Viola
I didn’t care at all about what he was saying. I walked inside with Mom. I thought to myself, I’m just staying here for a little while. I’ll bother him so much that he’ll either end up divorcing Mom or he’ll finally get so annoyed that he tells me to go live with Dad—or maybe I’ll just leave.
He was so full of himself, way too confident, even if he was rich. But he couldn’t control me.
Some servants walked with me to his office—I wasn’t sure if they were assistants or something else. He had important papers and phones all around him.
Mom seemed to know her way around the house completely. She said, Come on, let me show you your room upstairs.
I went upstairs with her. The room was huge, and there were maids everywhere. I have to admit, it was really impressive. My family isn’t poor or anything, but this place was on another level.
He must be a billionaire. Okay, fine, I said. They opened my room and I was shocked. Everything I loved was there. I looked at Mom and asked, Did you decorate this room?
She answered, No, why?
I couldn’t even think straight. Did Mom’s husband look me up and figure out everything I like? The whole room was olive green, the color I love the most. He even put certain small trees I really like, those expensive bonsai types.
I really love bonsai trees. There was one on the desk. The desk looked like someone made it just for me. On top there was a brand-new laptop and a new iPad. Everything was ready for me. If my boyfriend did this, it would be sweet, but for a stepdad, it just felt strange and made me suspicious.
Mom, I said, haven’t you noticed he got everything I like?
She put my things on a shelf and said, He’s really thoughtful. He told me he wants you to be happy here. He doesn’t have kids, but he likes children.
I rolled my eyes and laughed. If you think I’m a child, Mom, I’m 18. Girls my age are already getting married.
Mom didn’t answer that. She just said, Anyway, there’s a closet full of clothes for you. The maid will bring your party dress soon. Rest a bit, then come to lunch with us. Please stay in for the party tonight.
Mom, I’ve told you a million times—I’m going to my party tonight.
She said, There’s a lot of trouble at that party. Mark said girls usually lose really important things there.
I raised my eyebrows and put my hands on my hips. Who is this Mark to tell me how to live my life? My dad is alive. Dad would let me go to the party.
I have to go now, she said. I need to take a shower and spend some time with Mark. We’re newlyweds, you know? Her face turned red.
I looked at her. The staff all left. I told them, Please leave me alone.
There was a dress lying on the bed, shoes, and a necklace in a box. I opened the box. Wow. I thought, If he’s giving this to me, what is he giving Mom? I really wanted to know. Then I decided, whatever. I’ll just wear this to the party tonight. I’ll be the best-looking girl there. After the party, I’ll figure out how to bother them, make him annoyed, and maybe get him to throw me out.
I took out my phone. Let me see how much this necklace and these earrings cost. I checked online and found out they were a hundred thousand dollars. I was shocked, but that just showed how rich he is.
The maid kept standing there. Miss, you should take a shower. I’ll help you.
No, I said, I don’t want any help. I’ll shower alone.
She wouldn’t leave. Come on, please get out. I’m not used to having someone help me.
I can’t, she said. Mr. Mark ordered me to help you while you’re here.
I felt so frustrated. Fine, just get the bathroom ready. It was the first time in my life someone did that for me.
Then I saw what it meant: warm water, flower petals, nice-smelling bubbles—super fancy, really. She even helped me get undressed. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t embarrassed, even though it was the first time I changed clothes in front of someone else.
Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door, a man’s voice. The maid said, It’s Mr. Mark.
I’m in here, I shouted. Please don’t come in—I’m taking a shower.
He laughed from outside. Don’t worry, I’m not coming in. You’re like my daughter now.
I was annoyed. I’m 18.
I yelled, Just get out. Go hang out with your wife.
He said, Okay, I just wanted to say the party is going to start a little early tonight.
I let out a loud sigh. Fine, whatever.
Seven is way too early. My other party starts at nine. I thought, I will go downstairs for a while, then maybe sneak out to meet my friends at the gate, ride with them, and go have fun. We’ll hang out, dance, and do whatever we want.
Because tonight, I really wanted to try something different. I’ve never had a boyfriend, never even kissed anyone.
All the other girls… I’ve always gone to boarding school. No guys ever noticed me or tried to be close. I felt so frustrated. Tonight, I just wanted to do what I wanted, whatever that might be.
I decided, fine. But first, I’m going to mess up his party.
