Lorelei and Cora

Chapter 4 explains how Ella instilled fear of men in Cora, her daughter

Before I turned thirteen, Ella mistreated me at five, blaming me for Derek leaving us. We were a well-off family, and I had everything I wanted, including surprises from my dad. At three, he enrolled me in dance and gymnastics and took me horse riding; I didn't need lessons. My dad even created a gymnast's room for me to practice in. I made friends through these activities—Lorelei, Marinette, Roxy, and Renee. I loved asking them to go to the park or cinema. But everything changed on my fourth birthday. Derek canceled my classes and destroyed my gymnast's room. He became abusive towards Ella, who often showed up with black eyes and bruises that terrified me. Each time he hurt her, her screams made my ears ring and left me feeling paralyzed with fear. Since that birthday, I hoped our family would return to normal, but it never did. Just an hour before my fifth birthday, Derek packed his suitcase and left a note with his wedding ring for Ella and me. The following day, at 7 AM, as Ella was about to give me a piece of birthday cake for breakfast, she discovered the note. It read: "Ella, I can't support you anymore. You've become intolerable, allowing Cora to do whatever she wants. I need you to understand that I'm leaving. I suggested an abortion for a reason, and you forced me into having two children. I'm glad we have two girls and that Cora survived. Please don't seek me out; I've left the country. Goodbye, Derek." As Ella finished reading aloud, I ran to my room, confused about what I had done wrong. I lay on my bed and cried loudly. Ella came to my room, and I thought she was checking on me. "Can you please stop crying? I can hear you from the family room!" my mom yelled, confusing me even more. Dad had left, which meant she wouldn't be abused, yet she still wanted him around. "Cora, grow up!" she shouted, this time even louder, making me pee myself in fear. "You've done it now! They were clean this morning! Cora, come here!" I believed she'd help me change my clothes, but instead, she forced me against the door, and I hit my head on the doorknob. "This is your first warning; repeat it, and I'll escalate! As you'll always be nothing!" My mom left, slamming the door and leaving me in dirty clothes. I hurried to the bathroom, feeling an urge to puke. In the mirror, I saw a girl who once felt loved but now abandoned by her parents. After a quick bath and changing into pajamas, I got into bed, anxious about the darkness ahead. My life has only grown darker and filled with fear, and despite wishing for things to improve, they keep worsening. I'll share more about this now.

When I was 11, my mom started dating Jessie, as Ella wouldn't allow me to meet him. However, when I got to meet him, I felt a strange vibe coming from Jessie. One night, I enjoyed watching Frozen Two at the cinema with my friends Marinette, Roxy, Lorelei, and Renee. After the movie, I asked, "What did you all think?" Marinette and Roxy smiled and said, "It's even better than the first Frozen! The sisters were together this time, and that song with Kristoff and the reindeer was hilarious!" Just as Renee and Lorelei were about to share their thoughts, my phone lit up with a call from Jessie, someone I didn't remember adding. "Sorry, girls, I need to take this," I said before answering. "Hi, Cora! I'm Jessie, Ella's boyfriend. I'm excited about meeting you; your mom has shared wonderful things!" he said. "I can't wait to meet you too! I'll be home in an hour," I replied, noticing a hint of irritation in his tone. "Well, your mom wants you back ASAP," he responded. I couldn't shake my unease about him; I feared he might follow the same troublesome path as Ella. "Girls, I have to head home; I'll catch up with you later!" I said as I rushed home, where my mom introduced me to our new staff. "Cora, this is David, our family driver, and his sister Leslie, who will handle our meals and housework. This is my boyfriend, Jessie; I met him three weeks ago," she said, embarrassed by the popcorn in my hair. "Hello, David and Leslie. I hope you enjoy working for us! Sorry for the mess; I just got back from the movies. It's nice to meet you, Jessie. I can't wait to get to know everyone," I replied, making them chuckle. "We know how that goes! We often get messy watching movies, too, especially sequels! Dinner is ready, so let's eat!" they said. As we headed to the dining hall, I realized it was the first dinner with my mom and Jessie since Dad left. The food was surprisingly delicious. "Wow, Leslie, this meal is incredible!" I exclaimed. "I'm glad you like it; Mom did this often before she passed away two weeks ago," Leslie said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I miss her cooking, but thankfully, my sister continues her legacy," David replied as I finished the dish. "Mom, can I go to my room to finish some homework?" I asked. She nodded. "Of course! See you in the morning, Cora!" Jessie added. "Goodnight, everyone," I said. "Goodnight, Cora! Sweet dreams!" they replied cheerfully.