33| I'm still sore

"Aunt Alyssa!" Becca and Bella beamed, running towards her direction when they saw her coming with a big luggage. Alyssa is clothed in a simple casual top and Jean. Black Nike air force sneakers to match and sunglasses as shade for the fashion look. Her short bob blonde hair is left fallen to her shoulder just like how I did mine.

I almost didn't recognize her from the distance. She became so thin and skinny. This is not the Alyssa O'Brien I left for almost two years now in NY. She used to be weighty and very active with her body size. Kinda moderate, though. But what am seeing right now.....is the opposite.

So skinny, thinner, very flexible and fragile. With just one punch I don't think she'd survive anymore.

"My lovelies!" She squealed, letting go of the luggage beside her as she squat down to my kids height to give them tight embrace.

I just stood few inches away, tucking my hair behind me with one of my hands still not leaving the handle of my pink Dior purse.

"Am so happy to see you guys again." She snuggle them closer. "I really missed you guys alot." She said, now pulling away, staring into their big eyes like mine.

"Aunt, we missed you more than you did for us." Becca grinned.

"Though am still mad that you didn't come to visit." Bella complained, pouting her lips. Just look how cute she is whenever she doesn't that.

Like seriously, these girls won't kill me with laughter. Becca is ten this year and Bella completed seven few weeks ago, yet, they still don't act according to their age.

Finally, the bitchy bestie lifted up her head to see me after planting am apologetic kiss on Bella's pink chubby cheeks and one on Becca's forehead. "Hey, girlfriend." Her arms spread out for a hug as she approaches me.

With a sweet and mysterious smile on my face, I gladly returned the hug. "Did you had a good flight?"

She shook her head, "Yes, of course." And my eyes just went down to her collarbone. Geez, her bones are displaying hard like she has been missing vitamins and certain meals lately. "I can't believe this is you." I pointed out, not caring if she got my point or not.

Think she absolutely didn't got it straight. "Me too. We've all become so different."

"Hehehe, yeah, in both looks and sizes, right?"

Now she understands me as she sighed sadly. "To tell you that it was true. I couldn't even feed properly because I have to wire the money to him. I transferred all my lifesavings, pocket allowance and feeding money to him."

I place a sympathetic hand on her shoulder, feeling her pain. "It's okay, girlie. We'll talk about this when we get to the loft. Right now, let's go." I said, and she took her luggage with her to follow me alongside with my daughters.

"Oh my gosh...!"

My brows creased a bit, still not knowing why she gasped in amusement. So I was so bold to ask, "What's the matter with you?" When I followed her gaze, it was staring at nothing but the black Ferrari parked in front of us.

"A Ferrari?" As she gone psych? Shock at the sight of a car? Madness is definitely working on someone, I guess.

"And what about it?" I asked, porching one button on the key holder as it made a little sound before the doors opened for us.

"Tell me this is not the ride you came with?" So dramatic. Her hands trembling at her lips with eyes enormously opened.

I laughed. I won't blame her too much. Not her fault she hasn't had a ride in a luxury car before. "It's one of Dexter's. Come on, hop in." I entered after my daughters. Alyssa still stood there staring and contemplating if she's worthy to join the ride. "Are you gonna stand there watching or just come in?"

The ride is going smoothly with light speed on the straight and smooth express. I rolled up the tinted window glasses and turned on the Air conditioner. A low-key music is playing on the radio and my daughters are just dancing their heads over it as they stare through the closed windows.

With my corner eyes, I can tell that Alyssa is still wondering as she stare at me and everywhere in the car. "Relax your mind, everything is gonna be fine, okay?"

A sad sigh came out of her mouth and I knew she's doubting my words. "I hope so." She turned towards the window in disbelief. "Everything I've worked for since I was a young girl growing up, I ended up ravishing them to a nobody." She cursed. "An anonymous person I met on social media, using someone else's photograph to deceive people."

