CHAPTER 01: TRUTH AND LIES
KEITH'S POV:
"Damn it Keith!" Alice shouted from the attic door where I was sleeping
"B-Why Ali-- Sir!
I was holding my cheek because of Alice's slap to my cousin
"D*mn you b*tch I told you to wash my clothes I didn't say destroy them at any time you b*bo!!" he shouted and reached for my face again
He didn't stop me until he got fed up with teasing, scratching slaps and punches
"You're probably getting old by then you bwis*t!" he promised and stomped on me before leaving
I just held my stomach because of the pain
"Iha! A-Are you okay? Oh jusko" Mother Belen said to the maid at Tita's house
I just nodded and immediately sat down so he wouldn't worry
"You have a scratch on your face again, come let's treat it" said Nay Belen
We were about to go to his room when Aunt Margo appeared at the door
"Oh, where are you going and dirtying the house, you're just here?!" Tita was angry
"I just called her Madam so we can clean up" replied Nay Belen
"You're a girl, do you have to be called that all the time?!" Tita promised
And pulled my hair with such force that I almost fell down
"Just swallow it, you're still destroying things!!" he said then pulled my hair and turned my head
"I-I didn't mean to, Ti-Tita, it's okay," I said crying
"What's right?! You're ordering me?! ha?! ha!!" he shouted and pulled my hair more and more, some of my hair was falling out because of what he was doing
"Madam, it's true that the child is hurting," Nay Belen begged
"Hey sign! don't interfere here or I'll embarrass you" said Tita
"Oh what's going on there" Tito Marc interrupted Tita's boyfriend
"This girl only knows how to do things like her mother's b*ba" Tita answered and still didn't let go of my hair
"That's right, come on, let's go somewhere soon!" said Tito Marc
Then Tita was pulled away from me
"I'm not done with that girl yet!!" Tita was shocked
"Can you Margo! Come on we're going to be more important than that!" Tito Marc's stubbornness
"We're not done yet, I'll erase your face!" Tita shouted as Tito pulled her away
I just sat down because I feel so much pain
Nay Belen helped me to her room and started to treat me
My whole body hurts, there isn't a day that I don't taste hurtful words or mistreatment since I came to this house
Nay Belen is the only one who is kind to me, she is the only one who cares about all the wounds and bumps that I get, she is the only one who heals me
"N-Nay Belen, is committing suicide a sin against God?" I asked as he treated me
"What are you talking about? That's a big sin against God, don't ever do that even if you think it's forbidden," answered Nay Belen
"I'm so tired" I said sobbing
"I do everything they order me in our house, even though they don't feed me right, I still do it, but why is that?" I promised
"W-If only my parents hadn't abandoned me, if only they hadn't disappeared, if only my parents had loved me, I wouldn't be like this" I added.
Mother Belen's eyes widened when she heard what I said
"Abandoned? Abandoned? you're wrong, your parents didn't abandon you" he said which surprised me
"Aunt told me that I don't have parents because they don't love me. They just left me in their trash, Aunt. I owe her why I'm still breathing today," I promised again.
"That's not true, listen to me, your parents didn't abandon you, your parents love you very much, I know that" said Nay Belen
"What do you mean?" I said confused
"Don't you really remember anything?" he promised seriously
"Remember which one?" frowned when I promised he stood up and immediately locked the door of his room
"You have to listen to me Iha I know you don't understand anything but the truth is that your parents didn't leave you because they didn't love you but..." said Nay Belen and stopped speaking
"But what?" I said surprised
"Hmm I'm not the right person to tell you but remember this, your parents have not abandoned you from now on no matter what your aunt tells you, don't believe it especially if it's about your parents" he said
I would have asked many more questions but I know that Naay Belen will not answer me either
Even if I don't understand anything, I will follow his advice, he is the one I believe in
Because he is the only one who treats me well in this hellish house
he finished treating me and we cleaned the whole house he told me to just rest
But I chose to help him more than when they beat me Aunt
I just got used to the pain of the body
CONTINUATION: [STILL XARIA'S POV:]
Nay Belen ordered me to take a shower after we finished cleaning
Until now I wonder why Tita had to lie to me
I don't understand why they seem to know something that I don't know about my own life
while I was getting dressed, the necklace with a cross pendant fell from what I was wearing earlier
I quickly picked it up and looked at the back of the pendant, it says Xaria, who is Xaria?
