A stolen life

Today is my older sister Audrey Gomez's eighteenth birthday. Everything was organized by our older brother. It will be a fairly simple party but with those she loves, that is, some members of our family, our older brother and I and also with her boyfriend John. John comes from a family in our neighborhood. We go to the same school.

My sister is not very in love with John. However, John is very in love with Audrey and does everything he can to make her happy, which is never enough for Audrey.

My sister is in a relationship with John so she doesn't stay single because her best friend Rebecca persuaded her to say yes just to play with him so she doesn't stay alone when they go out with friends.

***In Audrey's room***

So how are you feeling sis? Ashley asked her,

Old. Nothing else, replied Audrey.

You shouldn't feel old. You're just funny.

- I'm not kidding Ashley. I feel old compared to you. You're so young and I'm already getting old.

– you seem to be becoming pathetic. How can you say such a thing? Each of us is getting older with each passing day no matter how old we are. Why compare yourself to me, besides we are only 13 months apart in age.

- It seems like your 18th birthday is making you lose your mind.

- You're probably right. I'm talking nonsense.

- In short, everyone is already ready downstairs. I came up to tell you before you started talking nonsense. John is here too.

It was while discussing this that Rebecca entered, saying,

Ashley go out, I have to talk to my best friend.

I'm not surprised, Ashley replied. Every time you see me, you have to make a fool of me to feel comfortable. I'm leaving, but I'm especially angry with Audrey who lets you treat me like that. I don't know what you blame me for, Rebecca, to treat me like that every time we're in the same room.

Then Ashley left Audrey's room.

Rebecca went to close the door and came back to tell Audrey,

This idiot doesn't know what's in store for her. She makes me so angry.

Audrey started laughing and said,

And John?

He's downstairs, waiting for you with a bouquet of wilted flowers just like his meaningless life. So he thinks you're already his what? He doesn't know what's in store for him.

Audrey laughed out loud again. Then she said,

if only he knew what awaited him.

***In Ashley's room***

She still feels very humiliated once again by this behavior of Rebecca. All alone then in her room, she thought about why her sister never took her defense every time Rebecca treated her like that. This has been going on since she was 12 years old.

It started a few weeks after their parents died in a terrible car accident, more precisely a few days after their funeral. Ashley at the age of 12 was returning from school with her parents in their vehicle. That day, Audrey and Amir had not gone to class. A young man in a luxury car was driving in the opposite direction. The young man was 16 years old at that time and had his driving license with the authorization of his parents. His father is a very famous man in the city. He is the general practitioner who owns the private clinic which has almost all the medical equipment. This young man named Mike is the only child of his parents. He was talking to his father who was in the passenger seat and laughing when he collided with Ashley's parents' vehicle. Ashley was in the back.

Mike's father immediately called his clinic for an ambulance but before the ambulance arrived, Ashley's parents lost their lives.

As a child, Ashley didn't understand what was happening. However, she knew her brother Amir's phone number.

After contacting Ashley's brother, their parents' bodies were buried a few weeks later.

In front of their parents' grave, Mike made a promise to be Ashley's future husband, which his father approved of.

As for Mike's father, he has resolved to take care of all the financial needs of the children who are Amir, Audrey, and Ashley.

So Mike and Ashley have been in a relationship for 5 years even though their relationship really started when Ashley celebrated her 16th birthday.

So it's been a year since Mike and Ashley's romantic relationship actually started. Before that, they were just very close friends because Mike saw that Ashley was too small to explain to her the meaning of a romantic relationship, but as soon as she turned 16, she understood a lot of things and the two were already madly in love with each other from spending a lot of time together.

*** End of flashback ***

Now being in her room thinking about Rebecca's behavior earlier, Ashley's phone started ringing.

The call was from her boyfriend Mike.

A smile immediately appeared on her face after seeing the number calling her.

She picked up the call with a wide smile and heard,

So how is the coolest girlfriend on the planet doing?

very good every time she hears her prince charming's voice.

- I hope you are well my dear

now yes, otherwise Rebecca had upset my morale a little

oooh your sister's famous best friend. Don't let her ruin your sister's party. Speaking of which, I hope you enjoyed the party thrown by the event service my dad hired?

Yes, darling. Everything is perfect and very well organized. I enjoyed it anyway. We will never stop thanking you and your parents for everything you have done for my sister, my brother and me since that famous tragic day.

Let's not talk about it please, sweetie. You know that I went through several sessions of psychological therapy to forgive myself for having been the cause of this accident. So I don't like to remember that day.

This day was the saddest of my life. Anyway, let's change the subject.

- I guess you still miss your parents

- exactly, all the gold and silver in the world will never be able to replace them

- You're right. Nevertheless I will always make you feel less the pain of their tragic departure

Thank you my love. I love you

I love you too

Suddenly Ashley's bedroom door opened and Rebecca came screaming in,

Your sister is about to cut the cake and what are you doing here?

