#DISCLAIMER#
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. EVERY NAME, PLACE OR INCIDENT IN THIS BOOK IS THE AUTHOR'S IMAGINATION, ANY RESEMBLANCE TO PEOPLE DEAD OR ALIVE IS COMPLETELY COINCIDENTAL.
*Alicia's POV*
"Honey I'm back" I step into my room hoping not to find Aiden sprawled across the sofa, glued to his phone just like how I left him hours ago to hit the gym. (But yup there he is....how I wish I'd be wrong just this once) I said to myself
I've been working my ass off at the gym for the last three months and I've been getting a lot of compliments lately from everyone except my boyfriend, he doesn't seem to care, heck I bet he didn't even notice I left the house earlier. typical Aiden
"Aiden if this relationship is going to work some things need to change" I said seething in anger
"Uh-huh" that's all he said
"Are you even listening to what I'm saying" I said getting frustrated with his behavior
"Yeah. Hahaha. Cool" he said not looking up from his phone, it is crystal clear to see that he's attention belongs to the warzone happening on the screen.
"You know what's worse than being ignored by your boyfriend? It's having him pretend he's listening when really his mind is a thousand miles away" I slump down on the sofa next to Aiden feeling exasperated. "Aiden it's high time we talk about our relationship"
"Oh hi babe, where have you been? I called out for you just now to bring me a beer from the fridge but the house was totally silent" he said looking at me
"I went to the gym I told you before I left" I said.
There is silence as Aiden's focus reverts to his phone. I am fuming now with anger, without thinking I snatch the phone away from him in a desperate bid to get his attention.
"I'm tired of having to fight for your attention all the time, all you care about is your video games. I've spent two years trying to make this relationship work while you just don't give a damn". i said fuming now and if i was a cartoon then smoke would definitely be coming out of my ears.
"Are you fucking kidding me? Do you have to bring this up now when I'm in the middle of watching possibly the best gameplay of the year, give me back my phone" he said in anger
"You've been at it for hours Aiden" I said matching his anger
Before Aiden leaps up to wrestle his phone back from my hands, I toss it back on the sofa
"Damn it now I have to rewind the video to watch what I've missed. Thanks a lot Alicia" he said getting his phone
"Whatever Aiden I'm done with this, I'm getting ready to go out for lunch with dad" I said going to the closet, leaving Aiden who is lost again in his phone
(I can't believe I've wasted two years with this spoiled man child. He never really cares about my feelings....infact he doesn't seem to care much about anything except for his stupid video games. Also there's the issue in the bedroom, our sex life had been quite 'modest' and that's me just being generous. I know I'm quite inexperienced but Aiden is the only man I've ever slept with. Maybe it's time for me to explore what's out there, find a guy who keeps me up on my toes) I said to myself while getting ready.
After an hour I head out to the living room to search for my dad Richard.
"There's my baby girl" he said smiling
"Hi dad you're looking very sharp" I said
"Thank you darling, Sophia bought me this outfit" he said
Of course she did, my dad's girlfriend who is half his age i know she is only with him because of his money but I can't say that cause dad loves her
(I'm not going to let Sophia get between me and dad, its suppose to be our dad-daughter time) I said to myself
"So how is my baby girl doing" he asked
"I'm doing just fine dad" I said smiling
"And where is Aiden? I thought he was joining us today" he asked
"Actually we're going through a rough patch in our relationship at the moment" I said looking down
"Darling if there's one piece of advice I can give you its this.... A relationship is a constant work in progress, it's not easy. You have to put in the effort to make the other feel appreciated. If either one drops the ball, it's the beginning of the end". He said
"But you and mom made a relationship look so easy.....you guys definitely set the bar too high for me" I said
"Your mom....." His voice trails off as if remembering some now distant memories, beautiful but still painful
"Your mom was an exceptional human being and so are you. Alicia don't you ever settle for less than you deserve in a relationship. Is Aiden giving you trouble" he asked looking worried
"We just need to work things out that's all" I said
"Well he better hold his end up, the last thing i want to see is my baby girl getting hurt" he said
"So dad when are we going to the mansion? It's June the perfect weather to be there" I said excited
The mansion is a lovely place that dad built especially for mom, every detail of it was designed to her liking. The three of us used to spend every summer there, we made it a family tradition. Even after mom passed five years ago due to cancer, we still go there to keep the tradition alive.
