This chapter is dedicated to qwertyuiopambrose, no words needed, she already knows what I would say❤️. Although I would definitely like to say she's the best sister I could ever have.
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Veronica's POV

"Where have you been Ver-Bear, I miss you" Leo whined

Leo is my cousin, the only family member left who cares about my existence. He has been the best big brother, never left my side when my parents died. But when he had to leave for college right after that, he refused to do so but I couldn't do that to him, so I consoled and compelled him to go back.

He doesn't know anything about the incidents that happened after he left, the torment his family caused. Honestly, I'd like to keep it that way because I can't even imagine how he would react to it, that is if he believed me, and even if he did it's a lot to handle I don't want him to suffer and get detached from his family.

I adjusted the phone between my shoulder and ear, going back to cleaning the dishes while answering " We literally facetime all the time leo, stop being a whiny baby".

Even though he's 3 years older than me, he tends to act like a three year old sometimes. Just imagine a 6'1 ft tall guy, with blonde hair, bright green eyes, striking features and broad structure acting like a baby.

"What do you mean you don't miss me" he yelled back.

I just sighed.

"Okay okay but seriously I miss you, and it's been a week since I'm back to town, we still haven't met."

" Yeah I know I've been super busy lately"

" Grandma's organizing a party this week, you have to come, I don't want any excuses. It's been ages since I've seen your face plus those parties are really boring I'll love to have a company."

My feet turned cold and numb, my fingers freezed and clutched the phone harder and my mind went blank on hearing that. There was no way I was going to go back to that place after what happened.

"Ver? Look I know you hate attending parties, but please? I'm going back in a week and I won't be visiting until next year. I'm really looking forward to meeting you, and if you want you can leave early."

I sighed again, I still have a bad feeling about this and I know I'm gonna regret saying yes but I really don't have a choice, I don't want to hurt Leo and honestly it's been a long time since we had long chats like we used to, I missed him too.

"Fine, I'll be there"

On hearing that, he started squealing and probably jumping or dancing because I swear I could hear the thumps that echoed from the floor.

I just shaked my head and let out a laugh.

                          ******

"Oh c'mon it'll be fun"

Both of them stopped and  glared ,raising their eyebrows at me.

Yeah I'm kinda convincing them to come with me, coz there's no way I'm going there all by myself.

"Uh okay, probably not fun ,but hey we can pick each other's outfits and get ready together" I negotiated. I cringed inwardly ,coz that's the lamest thing I've ever said.

" We're not going. You shouldn't too. C'mon Veronica you know the consequences, they are bad people. And honestly I don't think I can handle to see you all vulnerable again" Ariel said.

" I'll probably break a bone or two if I grace them with my presence, so I'd rather stay at home and not let these babies get polluted with negativity and filthiness" Emma said, showing me her tiny manicured hands, wiggling her fingers.

I huffed out in annoyance, trying to find a way to convince them when a light popped in my head and I made the best puppy face I could.

"But Ariel, won't it be fun if you could invite Eric too, you can introduce him to us plus it can be a cute little date ,and didn't you mention he's hot? Don't you wanna see how dashing and sexy he looks in a tux? This is your chance Ari, just say yes" Her face turned into a red tomato and I internally smirked.

1 down, 1 more to go.

When I faced Emma she glared and hissed out a clear no.

"Oh c'mon, please!" I made a cute emotional face but I don't think it worked.

She just rolled her eyes and shaked her head.

This went on for a while until,

"I'll do your scut work for a week"

"No"

"2 weeks"

" No"

" A mon-"

We heard a crunching sound and turned to see Ariel, grinning widely, enjoying the show while crunching on Nachos.

"What are you doing!"

" Where did you get that from? I didn't see it in the vending machine today"

We both said at the same time, which made Ariel laugh out loud.

I just shaked my head and turned back to see Emma leaving. Oh no, I need to do something. fast.

" I have the Limited Edition Harry Styles vinyls and I can give them to you if you come with me" I blurted out .

There was a sudden hault in her track when I said that.

I smirked.

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Frostbite-  is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.
mostly affects small, exposed body parts such as fingers and toes.

Have a great day/night ✨
Keep smiling ❤️
Stay safe 💫