I'll call you back my love, Ashley said then ended the phone call.

Then she said to Rebecca,

In exactly one month, I'm going to be 17. So I'm not that little girl you used to yell at every time you felt like it. And for your information, I don't like it when you come into my room like that. You just ended my boyfriend and I are in conversation.

Then Ashley walked out of the room to join the others.

All alone, Rebecca began to laugh, saying to herself:

your lover? Okay, okay.

To be continued.........

Then Rebecca went downstairs to join the others in the living room.

Audrey made a wish and then blew out her candle.

Everyone started applauding.

The people present at the birthday were some of Audrey and Ashley's classmates. There were also two uncles and aunts. One of their paternal uncle and aunt as well as one of their maternal uncle and aunt. There was also John, and then Ashley, Amir and Rebecca of course then Rebecca's boyfriend named Freddy. Freddy comes from a very rich family.

Each of them started to approach Audrey with a birthday present, they give it to her, and wish her a happy birthday.

It was John's turn, after giving her the bouquet of flowers, he asked her to dance but Audrey refused.

John felt humiliated. Audrey began to say out loud,

- I would like to ask my sister a favor.

Everyone turned to look at her.

She continued by saying,

- John just asked me for a dance but since I am tired I would like my beloved sister to do it with him as my birthday present

Ashley opened her mouth wide in shock

Ashley said,

- your birthday present is here,

Then she approached to give it to her.

Ashley had indeed gone up to her room to get the present she had planned for her sister since she had come down with Rebecca's screams and had not had time to take it.

Not knowing what else to say, Audrey thought for a moment then said,

- all the same, do it to please me, today is my birthday. You can do it for your sister, right?

-- it wouldn't be ideal. I couldn't, big sister. You know very well that I am already promised to another man and he wouldn't appreciate that.

Their maternal aunt began to say,

- that's right Audrey. Ashley is promised to Mike and out of respect for him she shouldn't perform this dance with John. Mike might take it badly.

-- what wouldn't I like? A hoarse voice rang out.

Everyone recognized that voice.

It was Mike who had just entered.

Seeing him, Audrey swallowed quickly. She likes Mike so much that it's hard for her to contain herself in his presence.

As for Ashley, she ran to her darling, kissed him and explained the situation to him.

Mike said,

- since I'm already here, I'll do the dance with my darling.

Then the two started dancing on the dance floor and those who wanted to, joined them.

Right now, Audrey is filled with an incredible rage that she couldn't even show.

Rebecca approached her and said,

- keep calm, my dear. It wouldn't be too cool if everyone here saw that you were jealous of your sister. Keep calm

- you're right she said, pulling herself together.

John sat and watched Rebecca and Audrey from afar.

He thought to himself,

- what are these two girls plotting?

Then he came closer to them and said,

- so now, sweetie can you offer me this dance?

- of course

Then Audrey stood up and started dancing with John.

Rebecca went to join her boyfriend Freddy.

Currently, everyone was on the dance floor except Amir, as well as their uncles and aunts.

While dancing, Ashley said to Mike, .

- earlier on the phone, you didn't tell me you were coming

- I didn't have time to tell you, and I also thought why not surprise you

- you're right. Rebecca cut us off on the phone but the surprise isn't bad at all. I liked it.

A few hours later, the party ended and everyone went home except Rebecca and Mike.

Mike is currently on the terrace talking to Ashley while Rebecca was talking to Audrey in her room.

*** Rebecca and Audrey's side ***

- so how exactly will our plan go? We don't have enough time

- you know my sister has a scar on her left leg after the accident. That's the only problem. I don't know how to get that same scar in the same place. Otherwise everything else is natural. I have exactly the same voice as her, the same height as her and everything you already know.

- for this scar, trust me, Rebecca replied with a mischievous smile.

- then everything is ok. I can't wait for that day to come, Audrey said with a broad smile. I have never forgiven her for being the curse that caused our parents' tragic accident and for that she will pay dearly. I show her so much love that she believes it without knowing my real intentions towards her

-- she fully deserves what we are about to do to her. She is a bad luck for the Lawson family. She tore your parents away from you and thinks she will win the heart of the only son of the famous Doctor of this city.

*** On Ashley and Mike's side ***

While caressing Ashley's hand, Mike said to her,

- I can't wait for your 18th birthday to arrive

- me too. It will be the famous day of our engagement. It's exactly one year and one month away

- oh yes! We'll have to wait even longer.

- all things considered, time will pass quickly

- that day I will kiss you for the first time and feel your soft lips

Ashley lowered her head, feeling embarrassed, but Mike touched her chin to raise her head and then asked her,

- and you, darling? What crazy thing would you like to do on this day during our engagement?

- any kind of crazy thing, my love, Ashley replied. Any kind of crazy thing, except sleeping with you because I'll save that for our wedding night

- that's fine with me, darling, I love you and I'll wait as long as you need. We'll go at your pace. I'll just kiss you languidly from our engagement day onwards.

