~Alisa~

_ I'm the star in the Ocean, I'm the grass under your feet _
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Calling this place a haven, would be an understatement. It was a sanctuary! Magnificent, elegant, amazing - beyond my reasoning capacity. Whomever had constructed this place, did it all with a genius mindset, 'cause everything fit into the right proportions and the designs were all stunning. Ranging from the stylish ceilings and large chandelier hanging from the ceiling - with colorful and shiny crystals embedded in the gold metal which housed the small, tender white leather light bulbs - down to the flower vases, which housed a lot of artificial flowers... It was an embodiment of beauty and attraction.

The living room was covered in white wallpapers, which had gold abstracts decorating it in an elegant manner. The owners of this place must have a taste for quality materials and exquisite designs - which I fancied and adored.

Their sense of fashion and decoration, down to their inarguable artistic endowment, created a swirl of acknowledgement in my mind.

One could almost taste and smell the hard cash put into this entire mansion. The mini-bar at the left side of the living room, harbored a lot of expensive drinks and wines of various tastes, brands, sizes and colors. My eyes ran through the portraits on the wall. Portraits of my supposed foster family, hung on the walls.

The man was light skinned and extremely tall, whereas his wife was average heighted and equally light skinned. Beside them, stood two children which were undoubtedly theirs. One - a boy - and the other - a girl. They were both light skinned and very attractive.

On the left, stood the boy, who had a neutral look on his face. He appeared to be around my age, or a few years older than I was - that, I couldn't precisely tell. Both his hands were shoved into his side pockets, and he appeared to share similar facial features with his mother, although, he was way taller than she was - blessed with his father's ridiculously tall height instead. I could tell, just by staring at the portrait, that he was forced into taking it with his family. He looked so cold and indifferent, and if I'm not mistaken, he appeared to be rather mysterious and quite spacy.

He had thick, curly hair - which was done in a punk hairstyle, and his eyes were black. They held a certain coldness in them, and even his entire appearance seemed to hold the same. His bushy brows, pointed nose, thin lips - which looked rather chapped (if you ask me) - and the white shiny stud on his left earlobe, left me stunned at his inhumanely handsome features. He was gorgeous, a masterpiece, yet, there was something about him that ticked me off.

The girl, on the other hand, was also tall. It seemed like she shared almost the exact same features with her brother - besides the fact that she was, in fact, a girl. Although, her appearance was much more friendlier and welcoming, as she had on a friendly smile which seemed genuine to me. Her hair was done in blue box braids, which were pulled up in a tight ponytail.

Unlike her brother, she had dimples. I supposed she inherited her dimples from her mother. She was slender, yet had curves in just about the right places. She was clad in a simple black body-hug gown which stopped just below her knees.

I smiled as I stared at the family portrait, but my smile faltered the minute the lady's voice rang in my ears.

"Well, standing there and moping like a stray dog won't help at all. Get in, will you?" she ordered, her annoyingly sultry voice rang in my ears.

I walked into the living room, fully, and took a seat on one of the gold and white plush couches, while Lady Arrogant sat far away from me - I was indeed grateful for that. I absolutely had no time for her endless complaints against me.

The small, gold-covered metallic replica of a leopard, on the transparent glass centre table, had me fascinated. The white tiled floor was so shiny, that one could almost see a faint reflection of themselves on them.

The gold and large curtains, had been draped to the sides, allowing just about enough sunlight to peer into the air conditioned living room. The large flat screen TV, which hung on the wall, displayed a football channel and I shrugged as I continued staring at it. I wasn't exactly a fan of football, but I didn't hate it either.

I already felt comfortable, just sitting here and staring at the TV. But the minute I heard approaching footsteps from the stairs area, all comfort eluded me.

One-by-one, they all came down through the stairs, each wearing expensive looking outfits and a smile on their faces - all had a smile on their faces, besides the boy from the portrait. He had an expressionless look on his face, and his hands were shoved into his pockets - just like they were in the portrait.

Unlike he appeared in the portrait, he seemed a lot taller and had his hair laid back in sportin' waves. He looked way more mature than he appeared in the photo, and that gave me the hint that the portrait must've been taken a long time ago.

Meanwhile, his sister looked the same, not much had changed, besides the fact that she appeared taller than she was in the portrait - she was, by far, taller than I was. And from head to toe, she looked stunning. Unlike she was in the photo, her hair was woven into a neat and long all-back hairstyle, done with blonde hair extensions.

She wore a red crop top, and jean shorts and on her feet: she wore a pair of red flip-flops, which had black floral prints all over it. Compared to this girl, I was looking like a maid - in my faded skyblue t-shirt and faded jean pants. My fairly natural hair, was simply packed into a bun, with a few strands sticking out of the scrunchie which I'd packed them in.

I wasn't bothered by that either, I only hoped things would go well with this family, and for me too. Most especially, me. Although, I already knew things wouldn't exactly go well. As usual, things might end up sour with these people. And when it does; I'll be off to the orphanage - once again.

