My stepmom changed automatically just a few months after my dad's burial. There is nothing that will do that can excite her. She says abusive words to me at any given opportunity. I didn't tell Uncle Jude. I was thinking that maybe she was still struggling to accept that Daddy is gone. I know it is not easy for her and likewise me. I overlook it. But it keeps on getting worse and worse.
"you killed your dad, my husband"
"I don't understand. What did you mean by that?"
"you are asking me what I meant?"
"yes, because I don't understand"
"you killed him"
"I didn't. wait are you trying to make me feel bad?"
"make you feel bad. hmmm, seriously?"
"yes. Dad was attacked by a chemical substance when he went on a business trip which damaged his immune system and that is what led to his death."
"spare me that, he died because he loves you"
"I don't get it. How can a parent die just because he loves his child?"
"yes, that is what killed him so is your Mom"
"Are you trying to tell me that I'm the one that sends an assassin to kill my father?"
"Twist it in any way you like but just know that you kill him"
"Why are you blaming me for Dad's death?"
"I'm not blaming you, Christabel. That is the truth"
I don't know what she is trying to prove or what she is trying to gain. How can she blame me for Dad's death, is she okay? When I couldn't bare it anymore, I told my uncle everything that has been happening. He was very angry. He warned her seriously. She apologized to me and I forgive her. I let it go. we came back to the peaceful family we were before that. She drives me to school by herself. She cooked by herself without the chef's help. I enjoyed her meal, she's a great cook.
uncle Jude has to travel back to Los Angeles. My aunt, she's pregnant and she is due. He has to go and be with her. He has tried. He has been around since my dad's death only visiting his pregnant wife once in a while. He is going to stay for a long time. I'm going to miss him. How I wish I can go with him but I'm writing an exam to enter high school so I can't go. Uncle Jude is like a hedge in my life, when he traveled out, the hedge was broken. My stepmom began to show me her true color. She was pretending all this while Uncle Jude was around. She began to maltreat me.
"you are not the woman that I know Mum. What change? what have I done wrong?"
"Everything is wrong"
"tell me I can fix it"
"fix what? Don't you know? anyone around you that loves you dies prematurely"
"I don't get it. what did you mean?"
"your mom died because she loves you also your Dad and your uncle leaves and he is never coming back "
"It's a lie. uncle Jude will come back for me"
"stop deceiving yourself. You have this bad luck around you. And I'm not going to be your next victim"
"I didn't kill my Dad and stop blaming me for his death. My uncle will come back after taking care of my aunt."
"Truth is always bitter my dear and mind you, there are a lot of things waiting for you to do before going to school."
"But, there are maids that are paid for the chores."
"it is now your job."
That is how I turned into a slave, the maid is far better than me. She fired the workers.
"what have I done wrong Mom?"
"don't you dare call me mom again? I am not your mother."
"But you are my daddy's wife which qualifies you to be my mom."
"I don't need any qualifications from you. Your dad is dead. I can decide to get married tomorrow"
"I know you are feeling bad that my dad left us so early..."
"Are you serious right now?."
"I'm sorry"
That five-letter word became my companion. always saying sorry for things I know nothing about. It is just like a dream to me. I thought we were happy. I thought she was the answer to my prayers. why did she change so suddenly? I thought it only happens in a story or movie like Cinderella. And I am now like a Cinderella. Will I have my Prince charming who will come and save me from the hands of my wicked stepmother? This is funny. So this is how people change. No wonder they said change is constant. How I wish that I can reach my uncle. At least let him know what is happening. I don't know what to do. Uncle Jude, please remember that your princess is waiting for you.