Hurt?

Yes.

Furious?

Hell Yes.

Reason: Mother was modest enough to let a stranger borrow her car in an instant, but would provide thousand excuses to not allow her daughter to use it.

I’m allowed to be angry at this. My reason is downright rational. It’s insane that my mother cares about a stranger more than her own daughter.

What has this world gotten too?

“Yes Ivory, I let Daniel use my car.” She said, sweetly looking at Daniel – who stood next to me with an innocent expression masked over his face.

Innocent My Ass!

 “Why?”

“What do you mean? I let him borrow it because he needed it.”

“You could have sent him by a cab, like you always send me.” I stated, narrowing my eyes at her.

How could she be such a hypocrite?

“You are being absurd, Ivory. He’s our guest.” Mother clarifies.

“There were other cars in the garage. You could have let him take any other car!”

“He insisted, so I let him take it.” She replied, as matter-oh-fact.

So this is what it comes down to? He insisted. I insist all the time, but never once was my request taken into consideration. This is partiality! She listens to a stranger and not her blood – how cool is that?

“Why have I never got to use it then? I am your daughter. Shouldn’t I be given first preference?” I asked, and threw a challenging look.

“I don’t trust you with my car. And you hardly act like my daughter Ivory.” Mother stated, emotionlessly.

Wow. I had been rendered to speechlessness. Is this woman really my mother? I couldn’t ever imagine a mother saying such harsh words to her daughter. She practically just disowned me.

 Words Hurt. I understood that phrase better than ever. I gulped down the lump that had formed in my throat. I had to stay strong, no matter what! I wouldn’t show that her words affected me. They bruised my sentiments. But this was nothing new, she has been this way since quite some time and frankly I have learned to ignore them. They hurt, but I let it pass by. I try not to think about it profusely.

I forced a smile and said monotonously, “Thanks mother, they are just the words I wanted to hear.”

She didn’t deserve to know what I felt deep down. Nope. She definitely did not.

“By the way mother, your car is in garage.” I said.

“WHAT?” Mother shrieked.

“Your car is in the garage,” I repeated.

“What? Why? How? What happened to my baby?” Mother rambled on. Worry noticeable her expressions.

It’s rather sad that mother cares about a car more than her daughter. Strange but true!

“Two slashed tires,” I informed, rolling my eyes at mothers exasperated reaction.

“Oh My God! How would anyone be ruthless and do such a thing to my baby? What a heartless person! I’m going to sue the person who did to my baby!”

So much love for a thing that doesn’t even exist.  I sighed. What has this world seriously come down too? People find happiness in animate things not real people anymore!

“Mother, it was an accident. I wasn’t aware it was your car.” I stated truthfully and calmly.

“What do you mean by accident?” She quirked up her left eyebrow and threw my way a deadly glare.

Not that it scared me or anything.

“I thought it was Daniel’s car,”

“IVORY! You cannot go around slashing tires! Whether it’s mine or Daniels or anyone else’s! It’s not appropriate. I’m getting tired of you pulling immature pranks every day! It’s not funny anymore. It gives you a bad reputation. When will you understand this and start acting of your age? You are going off to college in a few months’ time. It’s high time Ivory Richards.”

I simply ignored the lecture. I have heard this same stuff like what…hundred times? And every time, it just gets me more and more bored. It’s the same old lines, nothing new in them. They have no effect on my what-so-ever. I don’t understand why mother wastes her precious time in try to fix something that can’t be repaired. By 'something' I mean me.

I am not going to change. I’m way too happy with myself. I happen to like myself the way I am. I’m not going to change, no matter what my parents say or do. I was fixed on that much.

“You are wasting your energy mother. I’m not changing. I love myself and my life.” I replied monotonously.

“You like being a delinquent? Ivory when are you going to understand that misbehavior isn’t going to get you anywhere. You need discipline to be successful. Being rude, playing pranks, getting in trouble isn’t funny anymore. It’s costing you a lot.”

“Well I’m lucky my parents are rich then,” I said, mockingly.

The horrified, astonished expression gave it all away. I rolled my eyes, mentally. When is going to get used to me being a bad-ass?

“Hand me over your car keys and mobile, you are grounded!” Mother demanded, brusquely. Like that has ever stopped me from going out. I fished out the keys and phone from the pocket and handed it to mother, in a bored manner.

I looked away from mother and my gaze landed upon Arrogant Bastard. He seemed to be deep thought and a serious expression masked his face.

It was weird seeing him like this. Whenever I saw him before, he was either smirking or smiling smugly. It feels like Arrogance is all he knows. And seeing him serious just baffles me. None the less I ignored it. It didn’t matter to me what he was thinking. It wasn’t my business to know that either.