Their parents didn't seem to have changed much, although they did look older than they were in the portrait.

The woman had a kind smile on her face, and so did her husband. The minute her soft, honey brown eyes landed on me, she smiled even more.

I waited till they'd all sat down on the couch opposite mine, then I finally greeted them, my one-of-a-kind smile on my chocolate brown face.

"Good afternoon, ma. Good afternoon, sir" came my polite greeting, and my smile remained glued to my face.

"Good afternoon" came the man's soothing baritone.

"Good afternoon, dear. How are you?" The woman, was first to ask. And with a small smile on my face, I replied.

"I'm fine, ma. Nice to meet you all" this was me playing my please-like-me card. I couldn't afford to slip off.

"Nice to meet you too... Uh..."

"Alisa" I immediately replied.

"Alisa" she said it, like she was trying to taste the letters on her tongue.

"You have a really unique name" the man chimed in, a satisfactory smile on his face.

This meant my cards had paid off. Now, all I had to do was continue playing them with a witty sense of cognition.

"Thank you so much, sir" I replied, trying ever so desperately, to appear prim, perfect and well-mannered.

"Lizzy, it's nice to see you again" The woman said to Lady Arrogant - whose name I now know as Lizzy.

A befitting name for a lizard, which she quite is.

"Nice to see you again, Mr. and Mrs. Ekwegh" for the first time, Lady Arrogant - I mean, Lizzy - actually smiled.

I'd already begun to think she was incapable of producing such actions or emotions, and all she felt was total emptiness. It appealed to me, that she only did that to me; because she didn't like me.

Mrs. Ekwegh smiled at her in acknowledgement, and so did her husband.

"Now, Alisa. These are now your siblings, so please feel free to socialize with them," she started and I nodded in understanding.

"That's Kambili" she said, referring to the girl who in turn, smiled and waved at me. I wasn't expecting that, but I soon regained composure and did same, with a smile on my face.

"And that..." She pointed to her son, who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but here. "... Is Kamsi. They're twins" she added, her smile still glued to her pretty face. I noticed the scowl that formed on Kamsi's face, and that hinted me that he didn't want me here.

"Nice to meet you both" I felt that would be the proper thing to say, and not seem awkward.

Perhaps I was wrong, 'cause I was already feeling a bit awkward. Coupled with the disapproving look on Kamsi's face, I was sure to feel a bit awkward.

"Nice to meet you too, Alisa. And I really love your name" the girl - Kambili - replied excitedly, and just knowing she was happy about my arrival, warmed my heart.

"Thank you" I smiled at her. In her eyes, I noticed the eagerness she felt. She looked like she couldn't wait to start talking to me, like she'd been dying to have a companion, or something of the sort.

Her brother, on the other hand, said nothing to me. He didn't even look at me, rather, he mindlessly put all his attention into whatever it was he was typing on his phone.

I didn't seem to mind. The fact that his sister was much more welcoming and a lot friendlier, was quite satisfactory. His uptight and secluded nature, wasn't something I'd like to swirl my head around. I'd either let it be, or possibly try to act like everything was perfect. When clearly, I knew it wasn't.

Although, I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach, that something was deeply wrong with this family. Something seemed off, and I could tell that, just by observing both their children. My observatory nature, always gets the best of me at times like this.

"Okay then. Kambili?" Mr. Ekwegh said.

"Yes, dad?" she rose with so much agility, like she'd been waiting for this moment since forever.

"Please show her to her room. Make sure you help her out with her things, and don't forget to give her the stuff we got for her" he instructed, and she gave a toothy grin and nodded her head in understanding.

"Sure thing!" She squealed, rushing over to where I was, and hurriedly helping me out with a few of my bags.

She offered to take them all, but I refuted with a polite smile, choosing to give her only but a few. Not like I had much, just three bags which contained my books, clothes and shoes - respectively.

She held my hand, all smiles, and we both walked up the stairs. The minute we got upstairs, she began talking, spilling out all she'd tried so much to keep at bay.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so happy you're here, Alisa. Trust me when I say I've been anticipating for this day to come, ever since I heard of my parents' intentions of adopting a child. It gets so lonely here, and Kamsi rarely says anything to me. So... Now you understand my excitement. You're highly welcome" she beamed and I couldn't help but do same.

"I love your energy" outspoken as I was, I wasn't one to be quiet either.

"Thank you. I'm happy you don't find me talkative" she grinned. "Now, I can finally let everyone know that I now have a sister of my own. How cool!" She exclaimed, pumping her first into the air.

"Cheeky, but it's still amazing how you're so excited. Your brother, on the other hand, doesn't look like he wants me here" I replied sincerely and she tapped a finger on her chin thoughtfully, as we both walked to my designated bedroom.

