Harper

FAMILY II

Harper's pov:

"Can you speak English?" he asked, his voice devoid of emotion. Despite his impassive demeanour, I could sense a glimmer of concern in his eyes, almost enough to coax a smile from me.

"I don't think she can, Dad. Maybe Mum knows the language. We just have to avoid any conversations with her," Hades chimed in, assuming I couldn't comprehend his words. "Yeah, you're right," Tyrus agreed, reaching out his hand towards me. 

I brushed past him, refusing any physical contact. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but I couldn't bring myself to care about him or anyone else in that family.

As I made my way towards the sleek BMW parked outside, I maintained my emotion, determined not to be perceived as a gold digger who wanted their wealth.

.................................

I found myself seated in the luxurious private jet owned by Tyrus,  As I idly tapped away on the iPhone 11 I had acquired from my neighbour two years ago, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

 The phone was a precious possession, one that I had to keep hidden from my parents, who were engulfed in their own struggles with addiction. I knew that if they discovered it, they would likely sell it to get more drugs or maybe a gun.

The atmosphere inside the jet was tense, with my family members lost in their own thoughts. It seemed as though they were contemplating ways to get rid of me, but I remained indifferent to their silent scheming. 

"Wanneer komen we aan?" I inquired, breaking the heavy silence as I placed my phone on the counter. 

Tyrus, visibly uncomfortable, rubbed his neck awkwardly before responding, "I'M SORRY, BUT WE CAN'T UNDERSTAND YOU." Hades, his son, struggled to conceal a hint of amusement at his father's peculiar behaviour. (When are we arriving)

Frustrated by their dismissive responses, I attempted to engage them in conversation several times, only to be met with nonsensical replies.

 Growing weary of their indifference, I decided to retreat into my own world and swallowed four sleeping pills. As the medication took effect and darkness enveloped me, I braced myself for the inevitable onslaught of haunting nightmares.

14 HOURS LATER

I awoke to the sensation of Hades shaking me, but I chose to ignore his insistent demand and attempted to return to my slumber. The comfort of sleep enveloped me until I suddenly felt chilled water splashing over my body. Startled, I leaped up and instinctively kneed Hades in a rather sensitive area before delivering a swift punch to his nose.

"It's just me, bambola, but you certainly have quite the aim," Hades remarked as he held his injured nose.

"Trut volgende keer maak me niet zo wakker," I retorted, knowing he wouldn't understand my words. ("Bitch, next time don't wake me up like that.")

"I forgive you, bambola," he replied, which seemed rather foolish considering I had just insulted him. Nevertheless, I allowed him to believe that I harboured no ill feelings towards him.

"The plane has landed, kids," Tyrus announced as he appeared out of nowhere, holding a glass of water which he attempted to offer me. However, I gladly rejected it – yes, gladly. I took pleasure in witnessing the disappointment etched on his face; now he could empathise with my own frustration, and I intended to ensure that he experienced every bit of it.

As we stepped out of the jet, my eyes were drawn to the sight of four black cars, each accompanied by a significant amount of security personnel. The atmosphere grew tense as I realised the extent of the protection surrounding us. Feeling uneasy, I decided to move closer to Hades, who quickly wrapped his arm around me in a protective manner.

Despite my initial discomfort, I knew that his protection was necessary for the time being. However, I made a mental note to myself that I would never allow myself to be seen in such a vulnerable state again. We continued walking towards the awaiting car, and I couldn't help but think about the stark contrast between my previous life and this new, unfamiliar world.

**

The car ride was filled with a mix of emotions as I reflected on my past experiences. Growing up, my stepfather always insisted that buying a car was a waste of money, and as a result, we only had access to cheaper, less reliable vehicles. In contrast, the car we were now traveling in was sleek, luxurious, and undoubtedly more advanced than anything I had ever experienced.

As I pondered the differences between the two cars, I couldn't help but think about how my life had changed. 

Upon reaching the gate of my family's estate, I couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur.I couldn't help but think that if given the choice between my family and this gate, I would choose the gate.

It was that amazing, trust me 

As we approached the gate, I was startled to find two men standing there, both armed with guns. One of them had the audacity to look me in the eye, and I responded with a defiant tongue, sticking it out at him.

''what's wrong with me''

 I thought as we entered the gate to see a huge house scratch that mansion, it was so big that if it was real it would swallow me and still not be satisfied. 

I stepped out of the car and walked towards the entrance of the house, feeling a surge of nervousness. What if they think I'm weird and send me to an orphanage? That's what I want, but not really. I want them to like me so I can reject them, not the other way around. I don't think they would want to talk to me, so I guess I have to continue speaking Dutch for a while. But who cares what they think about me? What matters is what I think about myself.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I forgot I was at the front door. I looked back at Tyrus and Hades to see them in a deep conversation, forgetting the fact that I'm here. I cleared my throat to get their attention, but they just ignored me. So, I put Google Translate and translated what I had to say for them.

"Gaan we niet naar binnen?" I asked them as I pointed to the door. (Are we not going in?)

They nodded their head and opened the door to the mansion. The inside of the mansion was breathtaking. I think I left my mouth open because I heard Hades and Tyrus chuckle at my face.

I expected all my family members to avoid me, but instead, I saw twelve eyes staring at me like I was an important art piece. It was surreal, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.