Mia

"Mother, mother, i'm back"I called as I tottered inside the house carrying a heavy polythene bag filled with clothes. I dropped it down close to the washing machine

Argh, that was quite heavy.

"Why were you screaming like that? You wanna bring down the house?"I heard her ask behind me and I turned to her directly. "Can your dead mother afford this house?" She glared at me.

"So, sorry about that mom."I pleaded knowing the kind of person she is, she isn't gonna end there.

"And Who's your Mom? I've asked you severally not to call me your Mom. Go get your Mom from her grave!"she yelled Furiously.

I felt tears at the brink of my eyes and I blinked it back. I'm used to hearing this same word over the years.but, it never seems to stop hurting me. It's like a spear to my heart. I've tried to be strong but I guess, I'm not trying enough.

"Just don't stand there like an over-long iroko tree, did you get all the dirty clothes from the customers?"she asked, glancing at the big polythene nylon I had dropped earlier.

"Yes," I replied faintly. I couldn't recognize my own voice.

"Are you really sure? These are way too small and I know all my customers' clothes won't result in such a small quantity." She uttered, packing out the clothes.

"That's what they gave me" I muttered hoping this doesn't lead to something else. She's so unpredictable.

" You're a lazy kid,I know you could throw some away on your way just to lessen the weight." She gritted out spitefully. "But you should know this, if I find out you did that, I'll make sure to detach your head from your body." 

My body trembled at her murderous glare and I took in my lower lips trying not to say a word that would result in earning another insult from her.

"Now, pack them and go wash at the back" she ordered, pushing them with her legs towards the direction.

What! Is she really serious right now?

"Bu..t, there's a washing machine here, mom" I stuttered a little, stretching my hands towards the washing machine.

"Are you trying to tell me what to do? Huh?" She asked and slapped me hard across the cheek. 

"Arrgh" I shrieked. My Cheeks felt so hot and felt like they were about peeling off due to the excruciating pains. I stare at her with watering eyes.

"Next time, you don't question my orders. Now pack them and make sure you are done within 1 hour." She yelled behind me and I had no choice but to pack the clothes while crying profusely.

There is never a day of peace in this house. I've never known peace ever since I lost my Mom. My stepmom had been on my neck trying to make my stay in my own father's house, hell. 

Though my dad doesn't have money, he got married to my mom and my stepmom. While my mom was still alive, they've always conflict between  both wives. Though my mom was his first, he'd always taken the witch's side over hers.

My stepmom gave birth to a daughter who I'm older than just a year. She's just a lazy brat at 20 years old. My stepmom turned me into a slave to her and her daughter and my father doesn't say a word about it. He sometimes beats me up for his beloved wife and daughter.

I'm just 21 years and I've gone through a whole lot in the hands of the people I should have called my family.

Rukky 

"Mom, where's that bi*ch? Where the hell is that ingrate?" I asked the moment I stormed into my parents room.

"What's the problem, dear?" She asked, concerned.

"Look at this, she has ruined my new gown with an iron. That good for nothing girl did this to my gown purposely!" I cried out, stomping my foot on the floor angrily.

"What! How dare that girl?" Mom yelled. "Come with me, dear." She ordered, already stepping out of the room with the gown in her hands.

I beamed inwardly as I walked triumphantly behind her to the back yard.

"Mia, how dare you ruin my daughter's new gown?" Mom yelled and pulled hard on her ear which made her cry out in pain. 

"I didn't, I didn't, please it hurts, Mom" she shrieked loudly and I couldn't help but laugh mockingly. It always feels good to see her in pain.

"You're leaving this house this minute! And don't you dare return without purchasing a new gown for me. And it must be exact!." I uttered, staring disgustedly at her. I love the state she's currently in right now.

"You heard what my daughter said,right? Now get going!" My mom ordered and I felt butterflies dancing Around my Belly. Isn't this so much fun? I wish I could have this recorded and whenever I'm bored, I'll rewatch.

"Please mom, I truly didn't do it and I have no money to buy a new gown for Rukky." She pleaded and I rolled my eyes dramatically at her.

"Will you get out, bi*ch" I yelled and pulled her hard while holding onto her stinking colorless top.  With mom's assistant, we were able to throw her out and bang the door shut.

"What nonsense! She isn't coming back to this house without my new gown." I uttered and mom agreed with a nod of her head. "She won't!"

"What are we gonna tell Dad?" I inquired with a smirk feeling on top of the world.I so much hate that girl. Why doesn't she just join her mom in her grave and leave my family alone?Her presence in this house is like a poison to the air and right now, I feel so refreshed.

"Leave that to me, I'd handle that." My mother assured and I smiled in victory. I just can't wait!