She Who Laughs Last

Chapter Six: The Cost of Family

The school bell chimed, and Serenity waited anxiously, her eyes scanning the sea of children for Kaia's curly hair. When she finally saw her, she forced a smile, hiding the pain and humiliation of the past few hours. Kaia's eyes lit up, and she sprinted over as Serenity bent down to scoop her up into a gentle hug.

"Mommy! You came to pick me up on time today?" Kaia's voice bubbled with excitement.

Serenity's heart squeezed tightly in her chest. "Yes, baby," she managed to say through the tightness in her throat.

"Are we taking a taxi today?" Kaia asked, her voice filled with hope.

"You know today is Wednesday, don't you?" Serenity nodded, as they walked towards the waiting taxi. They climbed into the backseat, and Serenity gave the driver the address to the house. Kaia chattered away about her day, and Serenity listened with half an ear, her mind racing with thoughts.

They reached home, and Serenity helped Kaia with her backpack, her mind racing with the day's events. Inside, Serenity sent Kaia upstairs to change and promised lunch would be ready soon.

As she stirred the pasta sauce, a weary sigh escaped Serenity's lips. Today was Wednesday, and Wednesdays meant Cole wouldn't be home until late – if he came home at all. It was the one day she had a semblance of peace, even if it was only because he had his own agenda. Kaia burst into the kitchen; her face filled with joy.

Slurping down her pasta, she chattered excitedly about the day. Serenity listened, a small smile gracing her lips.

Just as the last bit of sauce was devoured, Serenity's phone buzzed on the counter. With a deep breath, she glanced at the screen. It was Khalia. Stepping out of the kitchen, she answered.

"Hey Khalia," Serenity said, her voice cautious.

"Hey yourself," Khalia replied. "Just checking in. Everything alright?"

"Everything's fine," Serenity said a little too quickly. "Just...busy day."

"Busy enough for a surprise visit?" Serenity's eyes widened as she heard a familiar voice on the other end of the line. "Open the door, Des!"

Panic welled up in Serenity's chest. "Khalia, what are you doing?" she whispered, rushing towards the door.

Before Serenity could answer, Khalia hung up. Serenity flung open the door, her heart pounding. There stood Khalia, a mischievous grin plastered on her face.

"Surprise!" Khalia exclaimed, holding up two shopping bag. "I bought some things for Kaia and I wanted to drop them off. Plus, I missed seeing that gorgeous face of yours."

Serenity blinked, momentarily speechless. Kaia peeked out from behind her legs, a curious look on her face.

"Khalia?" she questioned.

"Hey there, munchkin!" Khalia greeted, crouching down. "Aunty brought you some goodies?"

Kaia's eyes widened. "Really?"

Serenity watched as Khalia put the first two bags on the floor and walked to her trunk and pulled out two more large bags from the car. Together, they lugged them inside.

Khalia watched with a smile as Kaia tore into the bags, unearthing a treasure trove of toys, clothes, and books. Serenity's heart ached with gratitude. This was the kind of Wednesday she wished all Wednesdays could be.

"Whoa, Khalia, this is amazing!" Serenity exclaimed, pulling her cousin into a hug. As they pulled back, Khalia noticed, Serenity's bruised cheek, and her smile faltered.

"What happened to your face?" Khalia's smile had disappeared, replaced with a look of horror and concern.

"I...I fell down the stairs," Serenity lied, her voice strained. She had practiced the excuse a hundred times, but it never got easier.

Khalia's eyes searched hers, the doubt evident. "Serenity, are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Serenity said firmly, forcing a smile. "It's just one of those things. Anyways, Kaia's going to love these!" She tried to change the subject, but Khalia's gaze remained on her, unconvinced.

Khalia sighed before turning her gaze to Kaia. "So, munchkin, do you like your presents?"

"I love them!" Kaia squealed, twirling around in the dress.

Just as the laughter died down, Serenity's phone rang again. She glanced at the screen, her stomach dropping. It was Delilah...her sister-in-law.

Serenity pressed the phone to her ear, her heart sinking as Delilah's voice crackled through the receiver. "Serenity, it's urgent. You need to come to the family house right now. Mom... she needs you."

Serenity glanced at Khalia, who was busy showing off the toys she bought to Kaia. "But Cole's not home yet," Serenity stammered, "and I can't just leave Kaia here alone."

