In Love With Sin

Chapter 1

My life was the complete opposite before I met him. I was the golden child, raised to be perfection. But it felt like it wasn't who I was meant to be. I felt incomplete. Everyone kept on reminding me, and by everyone I mean my cousins, aunts, and uncles, that parents will do and say things for our own good. For a long while I believed that saying, until I wanted to grow as an adult myself.

"Kristen, you're up." mother said, snapping me out of my trance.

I walked up to the piano and stood beside her as she started to play today's Gospel. I sang along unwillingly.

They always forced me to sing in front of the whole congregation, because, as per them, my voice was a gift from God and I needed to share that. As a matter of fact, they forced a lot of things on me. As a kid, they enrolled me in a lot of extra curricular activities, I was told who I should and should not be friends with, even molded me to fit any medical career. Of course, I never argued with them because they knew what was best for me, right? I was just a child to them, needing guidance, so their guidance was best, right?

It just sucked that I never had a say at all when it came down to my own life. If they wanted me to do something, or be someone, that was who I was to be, no questions asked. To make things worse, I had no other siblings to console in.

I was completely alone, and for a while I was content with that... until now.

After mass, we greeted the rest of the families.

"Elizabeth, Bruce!" an familiar voice called out from behind us.

Ah yes, the Hanson's, my parent's rivals.

"Bonnie!" Mother said with a fake smile plastered on her face. She cheek kissed the woman which made me chuckle inside as I saw a slight cringe. "Frank!" she did the same and I had to hold back my laughter.

She absolutely hated the Hanson's with every nerve of her body. But we all knew we had to play nice to keep our family reputation in good graces.

"Beautiful singing, as usual, Kristen." Bonnie said with a warm smile.

I smiled back shyly. I didn't know how to take compliments properly. If I relished in more than a simple thank you, it would be considered as boasting in sin according to my parents, and I wouldn't hear the end of it.

"She should really make a career out of it." Frank said, patting me on the shoulder.

"Oh no, I'm not that good." I squeaked, looking down at my feet.

"Yeah, plus she's got her hands full with nursing school and working to pay off her tuition." mother interjected.

"Really now? Paying off your own tuition?" Bonnie said impressed, which mother basked in proudly.

I silently scoffed to myself. We both knew I didn't pay for all my tuition. I wasn't making enough to afford it, so mother made a secret deal with me. I would pay what I can in tuition fees, along with some sort of rent, hydro, and electricity while she covered the rest. Thus, leaving me with barely anything else to save up for.

"So, where is your beautiful daughter Teresa?" mother asked looking around.

"She must be just mingling around." Frank said, looking around as well.

I heard a flirty giggle coming from the end of the hall and looked up to see Teresa flirting with one of the church members.

"Teresa, honey! Come join us." Bonnie called out as Teresa said goodbye to whoever she was talking to and made her way to us.

"Hi Momma!" she said kissing her cheek. "Mr. and Mrs. Mercer, it's great to see you!" she said giving them cheek kisses.

I saw my mother tense up and I had to fight back a smirk.