A FEW YEARS AGO… The final bell rang, its shrill tone echoing through the halls of the community high school. I let out a sigh of relief, grateful that another day of social navigation was finally over. As I made my way through the crowded corridors, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the ease with which my classmates interacted. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but I felt like I was encased in a bubble, separated from it all. I've never been good at the whole "making friends" thing. It's not that I don't want to connect with people, it's just that I struggle with the unwritten rules of social interaction. Small talk feels pointless, and I can't bring myself to feign interest in topics I find mind-numbingly dull. My bluntness, which I consider honesty, often comes across as rudeness to others. It was easier to keep to myself than to constantly worry about saying the wrong thing. As I pushed open the heavy front doors of the school, I let out a sigh of relief,
BERTHAThere are two types of people in this world. There are the people who think there's a difference between good and bad and then those who know that there is no such thing. The world isn't black and white. It is a whole array of colors and even murder can be justified when the perpetrator is a sweet talker. When he tells you his reasons. My mother has raised me this way, these words have resounded in me my whole life. There is no good and there is no bad. Which is why one must always take what they want in this life because the only thing that's constant is change…and it isn't often pleasing. I looked down at the share-transfer document with a wide grin on my face. This is something I've wanted ever since I found out who my father was. I have wanted to be his heir, wanted to be the one in power but…Amelia had to come and take everything that belonged to me away. Except now, I was finally getting it all back. I would finally be able to sit with the shareholders. T
Sure, I had to find a way to have Roman wrapped around my fingers. No man could resist a woman who is always seemingly weak and had tears in her eyes. Roman ate that shit up just as I wanted him to. But something changed. Or maybe it has been there this entire time but I chose to ignore it…until Amelia reverted back to that noisy bitch who couldn't keep her mouth shut. And now…I stand at the brink of losing Roman. I watched in shock and slight panic as he refused to meet my eyes after that short, stiff greeting. I could feel my mother's questioning and no doubt satisfied stare on the side of my face and my cheeks heated up in embarrassment. I knew my mother better than anyone, she probably saw this as an opportunity. She never really cared if Roman stayed with me or not. She just wants a reason to keep him close. But Roman won't fall for a shriveled up bitch like her! Same way he simply cannot fall for that idiot, Amelia! My father opened the door, a look
“Roman!” I screeched, my voice nearing hysteria. I watched as his back stiffened up as he made his way to his car, he stopped in his tracks, turning around slowly to finally face me. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his eyes cold, almost empty as he met my eyes. “Roman…” I breathed, realizing I couldn't just yell at him with that expression on his face. He looked rather annoyed by my presence. It had never been like that. Never. Has he truly…moved on from me? “Is that really all you came here to say? To defend Amelia, to threaten my father because of her?!” He inhaled deeply, audibly and then ran his fingers through his soft brown hair. “Bertha…I have nothing else to say,” I gasped, “Not even to me?” His brows furrowed deeply, “No, I have nothing to say to you,” He stated firmly, a chill glazing over his features making me take a subconscious step back. I forced my tears to show as I looked up at him…I knew he couldn't resist that. “Is this truly how
AMELIA“Trenton, hi!” I smiled as I walked into the living room, he was the first person I found and behind him was Vincent. His handsome face was bright with a smile the second he spotted me. “Hey, Vincent,” I greeted. “Miss Amelia,” “Amelia,” I couldn't help but notice it was a rather odd combination seeing these two men in one place, sharing a drink no less. Trenton had sent Fiona to call me down while I was in the bathroom and I told them to give me a few minutes. I might've spent more time than necessary in that bathroom trying to get my thoughts in order. Trying to fathom just how easily Roman had agreed to help me. I had thought he would say I should give in to their demands, tell me it's for the best. Instead… I was beginning to see the appeal. If a man can be that protective of me…that nice… I had to ask him about those memories, I had to know if they were dreams or reality. “Miss Amelia?” “Huh?” I blinked, raising my head to meet their e
“I um…have you…had breakfast?” Roman watched me for what seemed to be an eternity. The look in his eyes was intense, I found myself rooted to the spot as we gazed into each other's eyes. He shook his head slowly after the long silence stretched, uncomfortably so. I had many questions, many. And I wasn't sure where to begin or how to act around him. “Would you like to have some?” “No, I'm not hungry,” He replied, a faint frown creasing the space between his brows. “Oh…” What does one say to that? I cleared my throat and laughed awkwardly, running my fingers through my bob. Well, not much of a bob at this point, I needed to go to a salon. Maybe today…get a trim, get my mind off things. “Right…did you,” I looked at the ceiling for a second, unsure of how to pose the question, “Did you speak to him?” There was a glint of realization in his eyes, he gave me a small smile and made his way to the sofa. Plopping down on it with a heavy sigh. “I did, you have nothing
GREECEMy mother has always had an issue with everything and everyone. She wants everything to be be the way she wants, yet her own definition of perfection and what is right is so flawed, I am a bit ashamed it took me twenty years of living with her to realize it. “Greece! Did you even hear a word I said?!” She snapped, eyes glowering with fury. She didn't scare me, at least not as much as before because the harshness in her gone still made me flinch and nod shaking, taking a hold of the bags she'd handed to me. My mother had attendants and many assistants she could ask to do such menial labor, but she always picked me for it. Because I was the mistake child who always has to have a use to her rather than remind her of the ‘damage’ I caused to her body. And mental health. We were at a shopping mall, scrolling around with her bitchy friends who all kissed her ass like they were addicted to shit. Telling her everything she picked, wore, spoke was right, beautiful, graceful.
“What's your name?” I asked, watching as her gray eyes went wide as she tried to probably recall her name. It was funny to see the little girl bring her chubby fingers to her pouty lips and pat them like a thoughtful adult. “I…my name is Lisa,” She responded but still looked confused like she wasn't really sure if that was the correct name. “Lisa? Are you sure?” I asked with a cocked up brow, unable to hold back my smile. She nodded, still looking unsure. I sighed. “Alright, Lisa, where did you get separated from your dad?” She shook her head, eyes tearing up yet again. I patted her back in a panic, I loved kids but in that moment I realized I had no idea how to handle one. “It's okay, it's okay…” I reassured her gently. “We'll find him, just try to remember where he was, hmm?” She had that comical, thoutful look on her face again before finally, pointing in the direction she had walked out from. “The ice cream…” She mumbled, “I want ice cream,” “No, that's not what…”