"Sorry." I hissed. "Too bad you fell victim out of ignorance." My concentration still not leaving my driveway as I make a drift.

"So, where's Billy and everyone?" She asked after a long while, relaxing her back on her seat.

"Billy went for an excursion today. Mom, grandma, Shawn and stepdad Carlos are all doing great."

"Wow, doesn't he attend the same school with the girls?" Alyssa sounds somehow curious.

"Actually.....nope!" I stomp on the brakes when I hit traffic light. My gaze now turned towards her. "Billy is in highschool now, how can he be in the same school with his sisters?"

Alyssa's eyes bugged so wide. Gasping, "Highschool? Billy has gotten into highschool so quickly?"

I chuckled, stomping on the gas pedal when the traffic light showed green. "Billy is a super smart kid. Remember I told you about his scholarship program?" When she nodded, I smiled. "Plus his intelligence gave him double promotion to jump more grades. He always comes out with good upperclass distinction GPAs. He completed twelve early this year but his mentality is higher than a twelve year old kid." I chuckle. "Can't believe my boy has grown so fast and now in JHS 2."

Alyssa gasped again. JHS 2?

Wow. And I just imagine the pain she's feeling in her heart for not having a family at this time of life.

"I just wish I was you right now."

Me? "Alyssa, you gat to be sick somewhere. You are fully aware what I went through before being able to achieve what life gave me."

She vigorously shook her head, sitting upright. "Of course I do. I'm aware of how you passed through hell and all of that. But look at you now. Aren't you enjoying everything you've suffered for?"

Nothing but a smile crept on my face alongside cheeky tears gathered in my eyes. What more can I say? She's absolutely speaking the truth. If anyone sees I and my kids outdoor, they won't believe I'm their biological mother. Someone once asked me months ago in a shopping complex, I answered her but she still doubted me. Saying am just a relative or somewhat stepmom.

"It's hard to believe, Alyssa." I sniffed my nose. Still smiling. What a tears of joy. You of all person knew how I married so early. I just finished college—masters degree when I was handed for marriage. I was still very fresh and very young and hasn't understood life then. I think back then I was umm.... nineteen or in my early twenties."

"I remembered." She agreed. "You weren't that mature and ready for marriage then."

"Thank you," I appreciate her mindset for the flashback.

"And I was shocked when you told me you were pregnant with Billy after the first year of your wedding." She added.

And I gave her thumbs up for that too. "Though, I told you I wanted to do an abortion because I wasn't ready to welcome a baby into the family then." I whispered to her because of my daughters at the back seat. They sure do have sharp ears like their great-grandma Sabrina. But my bestie advised me not to try such a thing. Risking the life of an innocent baby for his father's wickedness.

Alyssa was about to say something but then, Bella requested for something she just saw. "Mom, our favorite ice cream shop."

Before I could even groan and slow down to park, Becca added. "It's so creamy and icy." She squealed with those kitty pleading eyes. "I'd like chocolate mix with vanilla flavor."

"Me, I need strawberry and banana cream." Bella added.

I groaned, almost ravishing my hair with my fingers. Alyssa giggle, enjoying the cheeky request.

"We just came back from the dentist's appointment and he warned you two to stay clear from sugary and cold things, right?"

"But—"

"No, no, no, and no." I'm sounding like my boyfriend now. "No more sweety junk foods." Just then, my phone rang. Both Alyssa and I stare at the caller ID. I sigh at the name of the caller MY SUGARCANE. "Hi love. Yes, the appointment went well, I already picked Alyssa from the airport and now, we're heading home."

Of course Becca and Bella always have their way of barking at the background with unnecessary words whenever am on the phone with my love.

I rolled my eyes when he said I should hand the phone to them. "Fine." I handed the phone to Becca. "Daddy wants to speak with you guys and please don't tell him am not buying you two an ice—"

"Daddy," Becca began her fake dramatic tune of luring Dexter to believing her. Bella collaborated with her too. Birds of the same feather flu together.

