A Woman Scorned!

CHAPTER ONE

It's festive season, a chilly Sunday morning. Few days before Christmas. I wanted to sleep in but in this family, we never miss church.

Adding to today being my special baptism ceremony as I'll be turning 13 years of age next month. It's our church tradition. You must be baptized a month before you turn 13.

I'll be starting high school in two months, very much excited but very much nervous.
We are already on our way to church, dad driving our family van.

My parents in the front seats. My little sister and cousin brother in the middle seats. Leaving my uncle and I in the back seats.

My uncle and his 10 year old son who's the same age as my little sister have been living with us for 7 years now.

Uncle and Aunt divorced when my cousin brother was just 3 and Uncle won full custody. Soon after, Aunt was diagnosed with a brain tumor and sadly it defeted her.

"Okay out now, we're here" Dad says as we pull up to the church and step out of the car.
"Mama do I look okay?" I ask my mom, straightening the back of my dress with my hands.
"Sí. You look amazing cariño" She answers me with the most beautiful poetic smile. "Let's go inside." She takes my hand and leads me inside.

Soon after, dad and uncle follow as my little sister and cousin brother are already inside.

"Hello. Hello how are you? Hello" Mom greets everyone politely as we walk down the aisle to the front row seats.
A lot of people respects and trusts my family. They don't treat us differently as we are the only Mexican family living in a white privileged neighborhood.

"Blessings to the daughters and sons of the Almighty." That's our Priest, walking to the pulpit with his Bible pressed against his chest. "Children of the Almighty, today marks as a special day of three of our children to be baptized." He continues.

And yes. Along with me, two other girls will be baptized. "May you all three please walk to the stage as we hold a prayer." I look at mom who nods as I make my way to the stage followed by the other girls.

Like me they are both dressed in white below knee dresses and white pumps. Ready to be baptized we stand in a straight line as the Priest says a little prayer. "Now the children of the Lord shall be baptized and be pure of all sin." The Priest starts saying a little prayer while the choir hums a beautiful tune.

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Two hours later, the church service has come to an end.
My baptism went perfectly amazing, it's like I'm really to take over the world.
We're home now, everyone is in their rooms changing so we can have lunch.

Growing up in my family has been my biggest flex. My family is the most loving, caring and supportive.

They cherish what's theirs and are devoted to making kids of the neighborhood happy and healthy.

My mother runs an NGO devoted to helping mentally challenged kids. My father is a lawyer who always gets our neighbors out of trouble.

Although my mom and dad both grew up in Mexico and moved to London when mom was pregnant with me. They blend in very well with everyone.
"Mom where's everyone?" I ask my mom as I walk into the dining room for lunch after changing.
"Still changing. Want some muffin?"
"Yes please."
"Here." Mom hands me the muffin as I munch on it waiting for everyone else to come for lunch.

"Aunt me too." That's my cousin brother running into the dining room and jumping on to his seat.
"Slow down buddy. Here you go." I hand him his favorite coconut muffin.
"Gracias."
"Baby where is you papà, uncle and cousin?" Mom asks my cousin brother before sitting down.
"Aunty I don't..."
"We're right here." Dad walks into the dining room with Uncle behind him carrying my little sister.

"You're late. Sit, I'll dish up." They all sit as mom stands to dish up for them.

"Honey did you hear about the fire at the Coles factory?"
"What fire dad?" I ask dad whilst eating my lunch.
"Lola, I'm talking to your mother."
"But dad..."

"No honey I didn't hear anything." My mom cuts me off.
"Sister it's very bad" Uncle says "Apparently the fire spread throughout three other stores."
"Three stores Uncle?"
"But what started the fire?" Mom asks.

"Nobody knows honey. Your brother and I were thinking of going down to the Coles, to offer our support and then maybe donate a million to fix the damages."
"A million dad? That much money."
"Quiet Lolita! Eat your food."
"But dad..."
"Honey I think it's a good idea. You should go after lunch." Mom cuts me off again.

"Aunty can I go too?" My cousin brother asks.

"No cariño, only grown ups should go." Mom explains and he just nods with a smile.

"Mommy..."
"No Lolita, you will not go."
"But mom..."
"No my love, not today."
"Papà?"

"You know how much I love you right? But your mother is right, we'll go together next time." My dad says convincing me.

"Okay dad. I love you too." I say with a big smile on my face.

"Okay sister, I think brother-in-law and I should leave now."
"Yes, yes. Um... Lola do one think dear, go upstairs to my study and bring my wallet and car keys." My dad instructs me.

"But dad... send Lina, look at her stuffing her face."
"Your little sister is still eating dear, go now."
"Fine." I frown standing from my seat.

As I'm about to walk off there's a knock on the door. "Should I get it dad?"
"No, go upstairs. Your mother will get it, honey?"
"Yes I'll get it." Mom stands from her seat walking to the door as I run upstairs, but...

before I could reach the study. There's a loud bang that sends shivers down my spine, making me fall to the ground in terror.

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