Sold out to a Monster

For some unknown reason this morning, Cora had the urge to attend this morning's church prayers. She stood up from her bed slowly and headed to the shower, took her bath hurriedly, and moved to dress herself up. She lived alone ever since she graduated from high school and had since then been living an independent life both from family and friends. While searching through her wardrobe she found a somewhat familiar cloth. As she brought it out to examine, she found out it belonged to her late mom. At the thought of this tears flowed down her eyes. Twenty-year-old Cora Jakes by name was born and brought up in the southern part of China with her family consisting of her parents and younger sister. Cora's Pov I woke up this morning feeling the urge to attend the popular city morning prayers held every morning at the southern side of the city. Hell, when had I last attended a church service? I quickly removed the thought and hurried to the bathroom, took a quick scrub, and dressed up. I needed to get there on time to be able to get a seat. Luckily, when I got there I was able to get a seat. Suddenly it hit me... The reason for the urge to attend the morning prayers. Today was my mother's fifth remembrance anniversary. How could I have forgotten something this important? The memories started flooding in... We lost our mom four years ago to cancer while I was in my final year in college. It was a terrible year for us all as she was the one who kept the family together all these years, with my father being a nonchalant person. I wasn't aware of the tears already rushing down my face until I heard my name being called out by a fairly known face. I quickly had to wipe my face and reassure her that I was fine. A few minutes later, the priest came on stage and started the prayers. It seems like a heavy burden in my heart, a dark past had been begging to be freed as my tears continued to flow. An hour later, the prayer ended and I decided to take a cab instead of trekking as I had earlier decided. Luckily, I was given some days off from work so I had the whole day to myself to rest and think. After I finished eating the little meal I cooked, a call came in. Wondering who it was as I hardly receive calls from anyone, I slowly rose to pick up my phone. Then I saw the name. The name I hated and both feared the most. Someone who made my life miserable. My stepmom I hated her She f*****g separated our family, seduced my father to herself, and even had a child for him to tie him down. She turned his heart against us and made him live separately from me and my late mom. 'What does she want from me' I said in my mind while picking up the phone still hesitant to pick up After five rings, I picked it up with a silent heave and waited for her to speak first 'You bastard, avoiding my calls?' her voice rang out harshly I decided to ignore that and greet her calmly 'Good afternoon mom' I greeted her back silently rejecting the word 'mom' in my heart. 'I don't need your greetings you little witch' she cursed back again By this time I was hearing the voice of my so-called father in the background perhaps cheering her up. I swore in my heart that if it was money she called to ask, I won't give her a dime. 'Is that the voice of dad I hear in the background' I replied back in a 'sweet' voice more purposely to provoke her. What I heard next threw me off guide. It was the voice of my step-sis 'Hey b***h, watch your tongue, I'm here' she yelled out in her usual arrogant voice By this time, my anger was rising but I must not give them that satisfaction. I just decided to let it slide and answer more rationally now 'Okay, I'm sorry, you can give back the phone to mom now' I said slowly even though I knew her mom was right there with her. 'So I guess you already know the reason why I'm calling' my stepmom called out now slowly Of course, I already knew the reason why but I decided to play dumb 'No, Trista, I don't' I replied calling her by name 'Don't f*****g play around me you w***e, I need a thousand dollars from you' she yelled back Ouch..she couldn't even control her anger when she's about to ask for a favour. 'For what? I decided to ask 'Your sister, Mia needs it for something really urgent' she replied Was she really my sister indeed? Only calling when in need 'For what exactly'? I pressed again further ''To get a dress for the annual maiden ball', she answered again I almost choked on hearing that. Firstly, I remembered how I was severely disgraced back then on attending that party. I attended the ball as every normal maiden was to do, but I received the shock of my life when I was sent back for being a 'bastard'. I got home and demanded an explanation from my mother and the first thing she did was burst into tears. I decided to forget about getting answers and move on. So the mention of this again made me want to throw up and wait. Needing a thousand dollars just for a gown? That would mean scrapping all my life savings. ' I'm sorry ma, I really can't afford that I finally said They never checked up on me or called me except when they needed something. At first I'd always oblige and give them all they needed because I thought that would make them accept me and love me, but No, they always kept coming back for more.