Then both of them started smiling.

To be continued..........

When you turned 18, did you feel old? Ashley asked Mike.

Mike smiled and said,

- not old but mature. I told myself that at this age I am officially recognized as an adult in the eyes of the law and that from now on I can make decisions on my own that will impact my life either negatively or positively so I had to be more responsible.

- so Audrey was right, Ashley murmured

- what are you saying in a low voice?

- Audrey told me before the birthday party that she felt old and I had the impression that she was exaggerating, but listening to your answer I see that she was right

- she is not completely right since we do not feel old but rather mature

- ok, Ashley answered with a slight smile

- why are you suddenly becoming sad?

- for nothing. It's just that I started to imagine what my 18th birthday would be like, especially if I'll feel mature or adult like you said

- your 18th birthday would be memorable since it will be our engagement, so stop being thoughtful about it. Every time you think about your eighteenth birthday you should feel happy.

Then a smile appeared on Ashley's lips.

*** On Audrey's side ***

Rebecca just came home. Currently Audrey is all alone in her room and lost in her thoughts.

- why am I not lucky enough like that worthless Ashley. We have the same physique though. I don't know what Mike sees in her while I am ready to offer myself to him if he wants. Anyway, that day is not far away. I have waited for this for years. There is only one year and one month left. Yes exactly one year and one month, so I will wait. Audrey thought while smiling.

*** Monday morning ***

Ashley and Audrey just arrived at school together.

Audrey repeated a school year which is why her sister and she are in the same class. Indeed, she failed her Baccalaureate last year.

Arriving in class, Audrey sits next to her best friend Rebecca who also failed her Baccalaureate last year.

As for Ashley, she sits next to Tanya.

The two friends started chatting before the teacher arrived,

- so, how was your sister's famous birthday?

- I'm not going to tell you anything since you rejected my invitation yourself

- you know that I can't stand her, so I couldn't pretend and come

- you could at least come because of me and for me who is your best friend. So I'm angry

- please darling, don't be angry. I knew you were angry since you didn't answer my calls or respond to my messages

- don't worry, it's over. You're excused. It was just to pull your ears a little that I didn't answer your messages or answer your calls. But that's in the past now. I can't even stay angry at you for long

- thanks sweetie, Tanya shouted without realizing it. Then she hugged Ashley.

Her scream drew the attention of the whole class to her.

Audrey got up from her seat and walked towards her. Once in front of her, she said to her,

- do you think you're at home to shout like that?

- stop, Ashley replied to her sister. You two are not going to start this beautiful Monday morning yet I hope

- so we will have to tell the one you consider your best friend to hold her tongue since the rest of us are revising our course before the teacher arrives

At these words, Tanya started to laugh out loud. Then she said,

- you, revising? I am overwhelmed

Audrey slapped her, hearing this.

Without wasting time, Tanya slapped her back and said,

- my name is not Ashley, that you can fool. I see through your game and I know the kind of person you are, so never raise your hand to me again.

Seized with shame, Audrey returned to her seat but before that, she said to Tanya,

- you will pay dearly for this slap you just gave me.

Immediately, the teacher entered. Rebecca was about to react when the teacher entered, so she sat down again.

The teacher started to greet them and then began his class.

Currently, Rebecca was filled with anger because she didn't put Tanya in her place before the teacher arrived. So she said to herself,

- right after this class, you'll have to deal with me, naughty girl.

*** At noon ***

The class empties except for Rebecca, Audrey, Ashley and Tanya, each sitting in their place.

Ashley says to Tanya,

- I think Rebecca and my sister are planning something shady for you. Let's get up but to pass near them, be careful

- don't worry, they won't get me.

Then the two girls get up to leave the classroom.

Rebecca told Audrey,

- they are coming

- get ready Audrey told her

But just as Ashley and Tanya were about to pass by the girls, Ashley held Tanya aside and stepped forward. At that moment, Rebecca stuck her leg out into the aisle thinking that Tanya would be the one to go first as usual.

To her surprise, it was Ashley who went by while dodging her leg. Then Tanya went by. Ashley now faced Rebecca and Audrey and told them,

- what's the matter with you girls? There was no need. Tanya just returned the slap you gave her first. You two don't get along, that's true, but you can still make an effort to stay in the same room, right?

Then she told Tanya,

- let's go

And the two of them walked out of the classroom.

- you see that? As your sister, she prefers to defend her best friend, said Rebecca

- for that, I don't blame her because I will do the same thing. I prefer a thousand times to defend you than to defend this person who is my sister, a less than nothing.

Then the two started laughing.

*** A year later ***

- Ouch! Audrey shouted during a bandage

- courage my dear. Sorry for the pain. It's the only way to have this scar. There is exactly one month left for her birthday and I think it will heal before that day, said Rebecca in a low voice so that the nurse could not hear anything.

To be continued...........