"Just bring her, Serenity," Delilah insisted, her voice laced with urgency. "No time to argue. Just hurry." Before Serenity could respond, the line went dead.

Serenity stared at the phone, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. "Khalia," she said hesitantly, "I need to go. Delilah says it's important."

"Everything okay, Des?" Khalia asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

"My in-laws want me and Kaia to visit... now," Serenity explained. "Something must be wrong with Vivienne."

Khalia pursed her lips, her cheerful demeanour replaced with a thoughtful frown. "Oh... okay," she said slowly. "I can drop you guys off, if you want."

Serenity's eyes widened in relief. "Are you sure? That would be amazing!"

Khalia grinned, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Of course, I'm sure. Family sticks together, right?" she winked. "Go get your jackets and shoes, you two. I'll be waiting in the car."

Serenity smiled, a wave of gratitude washing over her. Turning to Kaia, who was staring at them with wide eyes, Serenity said, "Honey, pack up your things. We're going to see Grandma and Grandpa."

Kaia's face fell. "Ugh, but I hate going to Grandma's house," she whined, crossing her arms.

Serenity knelt down; her voice gentle yet firm. "I know, sweetie, but they need us, okay? Go get ready, and we'll be out of here in a jiffy."

Kaia dragged her feet upstairs, the weight of Serenity's words following her. Serenity took a deep breath, the anxiety of facing her in-laws again like a storm cloud on the horizon. She turned to Khalia, who was already waiting by the door, keys in hand.

"You alright, Seri?" she asked, her voice soft. "This doesn't sound good."

Serenity sighed. "I don't know, Khalia," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "But with my mother-in-law, it never is."

Khalia reached out and squeezed Serenity's hand. "Whatever it is, just remember you're not alone, okay? I'm here for you."

Serenity nodded, "Thank you, Khalia. You're truly a lifesaver. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Khalia winked. "That's what family is for, right?" she said, her voice firm yet comforting.

The sleek red convertible pulled to a stop in front of a huge mansion. Serenity felt the weight of Vivienne's disapproval even before she stepped out of the car. The house was a display of wealth, the kind that made Serenity feel like an imposter in her own skin. Serenity turned to Khalia; her heart heavy. "Thank you, Khalia. You're a lifesaver."

Khalia squeezed Serenity's hand reassuringly. "Anytime, Des. Call me if you need anything, alright?"

With a final wave goodbye, Khalia pulled away, leaving Serenity and Kaia standing on the mansion's steps. Serenity took a deep breath, steeling her nerves before reaching out to ring the doorbell.

⚠️Content Warning: Abuse.⚠️

The door swung open, revealing a young woman in a maid's uniform. Her smile was polite but practiced. "Mrs. Vale , Miss Kaia. It's good to see you."

"Hello, Margaret," Serenity responded, offering a small smile. "We're doing alright, thank you."

Margaret ushered them inside, and Serenity couldn't help but feel like she was stepping into a lion's den. The grandeur of the mansion seemed to swallow her whole, the luxury a stark contrast to the bruises hidden beneath her clothes.

Following Margaret, they soon reached the large living room. Inside, the entire Vale family was sat across the couches and armchairs, their eyes glued to a wide-screen television.

Liora, the youngest daughter, was the first to break the silence. Her voice was laced with disdain. "Took you long enough, Serenity."

"We're sorry for the lateness," Serenity replied, forcing a smile. "Kaia say hello to grandma and grandpa."

Kaia mumbled a greeting, her eyes fixed on the floor. The tension in the room was palpable, and Serenity felt the sting of their disapproval. Vivienne looked up from her tea, her eyes cold and assessing.

Whilst Roland, her father-in-law ignored them, Vivienne's gaze bore into Serenity like a drill. "Well?" she demanded. "Why are you still standing there? The kitchen needs cleaning. Get to it."

Serenity froze. This house was a palace, filled with a lot of maids, gardeners and cleaners. Yet, they called her from her own house to do something that their staff could easily manage. She felt the anger bubbling up inside of her, but she knew she couldn't show it. She had Kaia to think about.

"Are you deaf, girl?" Roland's gruff voice boomed from his armchair, snapping Serenity out of her thoughts. "Your mother called you for a reason!"

Delilah who drank a whole glass of wine, spoke up. "Spotless, Serenity. The kitchen needs to be spotless."

