Hidden Identity

Aria

How did you land yourself into this mess again? Sonia couldn't help but ask her with a hint of mockery in her voice.

What can I say? Rachel asked. I met a crazy fellow who splashed water on me. This guy was so arrogant that he couldn't even apologise to me. He just handed me some cash to get new clothes. Can you imagine? She said,

All this rich spoiled brat who thinks that money is everything on earth. But guess what your sister did. She asked.

A horrible thought ran through Sonia's mind as she managed to voice it out. You didn't fight with him right. She eagerly asked her.

Rachel furrowed her brows. Why do you always have negative thoughts concerning me? Do you want my mother to kill me when she learns that I fought a stranger on the roadside? Am not that foolish.

I just gave him a piece of my mind leaving him dumbfounded. She replied happily. I taught him a little about home training which he failed to learn at his young age.

He can't ruin my peace and just go scot free. You couldn't imagine the embarrassment I had to face on the bus. I received many unfriendly and mocking glares from people. She muttered.

With folded hands Sonia asked. And when did people's opinions begin to matter to you? You don't really mind what people say or do right. So what changed today.

Are you trying to console or annoy me? Am complaining to you and you are concerned about a different issue. Are you on my side or on that spoiled brat's side? She asked.

Sonia laughed out. How could you say that? I am always on your side. I don't even know this boy in particular so why should I support him over my darling sister.

Rachel ignored Sonia's comment as she went directly into the bathroom.

Could you please bring out a set of new clothes for me. Rachel's scream could be loudly heard.

Sonia rolled her eyeballs in frustration. She wondered why Rachel had to even return home at this hour.

Rachel was the only child of her mother Marianna Martins. She knew her father died when she was born and her mother was kicked out of the family house because she was accused of killing her husband by her in-laws.

That was the story her grandmother told her. And she refused to inquire further about her paternal household. Since they treated her mother so badly, why should she bother about them? Her only priority was her mother.

She lives with her grandmother Mrs Vivian Martins alongside her older aunt, franca and her younger aunt, Esther.

Aunt franca left her husband's house when he brought in another woman as his second wife and unknown to her that she was pregnant then. She couldn't tolerate her husband's infidelity.

Sonia was the only sibling she had. She was a year older than Rachel. But you would never know without being told, because they always acted like twins.

Moreover Rachel always acted like the older one. She had a bigger body statue than Sonia. She was also stubborn and had a sharp tongue unlike the calm and sweet Sonia. But it didn't matter to them as they loved themselves so much.

Her aunt Esther had rejected all the suitors that came to ask for her hand in marriage with her reason best known to her. She is particularly not fond of her. She always feels a kind of hatred anytime she comes close to her.

Marianna, her mother, is a secondary school teacher while her grandmother owns a provision shop which is far away from the house. Aunt franca decided to stay at home and take care of the house while she keeps herself busy with her tailoring skills.

Auntie Esther works as an accountant in a nearby bank. She is the youngest among the three sisters but she doesn't have a good relationship with Marianna who is her immediate elder sister. Only God and the elders of the house know what happened between the both of them.

But currently she would be leaving the village to Springfield University to further her education and become the barrister which she has always dreamt of.

She had always wondered how her mother would finance her to her dream school. That was the best school in the country and her family wasn't financially stable enough to afford the fees of the university. But her mother would always strive to make her happy and fulfill all her wishes even when she had to compromise.

But this would not be the case as the government will be taking care of all their financial expenses in the school till they graduate. And she wouldn't be alone because her darling sister will also be there with her.

Her family will also be given some money which was part of the reward from the examination competition. Finally she has a chance to achieve her dreams.

She needed to go to her secondary school the next morning to see her principal to clarify some things.

James lay lazily on the couch. He had just taken a shower as he listened to cool music which helps him to always relax.

As he got ready to go to bed his phone rang. Seeing the caller he smiled, it was his childhood friend Angela.

Hello Angie, he called out.

Hey Wassup. I didn't see you in the class today, so I decided to call your mom and she told me you travelled to Uppal village for some business. When did you start taking over the business and you failed to inform me? She said non stop.

James stared at the phone. How can someone say so many words in a go without taking in air. He wondered.

Are you really ignoring me now? Her sharp voice cut him off from his imagination.

No am nott… he stammered.

Angie I haven't taken over the business besides I am still young for that. Dad only sent me over here to inspect his site on his behalf. He explained.

And I couldn't inform you because I didn't have the time to do that. I am sorry for making you worried. He replied.

Hummmp. She scoffed. Who told you I was worried about you.

James chuckled lightly. Remember you called my mum when you didn't see me in class today. Also I can sense it from your voice. Is my explanation enough to convince you now Miss Angela Bluefield. He asked.

