Chapter One.
Mary Ademide is not an only child, even if she wants to be so bad. She lives with her very successful parents and her two bratty sisters, including their house help and a couple of other workers. She has an elder brother but she hasn't seen him for years.
Mary hates her family, because of their lies and the dark side they keep from the public eye. She want to avenge her family but never had the guts to until the new kid shows up in school with the same goal as hers, to avenge his family too.
Bankole Smith, like every orphan wishes for his family but he knows how that can never happen. Most of his days are spent plotting and scheming how he will destroy those that have wronged him.
To kick start his plans, he only needs to earn his enemies trust but what he didn't expect was a family member that shares the same aspirations as he does.
Ademide Household.
7:59am.
Mary Ademide.
Chaos.
That's how I can describe this morning
Mom and Dad are yelling about something and my younger sisters did. Margret and Miracle are the ones getting yelled at.
We are all suppose to be getting ready for school but instead those demons decide it was the best time to anger our parents.
I'm currently alone in the dining room having breakfast. It isn't everyday I get to sit alone by myself with my thoughts but days like today, I try to enjoy the peace and quiet.
But there's no peace is there? My parents are yelling.
'Mary, come out here' My dad shouts for me. And I reply just as fast. My 'okay daddy' a bit higher than I want it to be.
I run out of the dining room in the direction of our large family room.
Getting there, I see my dad sitting on his personal sofa, all dressed and ready to leave for work while my mom stands beside his seat with her arms fold, she's still in her night wear: a long cotton pant paired with a blue camisole but one could tell she has already had her bath because of the makeup she has on.
'yes daddy? ' I ask, not missing the glare my thirteen year old siblings gave me.
Okay, seems like i'm in trouble too.
'any reason you failed to wake your sisters this morning'
Not like I didn't wake them, they wanted to sleep more and I let them be. How's that my fault?
I glance at the two minx currently on their knees, still in their night wears. Serves them right for trying to act smart.
'I'm talking to you young lady! Why didn't you wake them? ' I flinch at his tone.
'I did Dad, they both sent me out of their rooms and locked their doors.. Ask Ayomide, we went together... Since they wanted me gone, I let them be' exactly what I would have said if they weren't my cute little sisters that I love but instead I reply with,
'I forgot Dad, I thought they were awake'
He looks at me with disbelief, even my Mom mirrors his expression.
She had been quiet the the entire time, it's been dad who was yelling but when it comes to me, I'm not in her good books, ever.
'you are very stupid, next time you won't forget. You'll tell me if this is the first time you all will wake each other up for school.. Mary, I'm very disappointed with you. For that you will wait for them to get ready and I don't want to see you in front of the television or with your phone this week. Sho lo fe gbon ni' this time my mom speaks. Her hands on akimbo with rage in her eyes.
What's with her? Is she the one that's going to be late? Moreover when is she not disappointed in me? Like no surprise there, I'm a reminder of her past, what she hates the most in the entire universe.
'Ejo ma Ema binu, ' Ayomide, our maid who has been quiet the entire time tries to apologize to her. I do feel sorry for her because we both know what really happened this morning but its better she not say anything because she wouldn't want to cross me.
'I'm sorry mummy,' I add quickly.
My dad reaches for her hand and she visibly calms. He motions for the twins to get up with a wave of his fingers, the both mutter their 'thank you sir' and rush out of the room with Ayomide in tow.
Forever will I be the reason for their hatred and anger... A horrible past that will forever haunt them, that stain they can never get rid of.
I wait for further command, standing and watching my parents as the smile at one another.
All lies,
Fake smiles.
Deciding I couldn't stand to watch anymore, as my gag reflexes are getting triggered, I ask if i could be excused,
'can I go now mom? ' I ask sweetly, knowing that's the only way I can get out of this unscratched.
She eyeballs me without hiding how much she harbours my presence before speaking up, 'No friends allowed in my home after school and make sure your sisters do their assignments when they get back. Don't forget to tell the driver to take you three to Mummy Fatai for measurements.. I have already picked your styles, just measure and come home straight' she finishes with a stern look before looking back at my Dad, He motions for me to leave and I do just that.
I go back to my overly soaked cereal eating it quietly as I wait for my sisters to get ready.
...
As our driver pull up into the school premises, I turn to my sisters. 'pass your lunch money' I say.
They both rummage through their bags and pull out their #500 each.
'sister Mary, are you taking everything? ' Miracle asks, pleading with her eyes.
'yes... I take the blame, you pay for my services remember? '
Margret who was still processing the fact that she just lost her lunch money suddenly wails loudly 'I'm going to tell mummy. What do you expect us to eat in school? '
I eyeball her just like the way mom did to me this morning, the only thing I have in common with that vile woman. 'well I'll tell her you've been bringing Tolani and Chinoye home or should I tell her how her Laptop broke instead, I'm so sure she will love to hear about it' I reply,'now stop whining like a crybaby, the school will give you both lunch and if you need to buy snacks, your friends will help you that's if you ask nicely. Mom taught you both manners right or did you forget what they were? get out now, you both already got me late or should I add it to the list of things I want to get back at you both for?
The both shake their heads and scramble out of the car. I turn to the driver to relate my mom's orders before getting out too and walking towards the school building.
Chaotic, just like everyday of my life.
*****
Sho lo fe gbon ni' - since you don't want to be smart.
Ayomide (name) - my joy is here or my joy has come
Ejo ma, ema binu'- please ma, do not be offended.
