Fake It 'Til You Make It

|03| The Introduction

Vienna slowed in front of a large gate, pressing a button on her dashboard. The metal creaked in response, rolling back to allow her convertible through. My half-sister reached over and cranked the music up higher, belting out the 5-Seconds-of-Summer lyrics like her life depended on it.

The ride was oddly exhilarating. I mean, we arrived at their house, or mansion, in about half the time it should have taken. However, I quickly observed that Vienna disregarded speed limits like Amelia did crafting her own date night looks.

We pass a large, porcelain water fountain, a mermaid spewing water from her dainty tail into the collection of liquid below. The grass was well trimmed, not a blade out of place. Flowers of various vivid colors traced the outline of the water fountain and the perimeter of the garden. It honestly took my breath away, and we were still winding our way towards the mansion.

"The mermaid fountain came from when I was younger," Vienna explains, popping a piece of gum I didn't know she had. "I used to be obsessed with them."

I found myself smiling despite the unease and nervousness bubbling inside of me. The mansion was closer now, a polished white with wooden-looking trim. Right beside it was what I assumed to be a garage, similar in structure and exact in color.

Vienna parked behind several other vehicles, each seeming more expensive than the last. Then, she tossed open her door without a care in the world, slamming it shut and racing towards the house.

I sighed, pushing away any negative thoughts and following her, Amelia's bag clutched towards my chest. My father better appreciate my being here, I thought. After all, he finally got to meet me, right?

I wasn't the one running away from my mistakes.

Numbness washed over me as Vienna suddenly pushed open the door, letting it slam against the wall behind it. Without a care in the world, she sauntered into the large room with numerous windows facing various directions.

Before I could step in and admire the room, a loud cough sounded behind me. I turned to see Carson leaning again the vehicle, arms folded across his chest.

"Aren't you going to get your luggage?"

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I answered, "Can you not give me a minute to meet my father?"

I didn't mean to snap, and my outburst certainly took him by surprise. However, I simply turned away from his narrowed eyes and opened mouth and stepped into the lavish room.

Plush couches and armchairs were scattered about, a very large flatscreen the focal point of the room. A mahogany table sat in the middle, an expensive-looking rug under it. The rest of the floor was hardwood, which shone under the bright chandelier.

In front of the tv on the biggest rounded couch sat a man nearing his forties. Unlike my dad, the one I had lived with my whole life, he sported a head full of luscious blond hair. He also had a five o'clock shadow and deep blue eyes similar to Vienna's.

Beside him sat a woman about ten years his junior. Golden locks fell to her chest and hazel eyes glanced in my direction. She wore minimal makeup, yet she was still stunning.

Vienna tensed. "Um, Mom, Dad, this is Adalaide."

The man who made my birth happen stood from his seat, inching closer. His mouth opened and closed like a fish, almost as though he couldn't formulate a single sentence. No, "Hello", or "I'm so happy to finally meet you!"

What he did next surprised me. Instead of hugging me like a family member, he stuck out his hand, acting like this was some business meeting.

I stared at his tan hand a moment, unsure if I should shake it. Then, despite the anger burning inside me, I did, my grip loose. Then, my arm flopped back to my side, and I cast my gaze towards the hardwood.

"Adalaide," he acknowledged. "I'm Richard. Please address me as Rich."

Of course he didn't want me there. I was just some girl to him, not his daughter. Fed up with the pain and anxiousness I had been feeling, I pushed my emotions aside and stared into his steely gaze.

"Hello, Rich. I'd say it's nice to meet you, but it really isn't."

His eyes widened, and I'm pretty sure I heard a gasp. The tension was almost tangible, and my heart beat furiously against my ribcage. Anger burned like a wildfire within me and I yearned to turn around and run. However, I couldn't let him get the best of me.

Suddenly, I felt a tug on my arm.

"I'll bring her to her room, Dad," Vienna butted in, challenging her father to rebuttal with her voice.

I could see him biting the inside of his cheek before nodding, stalking in the opposite direction.

"My luggage," I spoke, scared she'd hear the emotion in my voice.

She shook her head, tugging me up a winding staircase. "Carson will get it."

"But-"

"I said he'll get it," she snapped, causing me to bite my tongue.

After trudging down a pristine hall and past countless white doors, Vienna finally stopped in front of one. The door across from it was decorated with a warning sign stating "Vienna's room. Keep out."

"You can go in," she encouraged. "The code is 5-2-6-7. I'll be in my room if you need anything." After seeing my startled look, she added, "I think you deserve some time to get used to your room. Plus, I think you need alone time to process everything."

Realizing she was right, I nodded, thanking her. My fingers gripped the silver door handle, my eyes snapping to the keypad. My old door never had a lock. Frankly, my mother never trusted me.

Carefully, I typed in the code, reiterating it in my mind. As soon as I got in, I'd have to type it onto my phone. 5-2-6-7. 5-2-6-7. 5-2-6-8? No, 7!

The door unlocked with a click and I swung it open, hearing Vienna's slam shut. I nearly gasped in awe, slowly shutting my door behind me. Fluffy violet carpet cushioned my feet. A king bed rested beside a window seat. The chandelier was already on, dangling in the center of the room. It was similar to the other one, only smaller.

A desk sat across from the bed, picture board beside it. There was also a beside table adorned with a jewel encrusted lamp and a digital clock. The walls were a dark pink and there were two doors to my left. Probably the closet and maybe a bathroom. Wow, my own bathroom!

The room screamed girly, but I loved it. Why? Because I was a girly girl. I'd admit it. I nearly squealed with joy when I noticed the vanity. I tossed my bag into the carpet and ran to it, my eyes going wide at the sight of the large mirror adorned with lights.

There was brand new makeup, the packaging still intact. It was all name brand and I felt myself grinning widely. Then, my gaze fell on the note tapped to the mirror.

Carefully, I peeled off the tape and unfolded it.

Dear Adalaide,

I had set aside this room as a guest room for any of the girls' friends. I know you've meet Vienna and you will soon meet Lydia, my other daughter. When I heard you were coming I set it up in a way I hoped you'd like. I also heard you love makeup, and I hope you don't already have these products.

We can personalize your room more in days to come. I'm sorry for the way I'm sure my husband and kids will act. But I want you to feel as welcomed as possible.

-Melanie, your step mom.

I stared at the loopy cursive with wet eyes. She already felt nicer than my own mother.

Smiling, I set the note on the vanity and walked over to the bed, ready to rest after a long day of traveling. My prayers were long that night, and I really hoped everything would turn out just fine.

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Aw. Thoughts? Thanks for already getting this to over 300 reads! I barely even started this, what even? Please comment, vote, and help me edit!

QOTD: Why do you think Richard acted so rudely towards Adalaide?

-Sarah