I don't even know why I have it, I'm sure it's not from Tita
I showed it to Nay Belen and she said not to show Auntie the necklace and not to lose it
So it's always in my pocket no matter where I go
I had just finished getting ready and dressed when I heard that Tita had come home
I'm afraid to show them but I'm sure they'll still find me
"Keith!" Tita shouted from below, I'm telling you
I hurried downstairs and went to the living room
"B-Why Aunt?" I will ask
"Keith, nephew, come here, I bought you clothes and shoes and a bag so you can use something for studying," Tita said calmly, which surprised me.
"P-Po?" I can't believe it I promise
"Oh, don't be surprised, Keith, your Aunt took you shopping," Tito Marc said
"What are you doing kiss, measure these clothes and shoes, they fit you quickly" Tita said excitedly
I was confused and looked at Nay Belen, she signaled me to just go along with what they wanted
"What the?! What is that Mommy?! What does it mean?! Did I hear correctly that you took that girl shopping?!" Alice said angrily as she just came from her room
"Yes darling why?" Tita said and handed me the paper bags
"Are you getting dirty Mommy?! Didn't he ruin my clothes why the h*ll is she getting fancy clothes instead of me?!" Alice said as she stormed closer to us
"Give it to me!" he shouted while grabbing paper bags from me
"Alice give it back to her right now!" Tita shouted
"No!" she was stubborn and was about to leave but Tita immediately pulled her and grabbed the paper bags and Alice sat on the floor
"Here Keith come on measure in your room first when you wear it show us ok" said Tita while smiling
I immediately followed what Tita said, I could feel the edge of Alice's eyes on me as I went up
What happened when the wind blew differently, Tita was kind to me
should I be happy or nervous about what he is doing?
cHAPTER 02: PRETENTIOUS
ALICE'S POV:
I felt bad as I watched Keith climb into the attic
"Mom! I hate you! You managed to push me and you even bought that girl clothes for what?!" I promise I'm annoyed
Mommy immediately helped me and made me sit on the sofa
"Will you shut it?! from now on we will be kind to him, you can't hurt him anymore, did you get it?" Mom said, making my eyes widen.
"W-WHAT?! Seriously?! am I having a nightmare?!" I can't believe it I promise
"Shh, maybe Keith can hear you, listen honey, we talked to his parents' attorney earlier because we are his guardians, we were the first to talk to him" Mom said.
"Oh now?" I don't care, I promise
"Attorney said that Keith has a large inheritance, millions, Keith will only get that when she turns 18" replied Tito
"W-What?" I promised and stood up
"You mean that b*tch is a millionaire?" I added
"Yes, his parents' assets are different, they still have a company, so can you not b*ba, this child is the one who will get us out of trouble" Mom said.
"Even if he turns 18, it's only going to happen to him, so why should I be nice" I said annoyed and sat down again
"We won't be able to go, but we will do everything so that he himself will give it to us," Mom said
"Huh?" I was surprised, I said I didn't understand what he was saying
"Hayst, as long as you stay together, you can't hurt him or anything, do you understand?" Mom said
"I'll try" I promise indifferently
"What I'll try, if I see you hurting him, I'll hit you, I'm telling you," Mom threatened
I was about to answer when Keith came downstairs wearing what Mom bought
"Oh see, you're beautiful," Mom complimented
I was blown away, that girl would still be smiling if only she really knew tch
"Keith we have another surprise for you" Mom said suddenly raising my eyebrows
"W-What is that?" Keith asked
"From now on you will not be in the attic, you will live in Alice's room" said Mom
I felt like cold water was poured on me when I heard that
"WHAT?!" I shouted in protest
"W-What? It's not embarrassing anymore, I guess I'm fine in the attic" Keith said
"Mom I won't allow it!!" I think the house is not that big
yes it will be enriched but the room is the biggest and it is the only one with its own balcony
"Come on Alice, there are other rooms, the room in front of your mommy's room" said Tito Marc
"No! exactly, there's another room, why didn't you give him that one, why does it have to be my room?!" I said annoyed.
"Alice, you're just going to move the room, okay? It's for your cousin. It's dusty in the attic. The light is still broken. There's no bed, so is that okay?" Mom said and motioned for me to agree.
even though I was against it, I agreed, I went up to my room and took all my things and moved them to another room
I'm going crazy with what Mommy is doing, why am I the poor one now?
