Chapter 5 How they met

It was my 18th birthday week and I was stoked about it. Even though I wasn't sure if my parents planned anything for me, I was so happy I was gradually transitioning into adulthood.

Then, I was eager to become an adult, so my parents won't have control over me.

We were on a summer holiday and that was more than the perfect time for a birthday celebration.

I already had a dress in mind but I didn't have enough money to buy it. The dress cost $50 and I had $35.

I decided to ask my parents for the remaining amount.

That afternoon I entered the sitting room where my father was watching a news broadcast.

My mother and sister had gone out since morning. I was sure they were shopping and also inviting friends. That was the best chance I had to ask my father for money so Aria wouldn't interfere.

I entered the sitting room slowly and moved towards him. I was conscious not to obstruct his view as he could use that as an avenue not to give me any money.

I stood there watching him. He noticed my presence but ignored me.

"Whatever you have to say will have to wait until this broadcast is over" He said before I could say anything.

This particular broadcast usually lasted hours and having said that, that was obviously his way of saying he wasn't interested in what I had to say.

I stood there like someone who was lost. I needed the money so I had to wait for the broadcast to be over.

I didn't want to give him a chance to leave because if left, he would go up to his room to finish watching the broadcast and once he was in his room, I should as well forget about it.

I stood there for about an hour and a few minutes before the broadcast came to an end.

He probably didn't expect me to wait that long.

Immediately it was over, I spoke up.

"Daddy, please can I get some money from you. I need it to complete the money for my dress" I tried to sound as polite and nice as I could. I spoke so innocently.

"How much are we looking at here?" He asked as he tapped on his phone.

I was surprised. He usually dismissed me whenever I asked for money.

I guess it was because of my birthday.

For a moment I had the thought of increasing the amount but I didn't want to tell a lie. I wasn't good at it. He could easily find out.

"The dress cost $50 and I need an extra $20" I decided to add just $5.

He put his right hand into his pocket and brought out some money, out of which he handed me a $5 bill.

"This Is all I can spare" He said as he put the rest of the money into his pocket.

I stared at him in utter disbelief. I asked for $20 and he gave me just $5. That wasn't enough.

"Daddy please...

He raised his left hand which signalled I should stop talking. He stood up and went upstairs.

I stood watching him leave. My birthday was in two days and I hadn't gotten a dress yet.

All the enthusiasm I had, just went out of the window.

I was so foolish to have thought he would actually give me the money.

I went to my room and cried my heart out. All my life I had been treated this way, but this one was particularly painful because this was my 18th birthday and it was so special to me.

I decided to pick myself up and work for the remaining amount.

"I must get that dress" I said to myself.

There was a local supermarket down our street. I intended to go there the next day to work part-time and earn money. I needed to work for my dress.

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The next day, I went down to the store and met with the manager.

From how the manager acted, I was sure she was surprised that I was asking to work for her...I mean my father was rich and I shouldn't be found here.

It was settled. I was to be paid $2 per hour. It wasn't so fair but it was something, so I agreed to it.

I needed an extra $10. My father had already given me $5 so I had to work for 5 hours. That would make me $10.

I started work immediately.

I worked the entire 5 hours that day and went home. I was glad that I made the money.

It wasn't so difficult to make money...or so I thought.

Back at home, there was rushing and preparation and decoration of the house; trying to make everything perfect.

Aria was making demands here and there.

I just went up to my room and assembled and brought together all the money I had.

$50. It was complete. Tomorrow I'll be off to get my dress.

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"I'm sorry, but we've sold the dress" the lady at the counter said.

The dress I worked for and laboured for was sold. My birthday party was tonight and I didn't have a dress yet.

"But I pleaded with you to be patient with me that I'll get the money" I was at the point of tears.

"We waited for you and a customer came with a better pricing, so, we let go of it"

"Besides, your parents are rich. They can afford better dresses than the ones we have here" the lady shrugged.

She was right. My parents could afford dresses better than that.

I walked away in tears. That was the cheapest dress there. Others were really pricey.

I tried cheering myself up, reminding myself that today was my birthday.

I stopped at a coffee shop to rest. I could see our house from there. It wasn't a home. It didn't have the love and care a home should have.

The place was decorated beautifully and more decorations were done too.

Later in the evening, I trudged home slowly. I was going to wear the dress I wore for my 17th birthday.

It was the same dress I wore for my 16th birthday, so I have worn it twice for my birthday and I decided to change my dress this time around...now my plans are shattered.

As I entered our house, I saw Aria getting her hair done by the front porch. Mom was standing beside the stylist, showing her how she wants the hair to be.

The party was that evening.

As I passed, I expected her to ask where I had been or to ask me to come get my hair done. But as I passed, she didn't glance my way not to talk of speaking to me.

I was all alone in this world.

In the sitting room, a three layered cake was standing at the center. It was decorated pink–Aria's favourite colour.

On top of it was an image of Aria. It was her birthday shoot from our 17th birthday. There was no other cake there.

"I was not included in this birthday plan" I muttered to myself.

I went up to my room and concluded I wouldn't come down.

Nobody even wished me a happy birthday.

That evening by 6 o'clock, guests were streaming in like flowing waters. I stayed by my window watching them.

Aria was by the door welcoming the guests. She looked stunning in her tight fitting white dress. She looked like an angel while I was the opposite, locked away upstairs.

She smiled at everyone that came in.

I couldn't take it. It was my birthday too.

I wore my dress from my last birthday and by midnight, I went outside.

I went to our backyard and sat there watching the stars.

I should enjoy my birthday in anyway I can.

The merriment and noise coming from inside was on a whole new level.

I tapped my feet lightly to the beat. I didn't know why my parents treated me that way.

"What are you doing here?"

I turned to see a guy standing behind me. He seemed young and his suit looked expensive.

"Who are you?" I was cautious not to disclose any information.

"I'm one of the guests supposed to be attending your birthday party" He answered.

"So, what are you doing here?. Last I saw, you were inside smiling at the camera and dancing" he stated curiously.

"And your hair was done and you were putting on a white dress"

He didn't know I was a twin. He was mistaken.

"What's your name?" I asked. I should at least know his name.

"You can call me wolf" he grinned and sat beside me.

"What sort of name is that?" I wondered if that was his real name or his pen name.

"Is something my friends called me. So, what are you doing here and how did you change out of your clothes so quickly?" He repeated the question.

He seemed like a nice guy, som...

"That person