"About that..... I think we may have to cancel our trip this year" he said
"What?! You can't do, that it's our family tradition. Mom would be very disappointed" I said in anger
"Honey I know you haven't fully recovered from her untimely passing but life must go on" he said
"But I've been looking forward to it dad, is it because of work? Look we don't have to spend weeks like we do, we can stay just for days" I said
"Honey I'm all packed" as if on cue Sophia appears all smiles and giddy with excitement
"Oh hi Alicia! I can't wait to see the mansion that Richard has been talking about. Are you coming with us" she asked
"No honey she's not, it'll be just the two of us" he said
"Dad what is this all about" I asked confused
"Darling i was about to tell you.....I'm taking Sophia to the mansion this time but once i come back I'll take you to any place you want in the world, just the two of us I promise" he said looking at me for an answer
Without saying anything I shoot my dad a look of contempt. I know it's because of this bitch Sophia I hate her so much.
My whole mood was set on going to the mansion but here my dad changed our plans because of Sophia, he received a call and excused himself. My face is full of anger and now I'm here alone with the evil witch sophia.
"I think you owe your father an apology" I turn to see Sophia standing behind me, a grim expression covers her face.
"Excuse me? Since when do i care about what you think" I said in a rude tone
"Look I know you are upset about your father's unexpected decision, if it'll make you feel better I can talk to him so that we can all go to the mansion. What do you say?" She said with a sweet smile
"Such audacity to think that you have the right to decide whether I can or can't go to my own house, don't be delusional sophia" I said in the same tone
"Oh Alice you know that's not what I meant, I........" I didn't let her finish
"Just cut the crap with me Sophia, you're not the sweet and naive little lady you want people to believe that you are. My father may fall for it but definitely not me, i can see right through you and we both know what you really want here" I said in anger
"That's outrageous, we may have our differences but you can't talk to me like that" she said her face getting ashen
"Get this Sophia, I'll speak however the hell i want. You can't tell me what to do, i don't take orders from you" I said
"Is everything ok in here" dad asked coming in
"Everything is okay honey, I was thinking what if all three of us go to the mansion? We could spend time together, it'll be so much fun" She asked with all smiles on her face but she can't fool me, I've seen girls like sophia come and go.
"Sophia you know I've been really busy these past few months with work, so i want to make it up to you. On this trip you'll get my all attention, if you're worried about Alicia I'll take her on a vacation after we get back right darling?" He turns to look at me straight in the eyes prodding me to say something but I turn my attention to Sophia feeling like she's trying to erase every memory of mom.
"How dare you spit on the memory of my mother? Do you think you can replace her? You don't even come close you skanky trash, you're just a gold digging bitch that's after my dad's money" I said full of anger
"Alicia! that's way out of line, I think you should apologize to Sophia right now" he said in a loud booming voice
"I will never do that, i didn't say nothing she didn't deserve" I said matching his angry eyes
Dad takes a few steps forward, he keeps his eyes down and takes in a deep breath as if gathering all of his energy for what he's about to say next. Finally his eyes meets mine
"If that's the case then i have no choice but to ask you to leave my house" he said
I was so shocked by what he said i thought i was just hearing things but the look in his eyes told me what i heard was real. I felt my heart constricting looking at my dad, the only person left i could call family kicked me out of his house all because of his girlfriend. i couldn't control the tears that rolled out of my eyes dampening my cheek. I opened my mouth and closed it words failing to come out and finally pride stopped me from responding with one last angry look at dad and sophia I stormed off to my room passing by them with my head held high.