Whatever. She replied arrogantly. When are you returning? How many days will you be staying there?

Hmmm. He thought for a while before speaking. I don't know yet. I can only take instructions from dad, so anytime he releases me I will inform you.

Should I tell aunt to speak to your dad about it? I can actually go over to your house tomorrow if you don't mind. She said with a concerned tone.

I thought someone wasn't worried about me. James smirked.

Get lost. I am serious over here. Should I speak to your mom? She asked again.

James smiled half heartedly. It wasn't really necessary. He needed to learn the way the business is controlled from this age before he fully takes charge of it. After all, skipping school for a few days won't do much harm. He thought.

No need for that angie. It's important I come here so I am not complaining. In a few days I will be back so don't miss me too much. He replied.

Get lost. She yelled as the call ended abruptly.

James couldn't help but smile. He was already used to her behaviour by now. She always acted like this from childhood up till now.

He stretched his hands upwards as he properly relaxed on the couch.

Angela laid her phone beside her. She was still contemplating whether to call James mum or not. No, she would skip school and go over to his house. Besides what was the need of attending class when he wasn't there.

Someone shook her shoulders as she jolted up. Seeing who the person was she calmed down.

Aunt you almost gave me a heart attack . she pouted.

Why wouldn't you have a heart attack when you were lost in your thoughts? Her aunt replied while sitting on the bed beside her.

I called you more than ten times but you were so immersed in your thoughts that you failed to notice me. So who was the one who occupied your thoughts? Her aunt asked her.

Auntie, it's no one . I just didn't notice your presence. She lied through her teeth.

Hmmm. Someone is lying to her aunt now. Angela. Cassandra softly called out.

You can lie to everyone but certainly not me. Remember I watched you grow into the woman you have become now. So I know you in and out. You better quit that pretense and tell me what is bothering you.

Hmmm aunt is really nothing. Angela muttered. She couldn't bring herself to tell her aunt that she was worried about James. Her aunt wouldn't miss the opportunity to tease her about it.

Were you thinking about James? Her aunt cautiously asked, trying to maintain eye contact with Angela.

Angela looked up in surprise. How did her aunt read through her thoughts?

Seeing the perplexed look on her niece's face confirmed her suspicion.

Why do you look flabbergasted? You thought I wouldn't find out right.

Well I heard your conversation with James before I came into your room. Cassandra said.

Angela widened her eyeballs. Auntie that is called eavesdropping on my privacy.

See who has privacy now. Cassandra scoffed. How would you blame me when you were speaking so loudly. I could hear your voice clearly even with your door closed. You were so engrossed in your conversation I guess so.

Well aunt I was just inquiring about James. Facing her aunt she continued.

He wasn't in class today and the James I know never misses any lecture. So I decided to check up on him. That's just it. She explained to defend herself.

Cassandra softly pinched her cheeks. That doesn't still contradict the fact that you care a lot about James. I am right and you know this.

Auntie. Angela called out. What are you saying? My childhood friend wasn't in class today shouldn't I at least call to check up on him.

Hmmm you are right. Cassandra nodded in confirmation to her words. You should always call to check up on him then. He is your childhood friend. I wonder if you behave like this with all your childhood friends.

Remember when Leslie was ill and didn't come to school for a week you weren't bothered. I was even the one who informed you that she has been admitted into the city hospital.

What about when Frank was absent from school due to his motorcycle accident you weren't informed. I was still the one who informed you about it.

But James just missed today's class . You are already this worked up. Shouldn't you explain yourself to me? Is there anything going on between you both that I am not aware of. Or let's say you have a crush on him. Which of them is right.

I don't know what you are talking about auntie. Angela held her auntie by the hand as she led her towards the door.

So why is your cheeks turning red all of a sudden? Cassandra teased her.

I wouldn't know. Angela replied impatiently. I guessed it'd due to the hotness of the room.

Auntie, you really need to go to bed. Goodnight I love you . With that she quickly shut her room door.

She leaned on the door trying to catch her breath. Did her face turn red she didn't know but she was certain of one thing. This room has definitely become so hot, she hurriedly increased the speed of the air conditioner as she went to wash her face.

Cassandra couldn't help but chuckle. This girl never ceases to amaze me.

She descended down the stairs. Looking at the clock she sighed. Why hasn't her brother returned from the office yet?

She had called his secretary who confirmed that the office had been closed a long time ago. So what is the problem now? She wondered.

There was a loud sound coming from the door. On reaching there she discovered it was her drunk brother. Seeing how wasted he looks she frowned her face in annoyance.

Why can't this boy ever get some sense after everything that has happened.

She quietly held him by the hand she led him inside to avoid the rest of the family members from coming out of their rooms.

