Chapter 2 Frustrated Life

1. Frustrated Life

Astrid's POV:

"Astrid, get up." Someone sprayed water on my face.

I know exactly who it is. I moaned in my sleep, wanting nothing more than to be alone.

My blanket was removed from me, and I noticed a draft of cold air coming from the door beside the dining room.

It was my mother, disturbed by my eight o'clock morning slumber. Despite my repeated explanations about my pack duty at night, she insisted I get up. She argued that I was a girl and had already brought them enough embarrassment; they couldn't afford further tardiness. I'd mentioned countless times that I'd only slept at 4 a.m., but my mother scolded me, claiming I'd already had enough sleep

I exhaled and opened my eyes. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs because if I keep going at this rate, I'm sure I'll go nuts from a lack of sleep and rest.

I wouldn't even have the luxury of adjusting to my new surroundings. I was about to plunge into a list of errands before heading to school.

"Get up and tidy the whole house. I want you to do it before you go to school," Mom said as she exited the dining hall.

I am Astrid Stephnie Jones, and this is how I spend my early mornings. Being the only daughter brought me nothing but exhaustion and managing everything on my own.

I don't sleep in the living room because I'm treated like a maid, but because it's my choice.. Because there are only three bedrooms in the house, one of which is inhabited by my parents and the other two by my elder brothers, I was forced to sleep in the living room. I wouldn't say I liked it there, so I asked to use the dining room, which was gratefully approved.

It was big enough to contain everything while still leaving enough space to roam around freely.

Furthermore, I was never appreciated for all of the hard work I put into my entire day, and if I slept a little late, I was subjected to ridicule.

On the other hand, my two brothers, who work a little late and are not disturbed for an eternity. It made me wonder why they got special treatment while I felt neglected. My mother said it was because they were tired from their hard work the previous day and deserved rest. But, that same mother couldn't see her daughter's struggle, balancing school, housework, and working as a waitress at night in a restaurant and not to mention the pack duties.

It breaks my heart to see the woman who brought me into this world treat me this way. I adore her because I know how much she loves her children. She used to shower me with affection until a few years ago, and I don't know what happened all of a sudden that changed for her to treat me so coldly.

I know my brothers work hard as well, with pack chores and their own work to attend to, and they need to rest, but why are others so insensitive to me?

Once I finished my chores, I would head to school, knowing that new challenges awaited me there. After school, I would go to the restaurant to work, without which I couldn't manage my expenses. Then again, I was responsible for my own costs. I never liked depending on anyone, not even my parents.

But I'm not complaining. After all, I enjoy the feeling of taking responsibility for myself.

I've never liked to rely on anyone, including my parents, to give it to me, but it hurts at times not to receive the love they show to others, but I guess it's not in my fate.

I got up from my bed and did everything, packed my bag, and left for school.

I was walking aimlessly when I fell against a stone and was about to drop face-first on the ground when a soothing aroma overwhelmed me, accompanied by a pair of arms securely wrapped around my waist.

I closed my eyes and breathed a sigh of relief that I was at least rescued. Still, I dreaded having to turn around and face him because I was afraid I'd lose myself looking into those blue eyes.

"Astrid, are you all right?" he asked, clutching my waist.

I gathered my courage and stood up, embracing myself before turning around to face him.

I pursed my lips in a thin line, cursing myself internally for being careless, which had left me in this situation.

I summoned all of my courage and told myself mentally not to act stupidly.

"Oh, Edward, hello," I said, smiling at my crush.

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