Chapter 3 Family troubles

ASIRI

Pah!! The sharp sting spread across my cheek the moment I stepped inside, my mother's hand still raised in the air. My cheek burned from the slap, but I ignored the pain, locking eyes with her.

Vincenzo had just dropped me off after dinner, and I was still relaxed from how well the evening had gone– until my mother's hand struck my face. I could barely register what happened.

"Explain yourself, Mrs. Louis!" I demanded, my words laced with ice.

"You stupid child! How dare you speak to me in such a manner! You aren't even a bit remorseful" She spat, raising her hand in an attempt to slap me again, but I caught her arm mid-air. She thought I'd make the same mistake twice, what a joke.

"I said explain not hit," I said, releasing her arm. She stumbled backward but regained her balance before she could fall.

I glanced around the room, taking in their expressions. Philip, my mother's husband, exchanged a look with his son Jason, both their mouths were parted in disbelief. Abigail, my oh-so-lovely younger sister, just stood there, her brows furrowed as she glared at me. I turned back to my mother, who was still staring wide-eyed at me.

"They must like standing" I whispered under my breath, walking past them to sit with my grandma.

"How was your day Grandma? Are you feeling better?" I smiled softly at her, my eyes scanning her frail figure, checking for signs of recovery, and thankfully she looked more rejuvenated.

"It was fine, my child. I hope you had dinner?" She said, her voice soft and filled with concern which warmed my heart. All she did was worry about me.

"Mother! That's all you can say? Won't you ask your precious granddaughter why she came back late, or why she came back in a strange car? I'm sure it was a man driving the car" My mother spat, clearly unhappy with being ignored.

"Oh, that was why she hit me," I thought, staring at her in disgust. "Mrs. Louis you are now the first lady of the Louis family, you should learn to use your words instead of your hands" I paused, my lips curling up as her features began to distort in anger. "Or else people might assume you act barbaric because you were raised in the village" I drawled, each word of mine dripping with venom.

I had touched a soft spot. Seeing her face flush with anger and embarrassment, her hands clenched by her sides, a cold smirk made its way to my face. She wasn't from a wealthy family and her parents–my grandparents– had lived in the village for a long time. Not to mention, she had once been married to a carpenter, my father. Later, she married into the Louis family, which held some power in Reston. She had always been insecure about it and hated being reminded of her humble background, so she always tried her best to blend in. "How shallow" I scoffed inwardly.

"You little bitch!" She cursed, trying to lunge at me.

Abigail quickly held her back. "Mother, calm down, I'm sure sister didn't mean it," she said gently, trying to calm her down, like the good filial daughter she is in their eyes.

"Tsk! Tsk! But I meant every word dear sister" I dragged out each word, shooting Abigail a fake smile.

For a moment, her mask slipped and she snarled at me, but she quickly regained her composure. "Iri, stop this, mum is only worried because you're new to the city. You are really pretty, and someone with evil thoughts could've taken advantage of you." She said, her voice dripping with concern. Anyone listening would think she had my best interest at heart, but I knew her, and she could barely hide the smug look in her eyes.

"I agree. I am really pretty, and so many bad people will try to take advantage of me. Good thing you don't have to go through the same Abbie" I feigned self-pity, as I touched my face, squinting my eyes at her.

Her hands were clenched by her sides, her jaw was clenched in anger as she glared daggers at me. Just the reaction I wanted. Abigail had always hated the fact that I was more beautiful than her, and she wasn't even ugly, just as shallow as her mother.

"How dare you!" My mother shouted, her eyes wide open, glaring daggers at me. I cast her a glance before scanning everyone's expressions. Philip's brows were furrowed into a frown as he stared at me, while Jason's brow was raised in surprise, they clearly didn't want to get involved. I turned to my grandma who just sat there, leisurely eating fruits. I'm happy she didn't get involved, she does not need the stress.

"Young lady, I'm speaking to you. How dare you talk to your sister in such a manner" She yelled, folding her arms as she shot me a look that said start talking. As if fucking hell that shit would work on me. Her words were met with my silence.

"Mum, don't stress about it, it's okay. What sissy said was the truth." Abigail said in her oh-so-self-righteous voice. It was something I had gotten used to over the years.

