"Zyenlie!" my mother exclaimed while wiping the tablecloth on her favorite vase. "What's wrong, Mom?" I asked, approaching her. I was about to ask permission to go to the market because our food stock was running low.
"Did you cook breakfast?!" she shouted, throwing the tablecloth at me.
"Sorry, Mom, we're out of stock, so I was about to go to the market," I replied.
My father intervened, scolding my mother, "What's wrong again, Elise?! I can hear your shouting from here to outside! Aren't you ashamed in front of our neighbors?"
I decided to intervene and leave, tired of their arguments. "Dad, Mom, I'm leaving." I didn't wait for their response and walked out.
I wore my fitted up-shoulder pink top, white sandals, and tied up my wavy hair. Many people say I'm lucky to have my parents, but they don't know I'm treated like a maid.
My driver, Mang Kardo, asked, "Ma'am, where are we headed?"
"The market," I replied.
At the market, I bought fruits, meat, and vegetables. After paying, Mang Kardo helped me with my purchases.
"Ma'am, are you hungry? Let's stop by Jollibee for a drive-thru," I suggested.
We ordered food, and while eating, I overheard my parents' conversation.
"Do you know, Elise, why we shouldn't send her to school far away? It's better she stays here and helps."
"Honey, our foster child is useful here at home. Why send her to school?"
"She's studying at Del Luna's university, and we'll give her a condo."
In my 18 years, my biological parents never treated me like a daughter. Like Cinderella, I have two sisters who treat me like a maid. I was homeschooled, but it hurts that my parents never wanted me.
My mother called me, "Zyenlie, let's talk."
"Ama, Ina, what's this about? Sorry if I overheard your conversation earlier." I held back tears.
"We've decided to send you to DLU. You'll learn something new and not just stay at home. We'll give you a condo and an allowance for tuition," my father said.
I'm grateful, despite their treatment.
Cynthia, my sister, remarked, "You're leaving now, right?"
Thea, my other sister, whispered, "Ignore her, Ate."
I ate and prepared my things for school. The next day, I enrolled at DLU.
While walking, people stared at me like I was a stranger. I ignored them and continued.
Some guys whispered, "She's beautiful, bro." I smiled and continued walking.
On my way out of the gate, I bumped into a guy who seemed like an angel but acted like a demon.
"Are you the one who bumped into me?" he asked.
"Oh, so what?" I replied.
He scowled, "You're rude."
"I don't see how it's your business, angel-demon."
He clenched his fists, "What did you say?!"
I teased, "You're deaf."
He glared, "You're asking for trouble."
I smiled, "Your face looks like an angel, but your attitude is the opposite."
He scowled, "And why should I care?"
I said, "I won't waste my time on you, angel-demon."
He threatened, "You'll regret this."
I replied, "I'm waiting."
He punched me, and I retorted, "Waiting!"
People nearby whispered, but I ignored them and continued to the school supply store.
