Chapter 13

*Knock* *Knock*

"Yes, please come in."

After the joyous dinner, all three of them had resided to their room to freshen up.

Aleina had just come out of the bathroom after taking a warm shower when she heard the knock.

Maria opened the door and entered the room with a first aid kit in her hands. She went and sat down on the fluffy queen size bed; patting the place right beside her as a signal for Aleina to sit down over there.

"Haa... Sister Maria, I'm perfectly fine. It doesn't hurt a lot this time so don't worry. I'm fine."

Aleina was trying to console her cousin with a huge smile one her face while she continuously told her that she is fine, even though she wasn't.

She knew Maria hated the Kallis family for treating her like that but she didn't want to be the reason for a conflict between them.

Maria just kept staring at her with a scrutinizing gaze. Her heart ached every time when the sweet and lovely 15 year old in front of her; tried to hide her pain behind a smiling face.

"Oh! then please explain to me why are you limping with your right leg if you are fine? Why is there a nasty purple bruise on your thighs if you are fine? Oh! and don't even get me started about the way you shrinked your body when I hugged you tightly."

Maria was full of anger, not at Aleina's lie but at the Kallis family for treating her like a bag of sand. Her voice was full of despise for the Kallis couple when she questioned Aleina with her sharp gaze.

"Ha.. ha.. It just hurts a little but I can handle it. I'm a strong girl don't you know Sister?"

Aleina said with a flattering tone and a large grin on her charming face.

Maria expressions suddenly softened at the sight of Aleina's smile. She was appalled at Aleina's ability to hide her sufferings behind a nonchalant and joyful face, despite being so young.

"Aleina darling, why don't you come and stay with us. You know we love you a lot, so why do you want to stay with those monsters instead of living with us. Please just leave them and come stay with us."

May be because of her profession as a psychiatrist, Maria was always able to detect the pain and sorrow oof Aleina behind her facade of a happy teenage girl.

She had always offered Aleina to come and stay with them but, every time Aleina politely declined her offer, with self- depreciating smile on her face; full of sorrow.

"Sister, do you know I've always blamed myself like a fool for all the sufferings that I've been going through. But not anymore. I had decided to leave the Kallis family when I went to college after I'm 18 years old. But now I have applied for an undergrad course in Psychology so I'll be leaving after my 17th birthday."

Aleina was telling Maria her plans while looking down; a sad smile on her mesmerising face. She then turned to look at Maria and said,

"I want to be just like you. Strong and fearless. So until I leave for my college just let me stay with them. You know they are my legal guardian and if I do anything to infuriate them; they will definitely create problems in my college admission."

Aleina reached out her dainty fair hands to hold Maria's; her gentle voice now held an underlying resentment while she said,

" I'm not a saint Sister but I know my weakness. I have given them so many chances but now I have finally lost all my patience. I can't fight back right now, so let me become stronger first. After I become capable enough then I will make them suffer ten times fold. So just trust me please."

Aleina squeezed Maria's hand; trying to make her understand her stance.

Maria was feeling remorse for the little girl but after listening to her words that she had finally stopped blaming herself; she was happy.

"Okay okay young lady. Now let me apply medicines on your wounds, you don't want to look ugly for tomorrow's part."

Maria teased Aleina while sneakingly iforming her about the party.

Aleina was chuckling at her words but suddenly stopped when she heard about a party.

"Wait a second, What party? I'm not going to any party. You know I'm not allowed to attend parties otherwise Father and Mother will get angry."

Maria knew that Aleina wouldn't agree to go to the party but she was adamant on taking her to this one.

"Please baby, you have to go to tomorrow's party. It is Edward's company's 20th anniversary party. Your parents are not invited, and I want you to go out and enjoy like a normal teenager is supposed to. Please, you have to come."

Maria lowered her tone while she pleaded and pouted her lips along with glistening eyes. She used the famous puppy eyes that always worked to convince Aleina.

Aleina was ready to say no but after looking at Maria's sad puppy face, Aleina exasperated and said,

"Okay.. okay.. Gosh! I thought I was the teenage here. When will you stop acting like child."

Aleina chuckled at Maria's antics. She loved how Maria didn't pity her because she never liked to be pitied.

Maria just loved her as her mother was supposed to but didn't. And although Edward looked irritated whenever Maria showered her with love; Edward treated her and cared for her just like Maria.

Maria instantly rejoiced at Aleina's approval. She stood up with a jerk and clapped her hands.

"Yayy!! Thank you thank you thank you! I have already prepared a gown for you. Oh my god! you are going to look so gorgeous. I can't wait. I'm leaving now. You also get your beauty sleep okay?! I promise you are going to have so much fun at the party. Good night now, sleep well!"

Maria enthusiastically started planning for the upcoming party while she clapped her hands and skipped to her room; giggling all the way.

Maria's laughter affected Aleina's mood and she chuckled as well while looking at Maria's disappearing figure.

Aleina laid down on the comfortable bed after switching off the lights.

She was feeling sleepy while she kept thinking about the next day's events. With her drooping eyes she spoke before she finally fell into a deep slumber.

" I just hope nothing bad happens tomorrow."

If only Aleina knew that she was going to pay a huge price for going to that party; the beginning of her abyss.