"What? Tell me he wasn't so nice to adorpt them." Alyssa is still very much lost in this issue for long time now.

With my head rested at the headrest of my seat, I shook my head. Groaning, "Isn't it good I've found someone who loved and cherish my kids and do everything for I and my family? This has been the type of life I wanted, Alyssa and I hope you'll find someone that'll cherish you and your family someday."

"Hm, hope so." There are still no beliefs in her response. I understand it's not her fault after so many heartbreaks and one con-artist guy.

"Mommy," Bella handed back the phone. "Daddy, wants to talk with you."

"Honey—hell no way!" I look back at my daughters with dark glare. Becca and Bella now sticking their tongues out at me. "Wow, so finally you two got victory, right?" I say to them and they just made funny faces at me. Bella making horns on her head and Becca dancing childishly. "Baby, but—no, you told me they can have it once a week but if I buy it for them, it's gonna be twice a week, don't get it twisted—Fine, I'll do as you say. Gat it. Love you."

I don't wanna get my ass whipped in bed tonight. I'm still sore from yesterday's session. I have no other choice but to step out of the car with both Alyssa and the girls. He already gave me his unlimited credit card to use whenever I want and I can't remember the last time I used mine.

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THIRD PERSON POV

When they say it's very easy for someone to tell your point of view, personal background and so on, it's always easy. By the way Alyssa's eyes view round and about the environment, studying every single thing are eyes is flicked on, surely tells how much she's from a poor family background.

It's not like a mockery thing or whatever, but it's the truth. Alyssa would be lying and deceiving herself if she say she's used to the luxurious things around here.

As they step out of the car to the entrance of the loft, it's all breathtaking to her. Her best friend, Triana, laughs a little at her friend's childish behavior. Anyway, it can't be her fault, right?

Becca and Bella didn't wait for Triana or Alyssa as they flee into the loft. Leaving Triana and Alyssa to pack up the bags of food stuffs they shopped a while ago at the grocery store. Alyssa's words are inaudible as she gasped in every words she say concerning the building.

"Come on, don't be dramatic. Let's go in." Triana told her when Alyssa refused to take her eyes off the big golden swan water fountain at the middle before the entrance.

"Is this a palace or something?" She asked, taking one bag of grocery and her luggage on each hand as she matched in with Triana who helplessly shook her head with a loud chuckle without looking back.

When they got in, Alyssa gasped, so shocked by the view before her naked eyes. Belinda rushed out of the kitchen to get the grocery bags from them, while Triana is taken by a quick kiss on her cheek by her boyfriend.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, Scarlett, Cyrus and Maverick came over. The three boys were playing 'CALL ON DUTY' on the Xbox play station while the two girls where having a discussion over the latest brand of clothes before they walked in. Taking away their attention.

"Alyssa, meet my boyfriend, Dexter. Honey, this is my bestie I've been talking about." Triana politely introduced.

"Hi, nice to meet you." Alyssa shyly greeted.

With a light smile on his face, Dexter exchanged pleasantries with a warm handshake and withdrew it before wrapping his arms around his girlfriend.

Triana went further to introduce Maverick, Cyrus, Charlotte and Scarlett. For Alyssa, she's so welcomed around here. Just look at the way Charlotte and Scarlett smiled, waving at her like they already knew each other before. Though, Maverick and Cyrus attentions are still dead in the game. It's the final lap and they don't want to lose. Cyrus cursed Maverick for always using shortcuts whenever they're playing together.

Dave was descending down the stairs with his eyes not leaving his phone. "Hey, Dexter, come see this. It says, popular politician locked up for fraud."

Dexter completely rolled his eyes, walking back to complete his game with his guys. He's very much not into political science or government studies.

"What's up, Dave? Meet my bestie." Triana was wanting to introduce Alyssa to everyone in the house if possible.

"Hey, Tri." He hailed, still not taking his eyes off his phone. But when he reached the end of the stairs, his name was called by a feminine voice so familiar to him than that of Triana.