“Who is he? Why is he here?” I enquired, pointing at Daniel. There has to be something about Arrogant Bastard, a reason why mother was favoring him so much.

“Manners Ivory!” Mother scolded, giving me a pointed look.

I rolled my eyes. How many times do I need to repeat myself? Her lectures have absolutely no effect on me.

“Mother, just accept me the way I am, okay? I’m not about to change according your likings.” I explained.

“You remember my friend, Hannah, my colleague from L.A.? Well, he is her son.”

Mother’s colleague’s friend, hmm this is interesting. This Hannah lady is most probably a senior, because as far as I know my mother she wouldn’t waste her time on people who don't upgrade her standard.

“Why he is here?”

“I feel so welcomed, thank you so much Ivory.” Sarcasm dripped from Daniel's voice.

I rolled my eyes. “Wasn’t talking to you Bastard,”

“IVORY!” Mother shrieked.

Ugh! This is getting annoying. Can’t even have a peaceful moment without having my mother shriek my name out loud every two minutes!

“I am going to living here for a while, Ivory.” Arrogant Bastard answered, smirking.

“Why? Can’t you stay in a hotel?”

“Well, your mother was more than eager to take me in, so who am I to complain?”

“I don’t want you in this house, so you can pack your stuff and move out.” I said, narrowing my eyes at him. I don’t think I would be able to survive living with Daniel Michaels, under one roof. Judging by our past few encounters, we would probably end up strangling each other soon enough. And that’s definitely not a wise decision if I wish to live for another fifty years.

“Ivory, go to your room now. I had enough of your foul behavior. I won’t take it any longer. And you do not leave your room until dinner time. Am I clear?” Mother asked, sternly.

“Whatever mother,” I said, rolling my eyes. I gave Daniel a pointed look and then turned around and started walking in the direction of my room.

By the time evening rolled on, I was absolutely bored. I felt like I hadn’t talked to anyone since ages. I was missing some serious social life, that’s how I felt. I had been in my room for almost six hours now, out which I spent three hours sleeping and other three hours pacing around. With my phone gone, I felt helpless. I couldn’t call anyone, by anyone I mean Janet. She is the only person to whom I am nice to.  

For a change I had bothered to listen to my mother and stayed in my room. It was almost dinner time; mother would call me anytime soon.

It was going to be a wonderful dinner! I was going to have dinner with Mother, Father and Daniel, how could it not be wonderful? Please do note my sarcasm.  I was just waiting for this dinner to get over.

Knock! Knock!

That would be mother.

“Coming,” I said and lazily got up from the bed I was spiraled on. I walked up to my dresser and took one last glance at myself. With loose peach crop top, black shorts and sneakers covering my body, I looked presentable. And this was definitely something mother wouldn’t approve of, but I cared less of what my mother’s thoughts.

Walking towards the door, I opened it. I was expecting my mother, but instead there stood Daniel Michaels wearing Black V-neck top and blue washed jeans. His black hair was slightly wet and messy, but none the less it suited him. A smug expression covered his face as usual. Whereas, I wasn’t very pleased to see him!

“What do you want?” I wasn’t up for an argument just as yet. I mean I still have to survive a whole god damn dinner.

“Hello to you too, Ivory Sweetheart,”

“I am not up for witty arguments right now, so please leave.” I said, politely. Yes, I can be polite too. It’s rare, I know.

I was too tired to argue today. I mean that’s all I ever did. I need rest from time to time. And I’ve to face up my parents’ that requires lots of energy.

I looked up at Daniel, he looked dumbstruck and was shooting me a bewildered expression.

“What?” I asked, curiosity spiking up within me.

“You can be nice too,” He smiled.

I raised my eyebrow at him. Did he just smile? Like for real? Wow, that’s something new.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” I replied, cockily.

“And I am willing to risk my life and get to know you better,” He flirted and moved closer to me, minimizing the distance between us. His eyes bore into mine. His light brown eyes weren’t playful, like they usually are. They looked mysterious; like something deep and serious was concealed within them.

He is just never going to change. Flirty as always! I shook my head at him and pushed him away.

“Why are you here?” I asked, going back to the main topic.

“To tell you Dinner is ready, and your presence is awaited in the dining room.” His voice was casual and playful.

“Yes,” I muttered, distastefully. I was in absolutely in no mood to face my parents but I didn't have an option. I could always run away but I needed to stay if I wanted to kick Daniel out of this house. I can already predict what’s going to happen and I wasn’t quite up for it.

I walked passed Daniel and started heading down, towards the dining room. I was about to descend the stairs when I heard Daniel call me out. I turned around to look at him. His face was masked with unreadable expression. He was thinking deeply about something.

“What?”

“I’m sorry,”

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What for?”

“It must be difficult living with your parents when they don’t even love you,”

My expressions hardened. I didn’t like talking about my parent with anyone.

