding layers of makeup on my face to make me look exactly as Noah wants me to. He keeps saying I need to wear more makeup as I'm “always tired” and what not, but I guess that the downside of being with someone to ensure I at least have food on the table by the end of the day. I never wanted to be a gold digger, but even after working two jobs, keeping food on the table became extremely difficult and my last resort was either this or stripping. I pull on the short black dress as I curl my hair. I hear Noah's Porsche as he honks, telling me to hurry up. I slid on my heels and rushed down the stairs. “Hey baby” I chirp “Hey there gorgeous”, he replies, not even bothering to look at my face. He pulls me in for a kiss could I can practically every nerve in my body repulse in reaction. After what seemed like ages, he started to drive the car towards whichever f*****g house we’re going to tonight.“I need to be home soon”, I mentioned, “I have work in the morning”. I can practically feel his disappointing glare at me. “Why?” He whines, “I was hoping you could stay over tonight?” He hints as he grazes my thigh. I nearly shudder. He began to talk about something or another. I really don't know. I can only think about one thing: what I will do after graduation. I cannot afford college, not even community college, and I am working as a waitress for the rest of my life. My flow of thoughts is suddenly erupted by the sound of music coming from some guy's house. A house is an understatement. Actually, it's a 5-bedroom villa downtown. The shinning lights with people rushing in. I step onto the freshly trimmed grass and pass by a group of girls clicking pictures. Noah puts his arm around me as we enter. The music begins to amplify as the smell of alcohol wafts through the air. Emma, Noah's sister, rushes up to greet us. Her lips looked almost swollen, as if she'd been freshly kissed. A soft, lingering flush crept across her cheeks, the warmth of a half-finished drink still simmering in her veins, leaving her skin tinged with a glow of gentle intoxication. I could feel Noah's anger as James came and placed his hands around Emma's waist. James and Emma have been together for almost 3 months, yet Noah seems to get more pissed every time he sees him. I practically drag Noah as he shoots daggers at James. “Noah? Baby, can you grab me a drink”, I yelled over the crowd. “Yeah sure, whatever.” He grumbles as he storms towards the drinks table. He looks like a toddler throwing a tantrum. I darted my head at Emma and told her to leave. She understands and James whisks her off to the dance floor. I rush to Noah, begging him to take me home. I won’t be able to wake up tomorrow. He thrusts the cold drink into my hand, the condensing liquid slipping against my fingers. Without a word, he rushes me to the side; his eyes flashing with impatience. The pressure is sharp, almost painful, as he drags me through the crowd without a second glance, ignoring the stumbling steps I take to keep up. There's no room to argue, no choice but to follow as he pulls me into a shadowed corner, the weight of control heavy between us. “Bella!” He calls out in a cold and harsh demeanor, “I don't have a girlfriend who stays at home, I want to show you off.” he snaps. I can feel my throat closed, up. “Open wide” he demands as he pours whatever drink he has down my throat. I feel the liquor burn down my throat as my head starts to spin. He puts his arm around me and drags me back to his friends, where he places me on his lap, his hand rubbing against my thighs. I feel almost nauseous as he places his hands all over me.