Simon laughed out suddenly as if he had seen a clown. This action made Cassandra touch his forehead to check if he was alright. But his temperature seems normal.

Aria, is that you. He leaned towards Cassandra calling out softly. I know you will surely come back. I am your life so how can you live without me? He quickly pulled Cassandra into a bone crushing hug.

Inhaling the alcohol scent from his clothes almost made Cassandra throw up. How did Aria keep up with this guy all those while? She suddenly remembered that it was when she left that her brother became this way.

Simon. Cassandra called out. I need to take you to your room. It wouldn't be appropriate if mother finds you in this condition, talk more of Angela.

He jolted up at the mention of his daughter's name. This was what has given him strength all these years. His daughter was his priority.

Seeing her always gave him a sense of fulfillment and hope that Aria would one day return back to him and they would go back to their normal lives.

He would even forgive her and accept her no matter what. But still yet his imagination never came to pass.

A tear ran down his cheek as he quickly wiped it off.

Cassandra's heart shattered into pieces as she watched her brother looking miserable. She gathered strength as she took him by the hand straight into his room.

Before he slept he tightly grasped her hands. Thank you sister for looking after Angela all these years. With that he slept off.

She covered him properly with the duvet. Putting on the fan she calmly left the room.

Cassandra went downstairs to the living room as she sat on the couch. She was feeling really disturbed that she couldn't sleep.

She kept staring into space as different thoughts kept on coming into her mind. She has tried several ways to make her brother change his drinking attitude she started when Aria left the house.

She isn't bothered about her leaving, that was the most amazing thing she has ever achieved. Separating her brother and that woman who made life difficult for her was her greatest achievement.

But ever since then her brother's life has taken a U turn. He was always sober, though he still manages the business properly but only her knows what he does in the absence of people which makes her feel sorry for him.

She had introduced him to all her female friends but he didn't take interest in any of them. And he never stops uttering that girl's name whenever he gets drunk.

Pheeew . She felt so irritated by that low class girl. She imagined what spell she had cast on her brother.

Even though her niece resembled Aria she still loved her because she came from their bloodline. She had trained her so she was nothing like that woman, her mother.

She rubbed her head, thinking of the next step to take.

Angela looked at her aunt with a sad expression on her face. Her aunt has tried to always hide her father whenever he was in that condition.

She doesn't know why her dad always gets drunk. But she was certain that it was always because of a woman named Aria. He mentions her name constantly.

She knew that her mother was late. She died during childbirth. So that woman wouldn't be her mother. Was she her father's secret lover? She wasn't against the idea of her dad getting remarried.

She would even be the happiest person. She doesn't want him to remain lonely again. Maybe she would look for who this woman Aria is.

But how and when should she start from. She doesn't even have a photo of that woman. Maybe she would question her aunt about it. Surely aunt cassandra would know who this woman is.

She quietly slipped back into her room and shut the door. She stares at her room, seeing her childhood photos with her dad, aunty, grandmother, her cousin Hills, Leslie her best friend and finally James.

Seeing those photos made her smile again. But she couldn't find a single photo of her mother and she had been prohibited from speaking about her.

Early in the morning James stood up from the couch as he yawned. His neck hurt terribly from sleeping on the couch.

He couldn't help but complain bitterly. He really needed to leave this village for good. Everything here just irritated him and remembering the crazy fellow he encountered yesterday he couldn't help but chuckle. That girl was definitely crazy.

His phone rang as he picked up the call. It was his mum. He felt delighted, he will finally complain and his mom will get him out of here. After all, he is her only child.

Mom, how are you doing today? He inquired.

What do you expect, Son. She sighed. How will I ever be okay when my only son isn't here with me. You need to come back and that must happen today. She spoke firmly.

Yes. He jumped in happiness. He knew that his mother would never give up on him, and that father of his will definitely heed to her request.

Yes mum. I really need to return. This place is too unkempt and the people over here are irritating. I haven't even had a proper meal here. And the mosquito bites are really unbearable over here. He complained bitterly.

Hearing her son's complaint made her heart ache. Is okay son, your mother will definitely convince your father. Just exercise a little patience. She comforted him.

And remember this. She continued. You should treat Angela to a proper meal. She was the one who called and spoke to me this morning about this issue.

That girl really cares and loves you. I hope you know what I mean by that. She said,

Mum I know. We are only childhood friends and nothing more. What love are you talking about now? He asked.

Are you really dumb. His mother yelled.

How many childhood friends look after each other like she does? I wonder how my son became this dumb.

You better act fast or else I will take the necessary steps which you have refused to do.

Start packing your things, I will speak to your dad and he will inform you about the next step to take.

The call ended abruptly.