When I got to aunt Lucy's apartment. I met her twin daughters, Amber and Scarlett which were about the same age as me. As expected Amber also dislikes me as much as her mother. Scarlett was somewhat different from them. She welcomed me and also acted nicely.
" Hi, my name is Scarlett and this is my twin sister Amber." I also replied her. "My name is Amelia, nice to meet you." Amber led me to a room which was their basement. "This is where you will be staying from today, hope you enjoy it here" She smirked and slammed the door.
Although it was dark, cramped and dusty and there were lots of roaches and mice, I still managed to get it in good shape.
Aunt Lucy's husband, uncle Mark, works for a small company while Aunt Lucy had a small store.
My life there was worse than home. I was beaten up for the slitest mistakes. They would even blame me anytime Amber made a mistake and I would end up getting beaten up and punished. I didn't have to hid my appearance in front of them because they were aware of it but I was blamed for any bad luck because of it. Like one time when Amber fell and hurt her knees. I was blamed for that.
I was left alone in the house during the day because everyone had an excuse to go out. Aunt went to her store, uncle went for work and Amber and Scarlett either went to a friend's house or a party. They were never at home. So I used the opportunity to look for a job and apply for a scholarship.
I was really good in dancing all kinds of dance. I learnt most of it during high school in dance class, so I applied for a job to teach children dance in a small dance school. I also applied for a job at the orphanage, but I mostly did it because I wanted to help those children. I always felt happy when I am around them. I got a part time job in a cafe. I scheduled my time for all these jobs.
The class dance was every Monday and Saturday, I worked in the Cafe every afternoon and I work at the orphanage in the evenings after working at the Cafe. I made sure to do all the chores at home before leaving so no one would find out. I made sure to keep this a secret from everyone so I made sure I was extra careful.
This went on for over a year. I received a letter saying I got a scholarship in one of the schools I applied for. I was so ecstatic. I got a scholarship into one of the best colleges and it happened to be the same college Amber and Scarlett were applying for.
I couldn't possibly hide the fact that I am going to school if Amber and Scarlett will be there. I knew that the only option I had was to convince aunt about me going to college and the only one that can help me was Scarlett. So that night I talked to her about the scholarship and she agreed to convince her mom. After a long discussion aunt finally agreed with Scarlett. Amber was pissed and just walked away.
I used some of my savings and the remaining money Emily gave me to buy some stationaries and some necessary items I would need in school. The phone that was given to me by Emily was stolen in the Cafe I worked so I would go to the cyber Cafe if I needed to get anything done concerning my scholarship.
It was finally my first day at college, it was also Amber and Scarlett first year in college. I had to wear long sleeves to hide the marks I got from all the beatings. I woke up extremely early, did all the chores and cooked for the whole family. I wasn't allowed to eat until every one had finished eating because I was supposed to eat their leftovers. After that I had to run all the way to college but uncle drove Amber and Scarlett to school.
When I got there I could immediately tell that this was a school for rich people. I wondered how aunt could have afford this school but then I realized that it must have been mom who paid for their fees.
None of that is my concern, I only have one goal here and it was to study hard and be successful. I will make sure to be as quiet as possible and try not gain any attention from anyone. I won't make the mistake I made before by trusting anyone.
As I walked inside I could see different eyes on me. So much for not getting noticed. It was probably because of the shabby clothes I was wearing and the makeup I used to cover my appearance. Anyways, It was good because no one would want to become friends with me.
Life was more tougher after that. Every morning I would wake up very early to cook and do all the chores. Then I had to run to school. After school I went to the Cafe and then to the orphanage. After all that, I had to run home to cook dinner before everyone got back. I had only little time to rest.
In school I would get bullied most of the time. I didn't really care much because I have faced this before. I tried my best to avoid any student. They would either trip me when I was walking or pull pranks on me when ever they got the chance. So I isolated myself to the extent that I don't even know what goes on in school again. When anything happens in college, I was the last to know.
Time passed by and my life was the same. Although I managed to not get into any trouble. I maintained my position as top student and never associated myself with anyone which makes people think I am proud.
A few months after school started Scarlett came to me and told me she wanted to be friends with me. "Amelia, I really want you to be my friend. Please can you accept me as your friend?" I looked at her suspiciously. Scarlett had become one of the most popular girl in school, why would she want to be friends with me?
"Why would you want to be friends with me? You are one of the most popular girls in school. You already have tons of rich and famous friends." She took my hand and said "Those are not my real friends. They will abandon me when I am in a difficult situation. I want someone to stay with me through thick and thin. You are already my cousin and you are the only one that I could trust." I thought of saying no to her immediately but I remembered that without her I wouldn't have been able to go to college, so I accepted but I won't be able to trust her completely. Not after what I faced previously.
" Firstly, I am not your cousin anymore , remember? And alright, I will be your friend but I don't want to be around your other friends. You can only be around me when they are gone, okay?" She nodded and smiled.
I was being suspicious of her but as long as I am careful I will be fine.
Two years passed and it was summer. It was another holiday. During summer, the family goes on a vacation to relax and of course without me.
This was the only period I was ever happy in the house. I wouldn't receive any scoldings or beating from anyone and I could live in peace for a whole month.
Before aunt left, she gave warnings as usual and threatened to add to the scars I already had if anything went wrong. I just nodded and gave Scarlett a hug before watching them leave.
Immediately they left I threw myself on the couch and rested for a very long time.
The next day, it was Monday. So I went early in the morning to the dance studio. I was usually happy and relaxed anytime I dance, especially with the children. After that I ran to the Cafe and then to the orphanage. I spent more time in the orphanage than usual today because the children wanted me to stay and play with them. Since no one was at home I agreed but it was already very late in the night and I had to walk home.
As I was walking by the streets, I heard a noise from the bushes. I was really scared. Just when I was about to run I heard a child crying and I stopped. I hesitantly went over there and saw a little girl who was serious injured on her elbow and knees. There were also injuries that looked like a beast scratch.