His Painful Desires

“I’m very sorry, Mia.” Marga apologized as I was fixing Ava’s clothes.

I am just so curious why Stephanie was very different from Marga.

“It’s okay, aunt Marga.” I smiled at her.

She walked toward me and held my hands. Looking into her eyes, I could see sadness and being broken.

“I knew it was my fault. I spoiled her that much, and now, Shantalle. I am such a bad mother.” she sighed.

Squeezing her hands, I chuckled a bit. She was so honest unlike her daughter.

“It’s not your fault. None of us is not at fault. It’s just that...” I took a deep breath.

I didn’t know how to tell this.

“Our family is very cliche. Don’t get me wrong. I love you as my stepmother, but you know it was harder... she was once my best friend, but everything changed.” I shrugged my shoulders.

Marga touched my face and smiled.

“Don’t worry. I fully understand what you mean. As long as you and Ava are here, I will not let Shantalle nor Stephanie hurt you. I promise.” her smile made me feel safe.

I nodded.

“Ava is in a deep sleep. She must be very tired of the trip.” I can say she was even genuine to my daughter.

I sighed and walked closer her. Ava is really Thunder’s carbon copy. In every angle, you couldn’t miss seeing his face.

“She’s really looked like her dad.” Marga smiled.

I smiled.

“Clearly, she might be like Thunder, but we are not sure if he’s Ava’s dad, right?” Stephanie just spoke behind us.

We didn’t even know how long she was there. Marga and I look at each other.

“Stephanie, will you stop? They are not doing something to you.” Marga sighed.

Steph glared at her mom, shaking her head.

“Really, mom? You’re siding her against me? Is she your daughter?” she scoffed.

Jealousy was written on her face. Marga was just shocked, couldn’t talk.

“Stephanie, if you’ll excuse us, my daughter is sleeping and I don’t want her to be disturb. If you’re here to argue with me again, I am also tired.” I told her.

I was expecting her to give up and just walk away, but to my surprise, she grinned, slapping me.

“Stephanie!” Marga gasped.

I closed my eyes and touched my left cheek. Literally, it hurts, but it would hurt more if I slap her back.

“You know what, ever since you came back, Thunder’s mind went insane, Mia! It’s your fault!” she shouted at me.

I looked at Marga who was stopping her.

“M-Mom.” Ava woke up.

I took a deep breath and walked toward Ava.

“I am sorry if we woke you up.” I smiled at her.

“Mia! Come on! I know you want to fight back!” Stephanie kept on shouting, scaring my daughter.

I sighed.

“Ava, sweetie, excuse us, okay?” she nodded.

I stood up and walked toward them. Marga couldn’t control her, so I decided to control her myself. A hard slap from me to her, Marga couldn’t talk while Stephanie was shocked looking at me.

“I told you my daughter is sleeping. How dare you still shout?” I couldn’t control myself out of anger.

A few minutes later, she wasn’t still speaking.

“Please get out of our room.” I firmly said.

“Stephanie, come on. I am so sorry again, Mia.” Marga seemed very embarrassed about her daughter’s behavior.

Marga held her hand, but Steph slapped her hand away.

“I don’t need someone to hold me. I can leave by myself, but let me tell you this, Mia. You will never take him back from me if that is what you are planning.” she grinned angrily and left.

Marga groaned.

“Mia, I am so sorry about that. Really am I.” she followed Stephanie.

I took a deep breath and closed the door. We came here for my dad, yet, she wouldn’t stop giving me trouble.

“Mom, are you okay?” I almost forgot Ava is watching me.

I smiled at her.

“Yes, dear. Mommy’s fine.” I told her.

The next morning, Daniel called us for breakfast. Good thing, Stephanie was out jogging, or else I would lose my appetite when I missed our maid’s dishes.

“Hmmm, their dishes haven’t changed at all.” I groaned, while chewing.

I don’t care if they think I am so stupid. I just want to enjoy the food. All of them laughed except for Thunder who just smiled, and Shantalle who just scoffed.

“Darling, I know you missed it so I asked them to cook many for you and Ava.” Dad said.

Dad is still weak, but his doctor said he’s recovering for a bit. But I really hope so.

“Awww, you’re the best dad. Ava, how about you try this one? It’s my favorite.” I grabbed the plates of egg with mayonnaise.

“Really? An egg, your favorite? So common. So cheap.” Shantalle laughed.

I didn’t care about it. Shantalle is just a kid. But I heard Marga and Thunder, scolding her whisperingly.

“Shantalle, will you please be nice with them? They are our guests, Mia is my daughter and Ava is my granddaughter and your sister.” Dad couldn’t help but talk as well.

“Dad, you don’t have to. I understand her. She’s still young and needs to realize many things. I know she will do that when the right time comes. Right, Shantalle?” I looked at her.

Shantalle groaned and angrily put down her spoon and stood up.

“I will tell you to my mom!” she yelled and left.

Thunder took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. I just looked at Ava and smiled. Good thing, my Ava is well mannered.

“I am so sorry. I’ll just go and talk to her.” Thunder excused.

I just nodded. Dad just shook his head and we all continued to eat like nothing happened.

As we all finished, we all heard heavy footsteps walking toward us.

“What did you do to my daughter?!” Stephanie with her jogging top and leggings showed up.

I stood up.

“I didn’t do anything to her. I just told her what she needs to know, which you didn’t teach her.” I smirked.

Her eyes widened in horror.

“W-What? Do you really want me to kick you out of this house? I don’t care if it’s your house, Mia!” I was surprised.

But I was more surprised when Thunder showed up. I don’t know, but seems like I am enjoying this family.

“Stephanie! Will you shut the f*ck up?!”