Nessa

Chapter 1

"Come in", I shout hearing a knock on my door.

A shy girl enters, she's the cutest

"Layla? Come here", I smile brightly at her inviting her to jump onto my bed like she loves doing with me.

Her hesitation reminded me that her mom had warned her never to. Apparently she should know her place or something.

But it's crazy. She's a kid. A cute kid. And I love her very much. Just because her mom's one of the maids doesn't mean we can't bond.

"Princess??", I raise an eyebrow at her opening my arms wide inviting her over.

She bursts into a grin and runs to hug me. I pull her closer and ruffle her soft hair

"What's up, princess?", I pull her onto my lap

"Mama wants you"

"Your mama?", I ask her and she shakes her head no

"My mama? Aunt Ellie?", I ask her for confirmation

She nods.

When did my mother return. She's been away for weeks. Close to two months. She's a workaholic -that's for sure.

"Then we can't stay here for long darling else she'll come up here", I tell the tiny girl.

She jumps off my lap and waits for me to get up and carry her.

I hurry down the stairs, well as fast as I could go without the young one squealing , something my mother doesn't like me doing and head to the living room.

Empty. Where else?

"Where should I go laylay?", I ask

The young girl points me in the direction of the kitchen.

"Weird. Mom's obsessed with her home studio"

I can't hide my eagerness to see her and return to my bed

There's just something awesome about being in your room all day feasting on your favourite snacks while you binge watch your favourite movies and read cliché romance books or read about dirty political games.

"Mom?", I say getting her attention. She whips around smiling brightly. That sparkle in her eyes, it's always there when she's elated or she's finally conquered some huge impossible projects.

"How was your trip?", I ask hugging her.

Her lavender scent fills my nose but I'm getting somewhat coconut and vanilla whiffs from her hair. Must be her shampoo I'll probably borrow soon.

"Stressful but I have to leave tomorrow for a fashion show in Milan. After that I'll be home for a while"

She's disappearing again. Well that sucks. Very much.

At least dad's home quite often. He does travel for work but he tries so hard to return as soon as he can . Mostly all the time he's in town but he's very scarce in the house. He's always coiled up in their bedroom reading or writing and pretending he doesn't hate mother's frequent disappearances. We all wonder how he gets time for us while he's running a freaking huge company with his siblings

Mother's trip will sadden him tomorrow definitely. Or maybe he might go along. But I doubt it. He's not a fan of the red carpet so it's hard to picture how they found each other.

"In the meantime, we're going shopping", she says excitedly interrupting my thoughts.

"Why?" I really don't want to go out. Also shopping with my mother is hell.

She goes into every tiny corner of the mall as if she doesn't get some exclusive designs from other fashion modules

"Darling, you're starting at Marlin Academy in two weeks. You need a wardrobe makeover !"

I think she's just feeding her inner passion for shopping. She just loves it. Too much.

Another thing dad can't handle. Again, how are they married?

"Mum, I have a lot of new things in my closet. I don't think this is necessary". I love new clothes- don't get me wrong but mum, she buys way too many. Some I haven't even touched. My closet is overflowing.

"Vanessa.....", she glares at me. I know I don't have a choice. Besides, it's supposed to be bonding time as much as I hate it and I'd much rather love to just go back to my haven.

"Fine, I'll just grab my phone."

My answer satisfies her very much. I can feel her excitement overflowing. These are the times I need Elizabeth, my sister, she can keep up with mum, and she can even get her to tone it down a bit, I have to learn her secrets.

"Won't you change?",she asks eyeing my outfit. Dad's old t-shirt and some shorts from years ago.

"Nope"

"Honey.."

"I'll change", I give her a fake smile before rushing up the stairs

My mother is a fashion designer. I could just wear clothing made by my mother. It'll save me the stress of shopping but no....my mother appreciates the works of other designers which isn't a bad thing.

I throw on a better pair of shorts and a cute tank paired with sandals. I grab my sunglasses to match my mother's and tie my hair up into a ponytail. I put on my watch and touch my neck to make sure my necklace is in place -a gift from dad.

When I get down she's already looking impatient. Of course she will be , since she's so ready to start one of her favourite things ever.

"Mum, won't you see the others and dad", I ask referring to my siblings.

"I'll see them when we get back now let's go. Your dad suggested we all go out later, for dinner", she explains.

The car ride was not quiet for a second. From the fashion shows to events she's been invited to and what big project she's working on, I forgot how much we'd argued before she left well at least until she brought it up again.

The school I'm starting. I never wanted to attend especially since it's hours away. I'll take a local flight there.

My older siblings Ethan and Elizabeth went there for a year before my mother moved them to a private school close to home.

Liz is 21, Ethan is 19. Both of them are in college. Dad convinced them and we thought it was a great chance for them to explore without dad watching their every move. They are currently enjoying their break until they start school their fall semester. At least they both love their schools.

I had already received a lot of things from the school. Some "welcome package" with tons of rules and regulations. Obviously I wasn't looking forward to going there.

"Vanessa! get out now. We're here", Mum says. She's already getting impatient. Time to experience agony. Yay!

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First chapter! Any thoughts??