Zoe

The two people at the dining table whipped their heads in the direction to see an appealing young figure in a floral over-the-knee dress walking down the stairs. Her heavy caramel waves hung freely over her shoulders to her back, and her grey eyes were sharp.

 

Zoe! 

Genova almost couldn't recognize the girl should it not have been the unmistakable resemblance the female shared with her aunt.

Zoe was Eva's daughter and only child.

Eva's husband, Zoe's father, died in an accident a few years back. Zoe was just a toddler at that time. As such, she never truly experienced the love of having a father in her life. Her mom had been the only parent she had.

The last time both girls saw one another was over six years ago. And like her, Zoe had also grown into one dashing young lady.

"Hi, Zoe!" Genova beamed. 

In contracts, Zoe's expression turned grimly to see the last person she ever expected to be in their home.

She was not at all pleased with the idea that Genova would be staying with them from now on. More anger-jerking was the fact that nobody cared to inform her before this decision was made. She only found out barely two hours ago when she returned home. This was her house, but it would seem her opinion didn't matter. 

Zoe was mad at everyone for making her feel like an outsider!

Ignoring Genova, she trotted to the other end of the table and sat down, her lips forming a thin line. "I still don't get why this low life is in our house!" she said through greeted teeth.

"Language, young lady. That's not how you speak to someone you haven't seen in years!" Eva reprimanded. 

"That's my point, mom. We haven't seen in years, and things should remain that way. She should have stayed dead to us!" Zoe retorted. "She doesn't belong here; she doesn't belong to our family!"

Genova was taken aback by Zoe’s unexpected hostility. Was this the same girl she once knew, or did someone switch places with her?

"Zoe, that's enough! I do not have the patience for your rotten attitude right now." Eva cautioned with anger lacing her voice. However, that didn't seem to bother Zoe at all. Instead, she carried on, "There's no need to yell at me, mom. We both know she… Who knows what hole she was dug out from." Zoe sneered.

"Watch your mouth!"  Eva shouted, slamming her palm hard on the table. Her eyes burned with fury as she glared at Zoe, barely holding in the urge to smack her across the face. Perhaps that would have been the case if only the brat weren’t sitting far from her. 

On the other hand, Genova was utterly stupefied and in disbelief about the sudden situation. 

Though she couldn't say Zoe and her were ever considered close because both girls never truly got along in the past… However, things weren't that bad to prompt these hateful words and spite. What she felt right now from her cousin was pure hatred.

But why? Genova had no clue! She vividly recalled never having issues with Zoe to result in this antagonism. Would Zoe be another Zaina she would have to live and deal with for as long as she remained in this house?

'It seems I am a magnet for trouble!' Genova muttered internally.

Yeah, she was well aware that she was the stranger amongst them. Zoe was right; she didn't belong in this home. But doesn’t kinship warrant such privilege? Doesn't that make her one of them?

Genova felt sad. Why did she always get acquainted with mean people? Initially, there was Zaina who never allowed her a breathing space to bully her whenever the opportunity presented itself back in Roseville. Now she has to deal with Zoe. 

This was great!

"Lady's. Dinner is ready…." Monica said in a singing tone, hoping to dismiss the tense atmosphere as she stepped into the dining area while holding a large food tray. She had heard their conversation and wasn't surprised to see Zoe acting this way. The girl was spoilt and lacked manners.

Monica often felt sad for Eva. She always felt Eva was quite unfortunate to have birth such an unruly girl. But as a mother, you could never despise your child regardless of how disappointing they turn out. 

Dinner was served, and Genova just ate her meal absent-mindedly. She couldn't help feeling dejected.

Eva noticed the girl beside her would give anything to be anywhere other than the current dining table and sighed. "Here, have some more vegetables. They are good for you," she said sweetly, placing steamed fried bok-choy, broccoli and potatoes in Genova's bowl.

Genova forced a smile. "Thank you, aunt!"

Eva hummed. 

With that, she decided to engage Genova in a conversation in order to lighten up the girl's mood.

"Gen. What do you think about the idea of going back to school?" Eva asked.

Genova’s dull mood slightly became less solemn upon hearing the sound of ‘school’. She cleared her throat and sat upright before answering, "I'd like that very much!"

"Okay. I can have you registered at Zoe's school. It is one of the best colleges in the world and the best we have in town," Eva commented. "I will have a meeting with Zoe's school dean tomorrow; let's see how soon you can start."

Genova's face brightened up. She wasn't dropping out of school. She gets to finish college. This was good news!

Conversely, Zoe was fuming in anger that not only was this nobody going to occupy her house but her school as well. She desperately wished to smack that smile off of Genova's face before ripping her to shreds.

Everyone at the table could feel Zoe's rage, but none cared. Genova at the very least. She cleared her throat again and began, "Aunt, I would also like to work a part-time job if you perhaps have any recommendations for me." 

“What sort?”

"I worked at a cafe back home which I enjoyed very much," Genova revealed. Beside Zaina's constant bully, she was happy with everything else while working as a waitress.

"What a cheap job befitting a cheap someone:" Zoe snorted.

"At least she knows how to handle a job and is responsible, unlike you." Eva retorted, glaring at the overly pampered and arrogant being she called a daughter.

Returning her focus on Genova, "Anything else you might want to add, dear?"

"Ah, yes. I can work any other job if the opportunity arises. I am good at calculations, for example." Genova pointed out.

A screeching sound of a chair against the hard floor reverberated as Zoe stood up and left the table with a sneer. 

"Sometimes I wonder if she's truly my child," Eva muttered sadly. "About the job, I will ask a friend if he's got a spot at his restaurant. And since you are good with numbers, there's a chance you could get the assistant secretary position at the company we are currently partnering with. You might be required to do a month's probation since you are new to this line of work." she informed. 

Genova nodded in understanding. "That's fine with me! I am a quick learner."