All She Had Left

Chapter 2: Getting Used to Everything

Mia's POV

I carefully placed all the necessary utensils and served the homemade pancakes with scrambled eggs and bacon that I've made on the dining table. I also prepared a cup of orange juice each for Aunt Gianna and my cousins.

Just as I had finished preparing breakfast, Kennedy walked over to the dining table and began eating her pancakes without even thanking me. Aunt Gianna too, came sitting down at the dining table, along with Kyle, as all of them ate their breakfast that was cooked and prepared by none other than myself.

I've always been reminded that I am not allowed to eat at the dining table together with them, so I took a portion for myself and ate my breakfast in the kitchen itself.

I was halfway through my last bite of the pancake when Kennedy walked in and slapped my hand, causing me to drop the pancake onto the floor. With that, she laughed and walked away as soon as she had placed her dirty dishes into the sink.

Breathe Mia, breathe. I mentally tried to calm myself down. I knew that there was no point in getting mad because things would've turned out far worse if I were to fight back. I leaned down to pick up the "now dirty" pancake and threw it into the trash bin.

Though I have a strong urge to just slap her across her face, I managed to calm myself down and decided to wash the dirty dishes that was left behind by Aunt Gianna and Kennedy. I suddenly felt the urge to cry and I tried my best to blink away the tears. Obviously failing to do so, I quickly wiped off the tear that had just fallen down my cheeks using the sleeves of my shirt to prevent anyone from seeing me cry.

Just as I was wiping off the tears, I heard footsteps from behind. Expecting it to be either Kennedy or Aunt Gianna, I was surprised when I saw Kyle approaching me instead. He stood beside me and decided to help me with cleaning the washed plates and utensils.

"I'll help you out with these plates. Why not you go ahead and continue with the other chores?" He said kindly. I tried to decline his offer in helping me but he gently pushed me out of the kitchen, not giving me any chance to argue back.

Throughout the rest of the day, I did all the house chores including doing the laundry, vacuuming the whole house, tidying up the beds and cleaning the bedrooms of Aunt Gianna, Kennedy and Kyle, and all the other necessary chores. I was all covered up in sweat and I probably stink too.

My late parents and I used to have a helper in this house who is in charge of all the house chores but ever since my parents had passed away, Aunt Gianna decided to kick out the helper, Linda, as she would want to torture me with the work instead. It's not that I'm complaining, I really didn't mind doing all the house chores, but a part of me just wished that Linda was still here. At least I have someone to talk to and keep me company.

After all the cleaning, my legs were almost giving up on me and as soon as I have completed doing all the house chores, I headed towards my bedroom. I was just about to have a rest when Aunt Gianna walked in.

"Excuse me? Did I ever mentioned that you can have your rest?" She said with her arms crossed. "But Aunt Gianna, I just needed a minute or two. My whole body is aching and I just needed a rest, just for a little while." I pleaded, hoping that she could at least spare me some pity.

"Do I look like I care?" She asked as she gave me a smug look. Just when I thought I could have a break from all the beatings, she yanked my hair so harshly a tear rolled down my cheeks without me knowing. She pushed me to the ground, causing me to hit my elbow on the ground. Just as she kneeled down beside me, she slapped me on my right cheeks so hard, I could suddenly taste blood.

"Don't you dare give me all sorts of excuses thinking I would sympathise with you." She gritted her teeth as she stared down at me, "Take this money to buy the groceries. There's almost nothing left in the kitchen." She threw the money on my face and walked off, just like that. I let out a sigh as I picked up the money that has dropped on the floor. I winced in pain as I touch the corners of my lips. I could feel a scar on the right side of my lips.

I slowly got up to the washroom and rinse away the blood. I looked at myself in the mirror to see all the bruises and the scars on my face, and body. I couldn't hold it back anymore and I finally broke down in tears. I miss you, mum and dad. I wish you were here with me.

I washed my face with the tap water and slowly pat it dry with the face towel that I had. Deciding to shower after I get back home from buying the groceries, I tied my hair into a messy bun, leaving several strands hanging loosely across my face.

I took my wallet, and placed all the money that Aunt Gianna gave along with my iPhone, and headed out. Aunt Gianna has warned me not to drive to the supermarket but instead to go there by feet. Not wanting to argue back though it'll be a long half an hour walk, I slowly made my way out of the house.

Just as I was walking pass the front gate, a loud honk was heard, which startled me. I turned around only to see Kyle, in his black jeep. He smiled at me, "Hey Mia! Hop in, I'll give you a ride."

"It's alright Kyle. I'll just walk there. Thanks for the offer." I was just about to walk away when he honked again. Kyle gestured me to get in his jeep. Looking at how hesitant I was, he got out of the driver's seat and gently grabbed my arms, opening the door to the passenger seat.

He reminded me to buckle my seatbelt and we drove off together, to the supermarket. I guess he saw me getting fidgety and that's when he finally uttered a word, "Relax." he chuckled. "I've told Mum that I'll be driving you there to keep you company. Also, I would wanna drop by the mechanics store along the way."

With the reassurance, I managed to calm myself down. Throughout the entire ride, I didn't say anything and we both just sat in silence and we made our way to run our errands.