Serenity clenched her fists, her anger simmering beneath the surface. But before she could respond, Liora spoke again, her voice sweet as honey but her eyes as sharp as knives. "And take that thing with you," she sneered, pointing a manicured finger at Kaia.

Serenity's temper flared. "Do not," she began, her voice shaking with fury, "call my child a 'thing'."

All heads swivelled towards them, the air thick with tension. Liora stood abruptly, her face a mask of outrage. "How dare you talk to me like that, Serenity?" she spat.

Serenity stood her ground, her body trembling, but her voice surprisingly steady. "I will not tolerate you speaking to my daughter tha-"

Serenity was cut off by the sound of Liora's hand striking her across the face, the impact sending her reeling. Kaia screamed, and Serenity's vision blurred with rage. She stumbled back, her hand instinctively rising to cover her stinging cheek.

"b***h," Liora spat, a cruel smile playing on her lips as Serenity staggered back.

"Language, Liora!" her father-in-law shouted, not caring about anything else happening in the room. Serenity's cheek burned from the slap, and she tasted blood where she had bitten her tongue. Kaia's eyes were wide with terror.

"Get to the damn kitchen and do what we told you to do!" Liora screamed, her face reddening with rage.

Serenity swallowed the sob that threatened to escape her throat. With trembling hands, she grabbed Kaia's and led her towards the back of the house.

⚠️End of Content Warning: Abuse.⚠️

The kitchen, despite its size and luxurious appliances, was in a mess. Dishes piled high in the sink, counters cluttered with half-finished meals and crumbs scattered across the floor. Serenity's eyes widened in shock, her cheek still stinging from the slap. She looked at Kaia, whose wide eyes reflected the fear and confusion she felt.

Serenity leaned against the countertop, tears blurring her vision. Kaia, sensing her mother's pain tugged on her sleeve.

"Mommy, are you okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Serenity forced a smile. "I'm fine, sweetie. Why don't you sit at the island and do your homework while I clean up this mess?"

Kaia nodded, her eyes still glued to her mother's bruised cheek. Serenity took a deep breath and turned to the sink, her mind racing. The next hour was a blur of cleaning. Serenity scrubbed, wiped, and disinfected until her hands were raw. With every plate she washed, every counter she cleaned, she felt a piece of herself slipping away.

Finally, the kitchen sparkled. Glancing at the clock, Serenity saw it was already pushing 7 pm. Exhaustion hung heavy on her shoulders, but the emotional toll was far worse. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction of a goodbye.

Scooping a sleeping Kaia into her arms, Serenity carried her out of the house and down the steps. Hailing a taxi, she bundled Kaia closer and tried to focus on the night air outside. Inside, the words echoed in her mind: "Get to the damn kitchen and do what we told you to do!"

Reaching the house, Serenity paid the driver with the last of the cash she had saved from the taxi money her mother-in-law would give her every Wednesday. Opening the door, she was surprised to see a light on in the living room. Cole was home.

Tiptoeing upstairs, Serenity undressed a still-sleeping Kaia, tucking her gently into bed. Kissing her forehead, Serenity whispered, "Mommy loves you, sweetheart." Serenity left Kaia's room and made her way down the hallway.

She entered the master bedroom, expecting an empty bed. However, Cole was sitting on the edge, his tie loosened, his shirt unbuttoned. He looked up at her, his eyes bloodshot and his face flushed. The smell of alcohol was heavy in the air.

"Where have you been?" he slurred, his voice thick with anger.

Serenity took a step back, her heart racing. "Delilah called. She said your mother needed me," she replied, her voice shaking.

Cole's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking to Serenity's bruised cheek before he stood up and removed his clothes and collapsed on the bed. "You're useless," he muttered. "Can't even get a simple dinner ready."

Serenity stood frozen as she watched Cole go to sleep...today no beating...no screaming...just a cold dismissal. Serenity sighed as she started picking up Cole's clothes from the floor, her cheek still stinging from the slap. As she folded a white dress shirt, a bright red stain caught her eye.

It was lipstick. A red bold shade.

She stood there, the crumpled white shirt in her hand, the image of her husband...being with someone else...burning in her mind. Tears fell silently, dropping onto the fabric, mixing with the alien lipstick stain. Serenity felt like she had been punched in the gut. Years of torment...years of trying to be the perfect wife and mother...years of hiding bruises and enduring snide comments from her in-laws...all for what?