I slam the door of my room shut, the force reverberates through the walls hoping it reaches Sophia and Dad
"Babe come here, I miss you.....look I'm sorry about what happened earlier, I'm all yours now" Aiden said smiling,
Ignoring his pleading eyes, I pull out a large suitcase from under the bed and lug it to my closet. I start to randomly yank my clothes from the closet to my suitcase
"Babe what's going on" he asked confusion clearly written on his face
"Dad kicked me out of the house because of his new girlfriend, unbelievable! She's got him wrapped around her perfectly manicured fingers" I said still fuming in anger
"Wow sounds like she definitely has him on a leash but i can't hold it against your dad though, with a body like hers.....OUCH"
Aiden cries out in pain as a sneaker I held flies across the room and lands on the side of his head.
"You deserve more than that" I said
"That was a good throw baby, I gotta give that to you. It still hurts though.....so where are you going to live?" He asked
"What kind of question is that? I'll live at your house where else can i go" I asked rolling my eyes at him and continued yanking my clothes in the suitcase
"Whoa hold up a second, where are you going again" he asked confused as if i stuttered the first time
"Aiden are you even listening to what I'm saying, i told you earlier dad kicked me out of the house" I said getting irritated
"I am listening but the part about you moving to my house? I didn't get the memo for that, so it kinda freaked me out a little right now" he said
"I just need a place to crash until I figure out what to do next, besides you almost live here so i can also live at your place, you're my boyfriend and its only fair" I said
"I'm sorry but i can't do this.......it's just too much for me" He said looking at me
"So i can't stay here and I can't stay at my boyfriend's place either, what do you expect me to do now Aiden?" I asked looking him straight in the eyes
Aiden jumps up from the bed and starts to gather his stuff, phone, wallet, sweater, cigarette pack and other random items.
(I guess he is now coming back to his senses, I'm glad he can be here when i need him) I thought to myself but he heads to the door without taking my suitcase with him, he stops momentarily at the door with his back facing me
"You can book a hotel room" and just like that he vanishes leaving me alone dealing with the second major blow of the day.
After being kicked out by my dad and my boyfriend refusing to take me in, with nowhere to go I'm now propped up at a bar. My vision is slightly fuzzy and my mind is buzzing having knocked out three or four margaritas.
(The daughter of one of the wealthiest man in the city, drinking and crying alone at some dingy bar. How pathetic! I bet dad is going to realize in no time what a huge mistake he has made and then he'll call me to apologize when he finds out that I'm at this bar in the shady part of town, he'll be worried and he'll send his people to fetch me back home immediately. I'll wait for him to call and I'll be back home in no time) I seek solace in my drunken thoughts wishing for everything to be a nightmare which I'll soon wake up fro...."
...BAMM. A man in his early 30s clearly drunk has just slammed his glass on the counter spilling some of his drink and startling me out of my thoughts, He flashes me a toothy grin
"Hi gorgeous looks like you could use some company, the name's dirk" he said
(His breath reeks of stale beer and his stained yellow teeth are just ewww)
"Sorry I'm not in the mood to talk, I've had a rough day so just leave me alone" i said without looking at him
"You poor thing, a girl as beautiful as you shouldn't be allowed to be miserable ever. It's almost a crime for you to be sulking here alone" he said coming closer to me, just by looking at him i can tell this is the kind of guy that is used to getting what he wants and i knew i should be wary of him. When he is close enough he brings his mouth close to my ear and whispers
"Tell you what, I know exactly what to do to bring a smile to your pretty face" he said reeking of beer and making i almost threw up by the smell
"I'm not interested, can you please just leave me alone" I said in anger
"Come on, I promise you that we're gonna have a real good time, just you and me plus I'll make all your problems go away"
I stagger to my feet trying to leave but dirk swoops in to seize me by my waist, looking at my chest lustfully
"That's my girl, I knew you'd be down for it. Let's go have some fun in the backyard" he said almost dragging me with him
"NO! That's not what i want, just leave me alone please." I feel so wasted at this point and there's nothing I could do, now i realize how alone and helpless I am, no one is going to help me.