“Stay out of it. It’s none of your business.” I replied through gritted teeth and continued my walk towards the dining room.

“Ivory, I am serious, I feel bad for you,” He said, he held my elbow; stopping me from making any move away from him.

“I don’t need your sympathy.” My voice was emotionless. I freed my hand from his grasp and walked away.

Who does he think he is? He doesn’t know a thing about me and yet he wants to get his nosy butt into my business. He is starting to get on my nerves now. And he can’t stay in this house any longer. It would just result in death of one of us. Honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate stabbing him with a knife.

At the end of the Oakwood dining table sat my Father, his face masked with sternness and seriousness. His hands were folded in front of him and his eyes narrowed at me as I walked in.  His eyes scrutinizing my every move, or my clothes I don’t know what it was. Father’s grim looks made me slightly nervous, but none the less I did my best to ignore them. Sometimes Dad can be more aggravating than mother, so this wasn’t going to be good night.

“You are late Ivory,” Dad said, coldly as I took a seat in one the chairs.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” My voice was filled with nothing but sarcasm.

“You are expected to be on time. Coming late isn’t acceptable.” Dad continued.

I groaned inwardly. This was going to be one hell of a night.

“I said I was sorry.” I repeated, trying to stay as calm as possible.

“Make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“I am here dad, drop that topic now.” I said, through gritted teeth.

“I am sorry for the delay… I was just on phone with my mother.” Daniel said, apologetically as he walked in and took a seat next to me. I just glared at him, whereas he threw my way a smile.

“It’s alright honey, it’s totally fine.” Mother said in a sweet loving tone. My mouth dropped open. I get late, I get scolded and he comes late, he gets a sweet smile! God! My parents are such hypocrites! I seriously don’t understand how I have survived this long.

“So, Daniel, are you enjoying your stay here?” Dad asked, trying to make a conversation.

“Yes Sir, it’s been very pleasant so far.” Daniel said, smilingly.

More talking happened, but I just ignored them all. I simply concentrated on the eating the salad in my plate. I was happy that I wasn’t being the target at tonight’s dinner. I was way too happy sitting quietly and munching on my food. It felt good to be not be questioned once in a while.

“So, Daniel, when do you leave for your trip?” Dad asked.

“In two days,”

That caught my attention! He is leaving in two days? Wow that’s great news! I wouldn’t have to chase him away. This is great news!

“You are leaving in two days?” I spoke up, sounding happy.

He simply nodded.

“That’s great! Please make sure you leave as soon as possible.” I said.

“Ivory Richards! When are you going to learn your manners? This is no way to speak to our guests.” Mother chastised.

I rolled my eyes. “I’ll start behaving at the same time you guys start being like loving and caring parents.”

I watched my parents’ eyes go wide. Daniel coughed slightly, but recovered immediately. This dinner is about to heat up.

“We do love and care for you.” Father said, coldly.

“Oh really? Then prove it!” I challenged.

“What are you trying to say?” Mother asked. Her eyebrows furrowed, as she looked at with baffled.

“Tell me; what’s my favorite food, favorite colour, birthdate! Answer at least one question and I'll stay quiet.”

My parents looked at me like I was some sort of alien but none the less they remained silent. Off course they didn’t know anything about me.

“See, you guys know absolutely nothing about me.” I said, disappointed.

“Don’t make this about us being bad parents. You haven’t been much like a daughter anyways!” Father scolded.

His words pierced through my heart.

"I have my own life too. I don't want to do things I don't enjoy. I wouldn't have been so rude today if you would have shown a litte encouragement. Been a part of my life, but you guys are to busy upgrading your standards and bank balance. You guys never valued anything I liked. You guys never valued anything he liked either. Now see where it has gotten us. And I assure you, I am not far away from doing the same thing as him. Trust me, whatever he did was the probably the best decision he took.” I shouted. I was at the edge of breaking down but I controlled myself.

“Ivory! You are being absurd and disrespectful. Don’t you dare blame Ethan’s actions on us!” Dad hollered.   

I just eyed him. After everything I said, thats what my parents heard. My parents are just never going to learn. It’s pointless trying to argue with them. They would never understand.

“Whatever, I am out of here.” I said, getting up from my seat. My parents didn’t stop me, I was glad about that. Just as I was about to vanish from there sight, I heard my mother call me out.

I turned around to listen to her. “What?”

“You are going to a camp with Daniel, Nicole and Charles.” She informed, coldly.

_______________________________________

Lots of drama, eh?

And theres another unknown character Ethan...what do you think his past must be?

Lastly...Ivory Richards going on a trip with three people she dislikes...interesting?

Whatever it is...just leave ur reviews and votes!

Thank You ^.^