I will not allow that bw*sit that Keith brought bad luck into my life
I was fixing things when Mom came in
"What are you doing here, shouldn't you be with Keith" I said annoyed
"Oh come on darling don't say you're jealous get better we're just doing this to convince him to transfer everything he'll inherit to us when that happens you'll live a princess we can buy everything you want" said Mommy
"Really?" I answered and looked at him
"Yes, my darling, I'm doing this for you, so let us play with him first," said Mommy
"Fine! I won't hurt her or anything but when we get her inheritance you will get rid of that girl" I promised
"Yes darling, that's exactly what I'm going to do. You really belong to me. We both think the same," mom proudly promised
"Of course like mother like daughter" I said with a smile and hugged her
"By the way, even at your school you can't fight with him ok?" Mom instructed
"Yeah yeah yeah" I said and folded my clothes again
"After you're done, come down and we'll eat," Mom said and went out
Just wait Keith, you are delusional, are you really going to be a princess HAHAHAHA
Only after all this bugb*g will you reach me again you witch
BELEN'S POV:
It's surprising that Señorita buys things from Madam Margo, has she changed?
I was about to return to the kitchen when I heard Madam and Alice's conversation
Alice complains to her mother that she is jealous because Señiorita has new things she doesn't have
I just laughed and shook my head, I could only take one step when hearing about señiorita's inheritance stopped me
"Just be patient Alice, you can't hurt him anymore" Madam said
"She's turning 18 so we should be nice to her" said Sir Marc
They can't do what they want, those things shouldn't go to them
Say señiorita I must go quickly to my room
CONTINUATION: [STILL BELEN'S POV:]
I took out the pen and wrote a letter again. I have been sending letters to Spain for a few days
maybe Don Dmttri has already read that and if not I will send someone else
He has to read all my letters he has to save his grandson
I finished writing the letter and hid it under my pillow
I went out and went to the kitchen to get ready
"Remember, please prepare our take outs and bring them quickly" Sir Marc ordered
"Yes sir" I said and I immediately did as he ordered, that's why they are nice to señiorita because they have a plan that is not good
no matter what happens, I have to protect Señiorita Xaria even if it's my life in exchange until her grandfather takes her
KEITH'S POV:
I didn't have much stuff so I was able to easily move it to Alice's room
I didn't really understand what was happening, I didn't want to move but Tita forced me
It's like they were hurting me just now and then when they got home they were nice to me
What to the world is healing?
I went down to the kitchen and found Nay Belen eating and deep in thought
"Mom?" I called but he ignored me
"Mother Belen?" I called which surprised him
"Señ- Iha you're there" he said and smiled
"Are you okay? I'll help you" I promised and arranged the dishes
"I'm fine, I'm just a little tired so I didn't notice you" he answered and smiled again
I knew that wasn't the real reason but I didn't ask anymore
"Oh, you're here, that's why I can't see you in the room because he's already eating," Tita said
I was about to leave when aunt spoke
"Oh Keith where are you going? sit down and we'll eat" he promised
"P-Po?" I'm surprised, I promise
"Yes, we have taken out together for you too, baby, sit down and let's eat" said Tita
Nay Belen and I looked at each other and she motioned for me to sit down
This is the first time that I will eat with them, the opportunity that I will eat without secret
and I will eat no leftovers, my heart is happy and happy because of the things that are happening
We finished eating and Nay Belen and I were very full to enjoy the food
I was about to wash when Tita stopped me
"What are you doing? you will not do housework from now on, go up to your room and rest, you have school tomorrow" Tita said and went upstairs
"Alright, let me take care of it, go to sleep," Nay Belen said
I didn't do anything but went to the bedroom and locked the door then lay on the bed
It's so good to lie on a soft bed, I've been lying on a pallet for years, only now I'll experience being treated right
If it was a dream, I wish I didn't wake up, I just stared at the ceiling for a long time until I fell asleep
MARGO'S POV:
"Are you really sure about what you're doing?" Marc promised my boyfriend this year
"Yes, when did I plan to fail?" I said smiling while combing my hair in front of the mirror
