my bittersweet lover

Episode four

Stacy's pov.

There was the voice again. I had often heard her sing the song before, and as always, Lina had a sweet voice. At least I thought she did, though I found its melody filled with indescribable sadness. It came from the kitchen, where she went about her business ., she sang in a very low voice, probably scared of being heard.

I felt for her, I wish I could comfort her only that if I did, my brother would kill me. seeing her walk past us a few minutes ago, was rather unpleasant. She looked worn out, and exhausted, her eyes sore as though she had been crying the whole time. Judging from the light feathery dress she had on, she must have been really cold.

Her delicacies were the best, always on point. They tasted like those prepared by a professional chef. I did not like the fact that she was forced to prepare dinner in her current state, but I could not deny the fact that I could not wait for it to get ready.

I always looked forward to her meals, and so did Brayden, only that he could never admit it. He preferred her's over Mama's, but he would rather die than let it be known.

I always thought she was very pretty, despite all that she went through. Her long messed up dark hair that she always held in a ponytail, her emerald blue eyes, her very nice complexion, and her very nice features that were always hidden beneath the oversized clothes she always wore. I remember how beautiful she used to look, back then. we used to be best of friends while we were growing up, how quickly tables turn.

Ever since she came to live with us, there was a marked line of separation between her and us. A small closet was appointed for her to sleep all by herself, condemned to take her meals alone; separate from the one prepared for us.

Each time I tried to ask Mom the reason as to why, she would just blush the subject off.

" Don't talk to me about her, I do not want you to go near her. She is not worthy of our notice. I do not choose that either you or your brother should associate with her. "she would answer.

I never really got a direct answer, so I stopped asking.

She was just ten years old when she joined us. Since then, she wasn't allowed to attend or enjoy any party, or festivities with us. During Christmas and New Year celebrations, there was the usual festive cheer, presents were exchanged, and games were played. All the while she had, of course, been excluded.

I wished I could help her, but not at the expense of losing my family's love and respect of course.

"hey!! are you not listening to me??"

Mama's voice snapped me back to reality. I did not realize just how much I had not been paying attention.

"I've been talking to you the whole time," complained she, reminding me to prepare for school the next day.

The weekend was sadly over, how fast days flew. It had been a blast though, very well spent, I said to myself and a bright smile lighted my lips

"Yes mama, I'll be right back for dinner."

I could not wait to share with my friends how handsome the "Gifted Four" were. Excitement crept up my system at the thought while I made my way to my room upstairs. It adjoined my brothers, which was just right next to mine.

That would make the story of the week for sure. I had convinced my stubborn brother to abort his date with his lover to come drive me to the club that fateful Saturday evening. I must admit, it had not been easy.

I for a fact knew better than anyone else that Brayden did not like any distractions when it came to his women.

"Must you date so many beautiful ladies at a time? That's not fair you know.. "

" oh sis, you will never understand, "he'd say with that grin on his face ".. besides, you don't expect one lady to take care of all this." he'd boast.

This he did as he touched his hair that slightly flopped on his forehead then ran his hand down his chest to illustrate his nicely built abs stressing on his handsome self.

He seemed to attract quite several girls for his age. For him, life was about having fun, and alas, there is no fun without women; you know. The ironic thing was, that he never allowed any guy to come close to me. My ex-boyfriend, Max, was the best thing that had ever happened to me.

We would still be a thing if Brayden had not bit him up to a pulp once he found out about our relationship. We had tried to keep our relationship a secret from him, but it did not take long before he caught us in a hotel on a date together. He had gone there with his guys to chill when they bumped into us.

"What the hell!!! Hey you, yes, you, who are you and why are you here with my baby sister at this time!!? Are you dumb!! " it was then that I knew I was screwed.

" Max... Me.. meet my ... my brother, bro, meet Max, my .. boy..friend.. "

I did not have time to finish my statement before he practically grabbed me by my arm and hastily led me to the ladies restroom. He locked me inside not caring about the embarrassment I faced before everyone whose attention was now focused on us.

He then headed back to where Max sat shocked, unaware of the turn of events. He bit him up so badly, thank heavens his friends were there to hold him back before he completely disfigured his handsome face.

How can I forget the sight of the man I saw the next day? He had bruises all over his face, his right cheek looked swollen, and it resembled a donut. The hurt, the emotions, the pain I felt at that moment, when he called it off, broke up with me.

Since then, every guy around was scared of approaching me and talked less about going out with me. That's how I became single, with absolutely no man in my life for two years now. I am scared I will be like this forever as long as he sticks around.

I hated him so much then, but it did not change a thing, it might as well be a wasted effort. There, everything is ready, my books, my pretty bag which is the latest hit of the season, and my uniform. Lina would come to do anything that had been left out, so off I went to join the others who had probably settled down, ready to have dinner.

usually, all but Lina were allowed to sit in the dining room. It had something to do with her being poor, dirty and all other accusations laid on her by my mom and Brayden. Poor thing. She had her share in the kitchen, while she waited for us to finish up before she could clear the table, do the dishes, tidy the house then go to sleep.