I often find myself drowning in the suffocating realization that I am nothing to my family, and the weight of that truth can be unbearable. There was a time when I believed that the worst fate in life was to end up entirely alone. But now I know that it's not isolation that haunts me. But rather the sorrow of being surrounded by people who make me feel utterly alone.
In this world, hope is a distant fantasy, and the deception of happiness has long washed away. Life has been unrelenting, a relentless attacker that has left me injured and changed beyond recognition. Each day seems to untangle with new mysteries, each one more painful than the last. I've always wondered what it would be like to have someone care enough to ask me simple questions like, "How are you?" or "Did you have a good meal?" or even inquire about my well-being. Regrettably, no one in my life has ever shown me such love and concern. It's a heartbreaking truth that I've never had anyone in my family who was truly close to me, who cared about my well-being or appreciated my achievements.
But amidst this sea of isolation, I know, Mom, that you watch over me from above. My star. Your love is the most precious thing in the world to me. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, your memories are a source of relief, forever keeping a smile on my face. You are my everything, the unwavering song in my heart, a melody of comfort, happiness, and being. Occasionally, I may forget the words, but I'll constantly remember the tune. Since you left, it feels like all my happiness departed with you.
Then, suddenly, a voice pierced through the darkness, demanding, "Get up!" I reluctantly opened my eyes to see Rose, my stepsister, standing before me. Her words were like daggers, always causing more pain and difficulty in my life. I was about to turn away, ignoring her, when her next words stopped me in my tracks.
"We'll be going to a massive party tonight," she declared, "it's our dad's order. So, come early from your café. Understand!"
The mention of a party caught my curiosity, and I couldn't help but ask, "You guys are going to a party, right?"
Rose's response was laced with irritation, "What a useless human you are, Heaven!" She pointed up the word 'we,' implying that it included not just her, my dad, and me, but also my stepsister, whom I had never been particularly close to.
As Rose's words hung in the air, a mix of emotions swirled within me. First, there was a sense of surprise - parties were not a common occurrence in our household. Then, a flicker of hope ignited in me, a glimmer of the possibility of something different, a break from the usual routine.
But as quickly as hope had risen, it was overshadowed by the bitterness of Rose's words. Her disgust for me was noticeable, and her reference to me as a "useless human" stung like a fresh wound. It was a reminder of the constant conflict for acceptance within my family.
Despite the emotional restlessness, a spark of determination ignited within me. I couldn't let Rose's cruelty break my spirit. If there was a chance to escape the suffocating atmosphere of our home, even for just one night at a party, I was willing to seize it.
I nodded and replied, "I'll be there. Don't worry, Rose." It was a small act of defiance, a quiet statement that I would not be defeated by her hurtful words. As I prepared for the upcoming evening, a glimmer of hope and the anticipation of something different began to replace the heaviness that had burdened my heart for so long.
FLASHBACK
My dad had always clarified that he didn't want to be seen with a daughter like me. To him, I was nothing but a source of disgrace and bad luck. He believed that all the misfortunes in his life were somehow linked to my existence. My mom passed away when I was very young, and I have few memories of her. Now, all I had left was a fading image of her face in a picture.
I couldn't understand why my dad held such bitterness towards me, why he believed I was the root of his problems. After my mom's death, he was rarely at home, leaving me to protect him in solitude. Then, one day, the front door opened, and I expected to see my dad, but what I didn't expect was to find him with another woman - his second wife, Nancy. From that moment on, my life took a darker turn as I was relegated to the status of a servant in my own home.
(End of flashback)
They had never included me in their plans before, so why today? I couldn't help but inquire once more, "Why include me?"
Rose's response was far from comforting. "Don't be so happy, Heaven," she mocked. "We're taking you with us only because Dad's old friend wants to meet both his daughters." Her words were filled with disgust as if I were some unwanted burden.
Rose stood two inches taller than me, with her striking brown hair, blue eyes, and a model-like figure that made her the object of every man's desire. She excelled in everything, be it beauty or social charm, effortlessly winning the hearts of everyone she met. Her beauty was matched only by her unwavering enthusiasm, a stark contrast to my timid nature.
I couldn't fathom why she had such hatred towards me, why she consistently treated me like I was worthless. After all, we shared the same dad, and he was undeniably my real father, not just hers. Still, we were treated differently, and every interaction with Rose left me feeling like an outsider in my family.
Despite the irritation, Rose always behaved as though she owned everything, while I was left feeling like nothing, with no rights within my family.
With a heavy heart and a soft tone, I reluctantly replied, "Okay, I'll be on time." Rose smirked in response and left me with a turbulent whirlwind of sentiments, confusion, resentment, and a profound sense of aloneness that seemed to have no end in sight.
Unknown P.O.V.
Since her mother's demise, the world had become a desolate place for her, and she often found herself adrift in the sea of her thoughts. Then, amid her trance, a sudden notification pierced through the darkness of her room. Her phone lit up, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw a message from an unknown number. The message's sender remained an enigma, and Heaven nearly had a mini heart attack as she began to read the words on her screen.
As Heaven read the heartfelt message, tears welled up in her eyes. The words seemed to wrap around her like a warm embrace. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of emotions - surprise, longing, and a glimmer of hope.
My Dearest Heaven,
I hope these words find their way to your heart as they spill from mine.
I yearn for a life where each moment is shared only with you, where my unwavering faithfulness brings a smile to your lips. My heart overflows with love for you, and wherever you are, there lies my destination.
The journey has been long, and my weary feet beg for respite. Let's turn back, my love, and make our home, where we promise to never part ways. Let this refrain echo in our souls.
May we forever belong to each other, two halves of a whole. The rooms are filled with your fragrance, turning the walls into a shelter, for with you, I need nothing more.
Together, we shall create a new world, a world of love, where only you and I reside. Let's head back to that world, my love, to the place where our hearts truly belong.
With an eternity of love,
R.
The story continued to unfold, a tale of resilience, betrayal, and the unyielding pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.
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Beneath The Veil Of Desire
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