"Oh. Kamsi is always like that. You never know what goes on in his head 'cause he rarely says anything. It's really not his fault, that's just how he is. Although, I really wish he'd talk to me more often" she said, as she finally pulled the door to my room open.

I wanted to reply her previous statement, but my mouth let out a gasp instead, as my eyes roamed the interiors of the large, luxurious room before me.

"You like it? I personally picked out the designs myself. I figured since you're a girl, you'd like all this" she smiled, as she held my hand again, and led me into the room.

"Wow. I love it! This is totally mind-blowing!" I exclaimed and she chuckled.

"I'm glad you like it" she simply said.

The room was completely cover in purple, with large daises painted on the walls. The king sized bed and white, decorative bedstand made the room appear so elegant. The bedding were plainly floral patterned, with black comforters and pillow cases. On the shelves, housed a lot of newly purchased books.

God bless the soul that guessed my bibliophilia nature. God bless Kambili for this.

"I'll help you arrange your stuff — Oh! Dad asked to give you the gift he and mom got for you. Wait here, I'll be right back" she immediately dashed out of the room without warning, while I stood staring in awe, at the numerous books on the shelves and the entire room.

The feel of the purple plush carpet, under my feet, was so soft and gentle. I loved my new room, it was - by far - prettier, larger and much more comfortable, than those of my old foster homes. My fourth foster home, required that I'd slept in the living room every night - still - I didn't mind it 'cause I hoped they wouldn't send me away. Unfortunately, yet not surprisingly, they did.

I let out a tired sigh, as I glanced through everything in front of me - it wouldn't take long before even these people kick me out. And I guess it'd be best not to get attached to any of them, not even Kambili. I'd end up hurting myself when I leave, 'cause I'll miss her... Just like I miss Janessa - my former foster sister.

I turned towards the door, checking to see if Kambili had returned, yet; she hadn't. Instead, my eyes caught a glimpse of her brother - who'd been standing right next to the silver railings. He wasn't saying anything, he seemed to just stand there and stare into the living room below. Why? I wasn't sure. But I was curious when it came to him, something about seeing him arose numerous curiosities in me.

Unintentionally, I'd knocked down a vase on my nightstand and to my horror - it broke. I panicked, how could I have broken something when I'd just arrived a few minutes ago? This was bad! This was really bad!

Kamsi turned towards the direction of the noise. He stared at me, then at the broken pieces of the vase on the floor, and then - he scowled, shoved his hands into his pockets and walked away.

I knelt next to the broken pieces of the vase on the floor, my heart racing on the possible amounts it'd cost. I knew I'd be so dead of they found out I'd broken it. I just got here! I can't get kicked out.

Oh God, please help me.

"Here it is!" Kambili beamed as she walked into the room, I gasped in shock, shakily trying to pick up the broken pieces of the vase. I had my back turned towards her as I hurriedly tried to hide the evidence. Sadly, I was too late 'cause she'd already seen it.

"My parents are gonna freak when they see this!" She half-yelled, clasping both her hands on both her cheeks - in shock.

I shuddered in fear, gulping silently as my palm became sweaty. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to break it" I pleaded, still on my knees, as I joined my hands together and pleaded with her.

"Don't worry, I'll help you get rid of the evidence. I have one just like this in my room, I'll just throw this one away and switch it with mine" she said, bending down to help me pick up the broken pieces.

Surprised at her kind gesture, I couldn't help but smile gratefully at her. "Thank you" I beamed. But then, it occured to me that she might get in trouble for it.

"But... But, how about you?" I asked and she smiled cheekily.

"I'm used to getting in trouble sometimes. And besides, I'm an excellent liar. Leave it all to me, I'll handle it" she replied, still picking up the broken pieces.

"How can I repay you for this? Thank you so so much!" My smile knew no bounds.

"You don't have to pay me, silly! I have been waiting for this day since forever, I just can't let you get in trouble 'cause you just got here. What kind of sister does that?" She shrugged. "I'm just being a good sister to you. I'm sure you'll do same for me when I need it. Correct?" She asked and I grinned and nodded my head vehemently.

"Absolutely!" I replied and she smiled again.

"Good. Now, to hide this stuff..." She placed a hand - one that didn't contain broken pieces of possibly expensive ceramics - on her chin, thoughtfully. "Hand me all the broken pieces" she said to me, and I immediately did as told.

"I'll be back! Oh, and check out these clothes mom and dad got you. I'm sure you'll love 'em. Once I return, I'll help you fix your things into the right places. BRB!" She chirped, as she hurriedly exited the room before I could even reply.

Exhausted, I sat on the tiled floor, and heaved a long, exasperated sigh.

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And there's Chapter 2.
Please don't forget to comment and vote if you liked it.

What did you think of the characters? And the twins? Which is your favorite of the two? I'm guessing... Kambili😶
I'm waiting for someone to say Kamsi😂

Anyhoo, bye guys.
Till the next update,
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