With that thought in mind I muster all the strength I have and in one swift move I bring one knee torwards his groin area. The impact causes him to slightly bend forward as he tries to recover from the pain.
"What the hell was that for bitch?! he said slapping me and that knocked some sense into me, he added "All I did was trying to cheer up your sour face. Now you're really asking for it, let's go! you're making me impatient you little tease" he grabs my arm and yanks me closer to him as he try to lead me out the back door. with tears running down my cheek i begged
"please you don't have to do this, just leave me alone. someone help me!" i screamed but everyone was busy not paying attention to what's happening or they just didn't care. i sobbed hard at that thought and dirk started dragging me with him
Out of nowhere a man appears, well built and strong with thick black hair. He moves in and lands a quick punch on the side of dirks jaw which knocked him straight to the ground.
All eyes now turned to the commotion happening but my eyes were on dirk lying on the floor wondering if he was alive or what,, the same handsome stranger looks at me and said
"Don't worry he'll live. Are you ok?"
(Oh my gosh he is the most gorgeous man I've ever seen, I feel like kissing him) i drunkenly thought to myself
"Thank you for what you've done, I don't want to think what would've happened to me if you didn't step in" I said but he just lets out a grunt as he maintains eye contact with me. I feel myself getting lost in those eyes of his.
"I don't really know how to thank you, can you let me buy you a drink or something?" (Or a kiss on the cheeks perhaps) my thoughts at it again
The bartender appears before us with a worried expression, his voice sounding apologetic.
"Sorry Blake, I didn't know the girl's with you. If i had known I would have stopped that drunkard from putting his filthy hands on her" the bartender said
(So his name is Blake and the bartender was aware of what was going on he just turned a blind eye)
I lunge forward and slap him hard across the face, my palm stings from the impact.
"What the hell is wrong with you cunt" he shouted
"I would shut the fuck up if i were you" Blake turns to face him. He shoots him a death stare that lasts long enough for the bartender to become visibly tensed.
"Sorry man, look I can get you and your girl any drink. On the house of course" the bartender said
"Don't bother we're leaving" without saying another word Blake grabs my arm leading me out of the bar.
Outside, the cold night air grazes my cheeks, Blake leads me to a car. He opens the door to the passenger seat and motions by tilting his head slightly for me to get in.
"What's happening? Where are you taking me? I asked
"Getting you somewhere safe" he said
"Look I may be a little bit tipsy but not enough to make me get into a car with someone I met just a minute ago, if you think you can take advantage of the fact that I'm tipsy then you're mistaken mister" I said pointing at this new handsome stranger
"I really don't have time for this, just get in the car" he said with a low growl clearly showing an irritated face
"No way! I need to call my father. I fumble clumsily through my bag to find my phone when blake suddenly snatches the bag fromy hands.
"Listen I don't want things to get out of hand, so just get in the car, we're getting out of here PRONTO." He said in anger and one look into his eyes tells me that he means business, so I relent and climb into the passenger seat.
"Good" he said closing me door
In the car Blake keeps his silence, I steal a couple glances his way. Although his focus is on the road ahead, his mind seems a thousand miles away.
"Are you taking me home" I ask but there's silence.
"Aren't you going to let me know where we are going" another silence follows.
"Fine I guess the answer is no then" I said but he still kept quiet
There's a churning in my stomach and I feel the lump at the back of my throat struggling to get out with every gag that i try to suppress. Having found nothing nearby to grab onto, I finally lose control and throw up all over the car's floor. I feel blakes eyes on me but I didn't dare to look at his face.
The car pulls up in front of an elegant wrought iron gate which opens up to a wide driveway that leads to a huge mansion.
"What a beautiful Manson" with that said I passed out.