"Just making sure, babe, of course you should always have a back plan, right? What if you can't make it to the holy shrine?" he said while lighting a candle
"Eh, what's up with the holy paper" I said and poured wine into the glass
"How to pass?" he asked again
"Did you used to be a rat? you're too scared, I'm taking care of everything, as long as you do all my orders, we'll get along" I answered and came closer to him and kissed him
"Ok you're wish is my command" Marc answered smiling and kissed me again
I just smiled when the plan was made and I want to live like a queen
I will see Ricardo again, I will use all the money that goes to me to build my family Alice son, you will also meet your father
cHAPTER 03 : PARTNERS IN CRIME
KEITH'S POV:
Nay Belen woke me up early and I can say that I slept well
For several years in this household, I also experienced comfort somehow
"Oh Keith, here's your pocket," Tita said as she handed me the money
I didn't want to accept it but I couldn't do anything anymore, Tito Marc took me to the car
So Alice and I were side by side while traveling to school
When I got out of the car, I saw my friends since I was little
Besides Nay Belen, they are the family I have
"Oh, why don't you come in with a chideng (car)" Regie greeted me
"It's surprising what your uncle ate and allowed you to ride in his car, it used to be when we were playing together it was forbidden" said Aiki
"If you're wondering what I was up to yesterday morning, Auntie, they still hit me and then when I got home I went shopping" I said
"Hmm, it's amazing how that happened, what's that magic" said Rain
"I don't know" I said and sat on the bench where they were sitting
"That's why you always use something new, but maybe your aunt bumped into it and changed her mind" said Aiki
"Or maybe there's cancer that's about to die so it's recovering HAHAHA" Regie said with a laugh
"You're being silly," Rain said and hit Regie
"Ouch! Why do you know I'm right, right or left?" Regie said mischievously
"Korni, but let's get back to the conversation, it's impossible for your aunt to be kind to you like that, and don't you know anything that could be the reason?" Aiki promised
I just shook my head because I couldn't really think of a reason
It's really surprising that they almost killed me then suddenly boom bait
It's up to me what happens next, as long as I've experienced them treat me right at least once
Luckily I had real friends Aiki, Regie and Rain
They are just neighbors with Tita but their families are richer
Fortunately, they are kinder than my aunt even though they have money
I used to play with them when I was little when Tita was away and Nay Belen and I were the only ones left at home
The bell rang signaling that class was about to start but we were so happy when they announced that there would be no class but we couldn't go home
"Let's go to the library" said Regie to us
"What did you say?" Aiki promised in disbelief
"When did you become deaf? I said let's go to the library" when Regie repeated
"The world is healing everybody our friend wants to go to the library" Rain interjected
"You know just like season people chains" said Regie proudly
"What?" Aiki promised
"You are deaf, confirm what I said, people chains!" shouted Regie
Regie had a taste of Aiki's neck again
"It's ok, I hope there's more just like just like season you're wrong what people chains?! PEOPLE CHANGE T*NGA" said Aiki and hit Regie again
"How long has it been too much that you're hurting me, I'll report you to my mom" said Regie and started crying
"Mom, you're hurting me, you want to hit me again before you report me, fix your English first," said Aiki.
Regie was about to speak but Rain stopped her, that's how we are when we're together, our day isn't complete without Regie and Aiki looking at each other
"I'm going to the library, let's go," Rain said, so we started walking to the library
"Time first" Regie suddenly said when we were opposite the canteen
"Oh what a first time you are there" said Aiki
"I'm hungry, we can eat first," Regie said smiling
"Mom, eat alone" Aiki said and Rain signaled us to walk again
But Regie is pulling the three of us, that's not surprising
The three of us are thin, only Regie has the flesh among us
We were struggling when someone shouted behind Regie
"WTF AHHHHH MY MY SHOES! mY SHOES!!" the woman shouted
We got settled and I saw Alice's friend Hazel
"Oh my i can't breathe my-my shoes!!" he promised artfully
"What are you doing like a pig in a canteen, not a playground, you're a high school kid, you're still a child," Hazel's friend said to Elle.
