Facade

Chapter 1

Mia's pov

I swung my leg down from the bed and stood up. I rearrange the bed and made my way to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and took an ice cold shower. My foster parents never let me use the hot water. According to Helen in her squeaky voice.
"Pests do not need hot water"
I came out from the bathroom and headed over to my closet. I don't have lots of clothes. Just three jeans trousers and two tops. I don't even own a skirt or a gown. My foster parents never give me money for anything. They spend all their money and time on their daughter Karen. It's like I don't even exist until they want to knock me around. Their daughter isn't like them. She treats me well and does her best to prevent her parents from hurting me. She's also my best friend. She understands me more than I understand myself. I settle for a pair of crazy jeans and top. I pull my hoodie over the top hiding my bruises. Davis will kill me if anyone finds out about it. I walk slowly to my mirror. Hmm I look okay. I brushed my hair and tied it in a messy bun. I picked up my backpack and made my way downstairs. Hopefully Davis and Helen are not awake yet. I really don't have the strength to deal with them today. In case you are wondering, Davis and Helen Lee are my foster parents and Karen's parents. With the way they treat me, you'd think they were related to the devil himself. Infact I won't be surprised if they were. Yes they are that bad. The only took me in to get the money social services give them for my upkeep. My well-being is of no business to them. Thank God for Karen who gives me little money to buy whatever I want.
I got downstairs and walked into the kitchen. Karen was already dressed and seated on the dining table eating cereal. Her head snapped up at the sound of footsteps.
"Hey mia" she smiled at me. I returned her smile.
"Hi Karen, sleep well?" I replied. She muttered a response that I didn't hear. Hmm someone is not a morning person. I ruffled her hair with my hand while I passed by her knowing it'll annoy her.
"Mia" she growled at me while I just smiled in response. She used her fingers to brush her hair and it fell to its original style. Hmm I can never do that. My hair never cooperate with me. It's as if it speaks its own language. I put water for coffee and went to sit beside her. I took my time to study her. Karen always looked pretty without even trying. Her hair was blond. She wore crazy jeans and crop tops. All in all she looked stunning as always.
"Where are your parents?" I asked her. I never refer to them as my parents. They lost the right immediately they put their hands on me to abuse me. And Karen doesn't mind. She understands how I feel.
"They went out early this morning to God knows where. Mum left a list of chores for you on the refrigerator" She smiled softly at me with sympathy in her eyes. I rolled my eyes at the information. Typical Helen. Never want me to have a moment of rest. If it was my biological mother........i shook my head at the thought. No time to cry Mia, I told myself. The kettle whistle broke me from my thoughts and I made my way over to the stove to make a cup of coffee. I strolled to the refrigerator and removed the paper with my name on it. It unrolled itself and the end touched my toes. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Typical Helen. I read the list out loud
"1. Vacuum the driveway
  2. Paint the pool pink
  3. Wax the walls..... "

The sound of a chair scraping the tiles interrupted me. Karen stood up so fast her chair fell down. She walked over to me and snatched the list from me. She read it over and scoffed
"Is she serious? Vacuum the driveway? Who does that?"
She said in a disbelieving tone. I rolled my eyes at her and replied
"Apparently your mom. I have no choice than to do it or who knows what will happen?"
She flung the list on the table and pulled me into her tiny arms in an embrace. Though she was smaller and shorter than me, I leaned into her seeping the comfort she genuinely offered.
  "It's alright Mia. We all know mum is crazy. I'll offer to help but I got a party to attend tonight. It's a cheerleaders thing. Wanna come?"
I was shaking my head before she even completed the question. There's no way I'll be able to finish my chores and have time for a party. All before Davis and Helen return from wherever they went too.
"No Karen, I can't. I have lots of things to do and you know what will happen if your mum finds out"
Karen smiled at me and walked over to pick up her backpack. She slung it over her shoulder saying
"You know what? How about we talk about it on our way to school? We are getting pretty late as it is"
My head snapped to the clock and I groaned at the time.
"Fuck!" I cursed while picking up my backpack. I followed Karen out the door and locked it behind me. I kept the keys under the flower pot on the porch and ran to where Karen was waiting for me in her car. She started the car and sped off to school.

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