"Get me a glass of orange juice from the kitchen." My aunt says and her phone rings. "Be quick about it too." She shouts as she answers her call.
I get a glass from the cupboard and fill it with OJ from the fridge. I then move on to add three cubes of ice just how she likes it.
I take it back to the living room just as she's about to end her call.
"Of course sir. It would be a pleasure having you here." I set the glass on the table beside her. "See you at eight." She ends the call.
"My boss from work is coming here for dinner. I want you to prepare a lot of dishes and I want it to be perfect! I want no mistakes got it?!" I nod. "And for dessert, make a chocolate cake." She says and I head towards the kitchen.
Of course I'm going to be the only one preparing dinner and dessert while aunt Mary and Lisa play dress up in their closets.
Six hours, a messy kitchen, and five dishes later, dinner was set.
Aunt Mary and Lisa were already done. Uncle Mark had travelled for a work-related issue for a week, and I'm in my room not showing my face till the guests leave.
Just like aunt Mary said.
Truthfully, I was happy. I really don't like being with people or in front of people, so I was glad.
For like the next three to four hours, I would be alone. I would finally rest, and if I can, sleep.
Well, that joy was short lived as soon as Lisa walked in.
"Mom wants you to join for dinner." She states and folds her arm together.
Noooo.
"Why?"
"Turns out she has already blabbed about you to her boss. So she doesn't want to explain your absence.
"Oh." I say, feeling sad already.
"Yeah now get dressed. They'll be here in a few minutes." She sneers and walks out.
Great.
Just when I thought I had three hours to myself, it came crashing down.
Freaking fucking great.
I get ready for the dinner and in ten minutes, I'm dressed.
I decided to go with a short black long sleeved dress, black sandals and I tuck my long hair behind my ears.
My makeup was covering up my marks and bruises as always.
I walk into the dining room just as the doorbell rings.
My aunt rushes to the door and she opens it with a big smile.
"Mr Hart! It's so nice for you to drop by." A tall grey eyed man walks in. He's dressed in suit and tie.
"It's a pleasure for me to be here." He smiled and those eyes reminds me of someone I know but I can't seem to remember.
"Mrs Hart! Oh you look lovely!" Aunt Mary smiles.
"So do you!" Mrs Hart returns. She has blond hair, black eyes, and is dressed in a floral dress.
Next, a girl my age walks in. She has greyish blue eyes, blond hair, and a wide, happy smile.
She's dressed in a blue crop top, black jeans, and black lace up ankle boots. Her hair's just like mine, straightened and tucked behind her ear.
"This is my daughter, Chloe." Mrs Hart smiles and Chole waves.
"Hi."
"Hey sweetie." aunt Mary smiles.
"Lisa." Chole says with a eye roll.
"Chole." Lisa says back.
"This is my daughter, Lisa."
"Hi Mr and Mrs Hart." She smiles. Lisa is dressed in a white off shoulder short gown and brown flats. She packed her auburn hair in a ponytail.
"Hello sweetie."
"Hi there."
"This way to the dining room." My aunt leads them and we all seat.
"And who are you darling?" Mrs Hart turns to me.
"She's my niece." Aunt Mary answers.
"What's your name?" Mr Hart asks. He doesn't take his eyes off me and I begin to squirm.
I don't know why I was freaking out right now.
Aunt Mary clears her throat and I look at her. I see her glaring at me.
I clear my throat.
"Raven. Raven Evans."
"Evans?" He looks at me shocked.
"Yes." I nod.
"You mean your father is Matthew Evans?"
"Yes sir. You knew him?" I ask and his eyes lit up.
"Very. He was one of my closest friends." He says and aunt Mary clears her throat.
"So Mr Hart, I thought you had two children?" His eyes drift to her.
"Ah yes. My son's not around right now. God knows where he wondered off to now." He says and looks at his wife.
They both share a look and something tells me he doesn't have a good relationship with his son.
"So Raven," He turns to me. "Where do you school?"
I look at my aunt and then at Mr Hart.
"Stephen memorial highschool."
"You mean the government school downtown? Mrs Hart asks.
"Yes."
"Why not attend Clover's High like Lisa does? Surely Mark and Mary can afford for two right?" Mrs Hart turn to aunt Mary.
"Of course we can, but Raven said that's the school she wants."
"Is that true Raven?" Mr Hart asks me.
"Of course." I say. "But I wouldn't mind change of schools." I add and aunt Mary glares at me.
"Very well. Then not to impose on your guardians, I'll sponsor you in your education for your father's sake." Mr Hart states and I smile.
"Thank you sir."
"It's nothing. I was very sad when I heard of his death, so I'd like to help. Your father did great things for me when he was alive. This is little."
"But she likes it at-" Lisa begins but Chole cuts her off.
"It's been decided Lisa. Suck it up." She says and smiles at me.
"Why don't we all eat." Aunt Mary suggests and we all dig in.
This is the first time in months since I've had a proper dinner.
For the first time in years, I felt excited for something that was about to happen in my life.
I felt elated.