"Honey, don't defend her," my mother told Abigail, her voice soft and eyes filled with concern. I was supposed to feel pain from the difference in treatment, but I didn't. Instead, I found it amusing. I had already gotten used to the fact that I would always be seen as the unfilial child.

"Now answer me. Where did you go to? Who did you go with? And most importantly who dropped you off?" She asked in succession, her eyes brimming with curiosity.

I knew she wouldn't let me go without answering her, she would cause a huge scene, especially about the car that dropped me off. Vincenzo's car was a Maybach 57s Knight luxury, I'm sure they didn't know the brand, but it screamed luxury and was rare to find on the streets of Reston.

I sighed and began, "I went to dinner with a friend, and that friend dropped me off" I dropped the explanation and stood up to leave the room.

"What friend? You know no one here" Abigail asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.

I continued going up the stairs, not dropping a reply. I was tired of dealing with them.

"I'm sure it's no one important Mum" I heard Abigail say before disappearing into my room which I shared with my Grandma. I just scoffed ignoring her comment.

~~~

I was typing away on my computer, when my grandma walked in, carrying a plate of fruits. "Dear I'm sure you didn't have dinner, have some fruit," she said, handing me the plate of fruit, but I didn't take it. "Grandma, I had dinner I promise" I assured her softly. She likes to worry for no reason. "No, have it, whether you ate or not. I already had some and we can't let these go to waste" She furrowed her brows at me not taking no for an answer. Sometimes she could be very stubborn.

I sighed in resignation, taking the plate from her, a mix of emotions clouding my chest, as I watched her go into the bathroom to freshen up. She and Grandpa had always been there for me, even when no one wanted me, but Grandpa died some years ago and she acts like she's okay, but I know she's just keeping a strong front for me. Even I always hear his voice when I close my eyes.

"My child come eat..."

"Who doesn't love my sweet little Iri"

"My Iri is the best"

"You've barely touched the fruits Iri" My Grandma said, jolting me from my thoughts. My throat suddenly felt dry and I popped a piece of watermelon into my mouth. "Hey, honey are you okay?" She worriedly asked, sitting beside me. I didn't want to worry her so I just smiled and said. "It's nothing, Granny."

She cast me a doubtful glance, but my smile remained unfazed. "It really is nothing. It's late let me give you your medicine so you can go to bed" I changed the topic, getting up to get them.

"If you say so, but if there is anything at all, you do know you can tell me right?" She said staring at me deeply. I froze for a moment but quickly composed myself. "I know."

I gave her the medicines, and she laid down to sleep but suddenly turned to me and asked. "My child, who dropped you off today?"

For some sick reason, Vincenzo's face flashed in my mind, throwing me off balance for a moment. "Dear?" She called out, seeing I didn't reply.

"Grandma, it's a new friend I met today. Don't worry too much" I tried to keep my voice calm, but for some fucking reason, my voice came out tight.

"My child, I just want you to be safe nothing else." Her eyes were filled with worry.

"I'll be. Now stop worrying and go to sleep" I said, shooting her a small smile. She squeezed my hand and closed her eyes to sleep.

"Sleep well" I whispered to her. In return, she just shot me a sad smile.

When I heard her breath even, I knew she had fallen asleep. I brought out my computer from my backpack and started typing a line of code on it. Sleep was not possible for me, as reoccurring nightmares had left me with lingering insomnia. Even if I managed to fall asleep, the nightmare would still disrupt my rest.

I can vividly remember its fragments:

The deafening shattering of glass, a loud banging sound. The scream of a child, a soft reassuring voice, amidst different voices. The sound of shouting, white lights, sirens, blood everywhere, and a shadowy figure with black hair. They always came in fragments, everything blurred and jumbled up, not making any sense. I couldn't see the faces or anything at all.n

Those were the dreams that had haunted me for years. As I closed my eyes replaying those blurred images, It felt like icy fingers gripped my neck. Sweat drops lined my pale face as I gripped the table, hoping it would somehow draw me out of my trance.

Thankfully, I found my savior when the continuous ringing of my phone, slowly drew me out of my thoughts.

My shaky hands picked up the phone. Seeing who the caller was, I took a deep breath, adjusted my emotions, and answered the call.

"Hello," I said, hoping my voice didn't sound breathy.

"I've arrived." The caller replied.