"What did you say?" Regie said annoyed
"Which one is the pig? or the child's mind?" when Elle answered teasingly
Regie was about to answer but Rain and I saw the teacher coming
"Oh, why can't you stop, why don't you report to the three bamboos that are with you?" Elle said with a laugh
Aiki and Rain looked at each other and I was annoyed but I couldn't do anything
"How beautiful is your cricle, a pig and three bamboos, lechon pig yarn?" Elle said and the curious students laughed
Regie was about to touch Elle's face when the teacher approached us
"Oh ladies is there a problem here?" said the teacher
"It's okay, we're just having fun," Rain replied
"Oh ok have fun then I'll see you around first" said the teacher
"Yes ma'am" we answered at the same time
When Maam went away, Regie immediately grabbed Elle's hair
CONTINUATION: [STILL KEITH'S POV]
When Regie pulled Elle's hair and she pulled it then Elle avoided it
Hazel couldn't do anything but ask their other friends for help
"It's true that Regie has a fight, let's go" Aiki said and pulled out one more from Elle
before we ran away from the canteen together before the other witches could get close
"HAHAHAHAHAHA" Aiki and Regie laughed when we got here behind the school
"You two are a mess you bastards" complained Rain who was tired of running
"Did you tell bamboo it's not possible" said Regie
"It's ok, that's what the pig told you, gwenchana HAHAHA" Aiki said with a laugh while patting Regie on the shoulder
"Yes, of course, I didn't think of that," said Regie who seemed to have realized what had just happened
"That's right, we are no longer the most wanted in their group, what about Keith, Alice will definitely warm to you" Rain said.
"It's ok, I can do it myself, they went first" I said and sat down
There are old arm chairs piled up in the back so we can hang out instantly
the air feels like you're being cradled when it touches your skin
The surroundings are clean, including the arm chairs, so you can sit without thinking
We talked to pass the time and I didn't realize I fell asleep
ALICE'S POV:
I passed by the cr and Hazel and Elle went to the canteen first. When I went to the canteen, they both couldn't paint their faces
"What happened?" I promise as soon as I get close to them
"Your cousin's friends and your cousin bumped into me so coffee was spilled on me, you guys know that I just bought a pair of white shoes and I love them!!" Hazel said annoyed
"Who's cousin? You mean Keith?" I'm sure
"Why do you have another cousin here?!" Hazel said annoyed
"They didn't even apologize, so I fought, but that fat bastard got stuck in my hair," complained Elle.
"It can't be, we have to get revenge! I'll tell this to my dad so they can all be expelled," said Hazel
which alarmed me Keith can't be involved in trouble
Mommy knows that they are my friends Hazel and they are really cursed maybe Mommy will think that I told Hazel to expel them
"No, why would you report it if we can just find a way to get revenge, and the boring one is just expelled right away, right?" I insisted
Both Hazel and Elle looked at me with raised eyebrows
"Actually girl, Alice has a point, it's boring if she's just expelled," said Elle
"And what do you plan to do?" Hazel promised
"Just torture them, that's better" I promised
"Right good idea! You're so evil Alice" Elle said and hugged me
"In any case, I will agree to your suggestion Alice, but just make sure that you are not defending your cousin, that's why you told me not to proceed with the expulsion," said Hazel.
"Who will I defend? Girl, you don't seem to know me from what you're saying," I promised
You're really bw*sit Keith, you're really unlucky in my life
"Actually, yes, that's why we're friends because we have the same attitude, birds with the same feathers," said Hazel.
"I know right" I answered and faked a smile, you really hurt me Keith
relax Alice relax your suffering will end, just collect all your anger first
And when it's time to pour it, think about the conversation you had with your mommy
It's for money Alice took a deep breath
BELEN'S POV:
Madam and Sir left, it was my chance to send the letter I made
I sent the letter properly and when I got back home, the postman arrived
"It's a good day to write for Belen Cruz," said the postman
"It's me, thank you very much" I answered
I immediately entered and went straight to my room then opened the letter
I cried when I read the letter
The letter came from Spain from Don Dmttri himself
"Thank you for writing letter but im sorry i already received a lot of letters saying they have my granddaughter im tired of these things hope you wont be sending any letters again" said in the letter
I sat on the floor and stared at the ceiling for a few minutes
What more proof is needed? Don Dmttri doesn't remember me anymore
How is Señiorita alive if I can't find a way?
While I was thinking about what to do, I suddenly remembered the necklace that Keith was holding
I can make it a proof that when Keith gets home we will take a picture of the necklace and send it to Spain immediately
I was encouraged because there is still hope, it's not over yet, I will do everything to make up for the family that helped me