Chapter 2 Gone without permission

Ava Hale

I sat on my bed, smiling to myself, letting the quietness of my room wrap around me. Life was good. Perfect, after all.

"Yeah, I know she's the eldest," I muttered under my breath, pacing slowly. "But I hate her with passion. Why is she even here? Why does she eat with us? Why is she so beautiful? Why does she have everything... except me?"

I laughed softly, the sound sharp and satisfied. "Thank goodness for Mom. I'm the only recognizable daughter. No one knows her, and everyone thinks I'm the only Hale. I love it that way."

I twirled a strand of my hair, admiring my reflection in the mirror. Power, recognition, admiration,it all belonged to me. And Skyle... well, she was just a shadow in my perfect life. A shadow that was about to stay exactly where it belonged.

Skyle Hale

I woke up very early, but lazily. My body ached, and my stomach growled with hunger. Still, I forced myself to get up.

I brushed my teeth, took a quick bath, and packed my hair into a simple ponytail. I slipped into a crop top that revealed my belly button, paired it with my jeans and sneakers, and applied a touch of lip gloss. I looked... okay. Hot, even. But inside, I was heavy with pain.

I tried my best to forget everything that happened yesterday, but every memory came rushing back like a storm I couldn't escape.

Once I was done, I headed to Clara's place. I needed to eat something before facing the world, even if just for a few hours of peace.

Clara Benelt

"Where is Skyle? I've been waiting... she said she'd be here by 7 a.m.," I muttered to myself, pacing the living room.

I was still contemplating whether to call her when I heard a knock at the door. Guess she's here, I said under my breath.

I rushed to the door and swung it open. Skyle stood there, tired but trying to look put together. Without a word, we hugged each other tightly, letting the comfort of familiarity wash over us.

"Clara... hope there's some food in the house," Skyle whispered, rubbing her stomach.

"I met your mom downstairs," I said with a small smile. "Come, I made breakfast for the both of us."

I led her to the kitchen where the smell of freshly cooked food made her eyes widen. On the table, I had prepared:

Scrambled eggs with tomatoes and herbs

Buttered toast with a drizzle of honey

A bowl of fresh fruits, strawberries and bananas

Hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon

"Wow... thank you," Skyle said softly, her voice tinged with relief.

We sat down, eating in companionable silence for a few moments, letting the warmth of the kitchen fill the cracks left by yesterday's pain.

*******

As we finished eating, I leaned back and looked at Skyle. "Listen, I know things at home are... impossible right now. But I have an idea that could help you start being independent."

Skyle's eyes lit up faintly, a mix of curiosity and hope.

"There's a fast-food place near my street," I explained. "They're hiring someone to attend to customers ,serve drinks, take orders, keep things organized. It's not glamorous, but the pay is good. Enough for you to live on your own, even save a little."

Skyle leaned forward, listening intently.

"The hours are flexible, too. You can start early, finish early, or even pick shifts that work with your schedule. The manager is nice and understanding. And honestly... with how responsible and smart you are, you'd be perfect for the job."

I smiled at her, trying to make it sound encouraging. "I can even take you there today. You'll see the place, meet the manager, and if you like it, you can start immediately."

Skyle's lips curved into a small smile, but her eyes still held the weight of everything she had endured. "Today...?" she asked softly, almost as if testing herself.

"Yes," I said firmly. "No more waiting. You deserve this chance."

She took a deep breath, sitting up straighter. "Okay... I'll go today," she said, her voice trembling slightly but carrying determination. "I'll do it. I can't stay at home anymore."

I reached over and squeezed her hand. "Good. You'll see, it won't be as scary as you think. You've got this."

For the first time in days, a sense of control settled over Skyle. Today, she would take her first real step toward freedom, even if just a small one.

Skyle Hale

The walk to the fast-food place felt longer than it really was. My stomach fluttered nervously, but the morning sun warming my face gave me a tiny spark of courage. Clara walked beside me, chatting casually to calm me down, but I was quiet, lost in my thoughts.

When we arrived, the building was small but clean, with a bright sign and the smell of fresh fries and coffee drifting through the open door. Customers sat at tables, chatting and laughing, completely oblivious to the storm waiting for me back home.

"Here we are," Clara said softly. "You'll see, it's not so scary once you get in."

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The bell chimed, and the manager looked up from the counter. He was kind-eyed and had a warm smile that immediately made me feel less like an intruder.

"Hi sir," Clara said. "This is my friend Skyle,I told you about, She's interested in the position?"

The manager nodded. "Of course. Come on in, I'll show you around."

I followed him into the kitchen and work area. He explained everything in detail:

How to greet customers politely and take their orders

How to handle the drink station efficiently

Basic cleanliness rules for the tables and counters

Safety measures for hot drinks and cooking equipment

It sounded simple, but I felt a flutter of excitement. I could do this. I had to do this.

"Do you think you can start today?" the manager asked kindly.

I nodded immediately. "Yes. I... I'll do my best."

Clara smiled at me, pride shining in her eyes. "See? Told you you'd be fine."

My first customers came in slowly at first. I smiled nervously, repeated the manager's instructions in my head, and began to serve them. Each time I handed someone their drink or smiled politely, a small part of the fear inside me faded.

By the end of the morning, I was tired, sweaty, and my feet ached,but I had done it. I had survived. And more importantly, I had taken the first real step toward independence.

As I looked at Clara, who was watching me with encouragement, I realized something,for the first time in a long time, I felt... capable.

Hale's Mansion

"Where is Skyle?" Vivian asked sharply.

"I don't know, Mom," Ava replied, shrugging. "Are you calling her to eat?"

"No, dear," Vivian said coldly. "Has the house been cleaned? Have your clothes been washed?"

Ava shook her head. "No."

Vivian's lips tightened.

"Why is she always so lazy?" Ava scoffed, rolling her eyes. She turned and called out to one of the servants. "Go and call Skyle."

The servant bowed and hurried away.

Minutes later, she returned, her head lowered. "Ma'am... I've looked everywhere. Skyle is nowhere to be found."

Vivian's face darkened instantly. Her calm snapped.

"Where did that girl go off to this morning?!" she barked, slamming her hand on the table. "I will deal with her myself!"

Ava's lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile.