THE UGLY DUCKLING ©

CHAPTER NINETEEN

When I got home that night, my whole family was sitting on the couch, apparently, waiting for me. Fear enveloped my whole body as I saw mom's facial expression which was anything but happy.

"Nicole Elisse," she said in an authoritative tone, "sit!" she motioned towards the vacant seat facing her. Of course I obliged, still wondering what was going on.

"Is it true?" she asked not letting go of my gaze.

"Uhm, what is this about, mom?" I nervously asked.

"Aw, cut the bs Lissey!" an irritated Charice replied. "We all know you have feelings for him!"

"Huh? who? what are you talking about?" the creases on my forehead became deeper.

"I saw you, I saw you talking to him, more like flirting with him, at Scotty's," Austin plainly stated.

Then it dawned on me, they were talking about Francois. "Francois?" I inquired just to be certain that we were on the same page. "Well he used to hang out at Scotty's last summer. But that was before he and Charice were engaged. I dont see anything w-" I wasnt able to finish my sentence when mom cut me.

"So it is true then," mom shook her head, "out of all people, my own daughter was the one to almost sabotage Charice's engagement. How could you Lissey?"

"No, mom," I tried to explain, "its not what you think. I wasnt even talking to him now that they are together. I didnt do anything I swear!"

Mom then seemed to be considering what I said as she looked at me intently.

"Mom, she's lying!" Charice just wont let it go, "just this afternoon before we went home, she walked in on us kissing and she pulled me away. See?" she showed mom her arm which was now showcasing a bruise shaped like a gripping hand.

Mom's eyes widened with anger, "Be honest Lissey, is this your doing?"

"Y-yes mom, but its not what you think," I tried to explain. "I did it to save her from being hit by Francois. They were arguing..."

"Shut it Lissey!" Charice stood up pointing at me, "you have been had. We all know you have always been envious of me and now you are at it again! What kind of sister are you?!" her eyes welled up with fake tears.

"Mom," I ignored her and focused on mom. Hopefully, being an adult, she would see reason and believe me. "please let me explain."

Dana shook her head again. "Okay, here's what we are gonna do. I am holding off on your allowance for a month. You cant drive to school either cause you'll be surrendering your keys to me. Is that fair enough Charice?"

"But mom, she had some money saved and she would love riding the bus to school. I dont think that would teach her a lesson," Charice wouldnt let me go easily.

"So what do you propose we do?" asked mom.

'Seriously? My mom's asking my sister for the proper punishment to me? Boy, I am definitely in trouble,' I thought.

"Well I wouldve wanted to shave her head because she did hurt me," Charice sat down and nurse her bruises making sure she winced at the perfect time when mom was looking. "but I couldnt do that much humiliation to my sister. I think we could just cut her hair short, and I mean short-short."

"Mom, no please. I dont think its necessary," I begged her even if I knew that its futile. Charice knew that I love my hair because somehow, I use it to hide my face. Cutting it short would really bug me.

"Okay its settled then. Charice cut her hair however you please even though I dont get how it would be a punishment," mom said in a firm tone, " as for you, Lissey, cut the jealousy and stop meddling with your sister's affairs. Now go on you three. I dont wanna hear any more bickering out here understood? End of discussion," She stood up and went to her room after I handed her the keys to my car.

I looked at both my sibling and they were smiling victoriously.

'And my life got better once again, not!'

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a/n

Charice and Austin are siblings from hell arent they?

Poor Lissey.

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Lynne♥♥♥