Golden Facades

They say family is important, blood is thicker than water, that they are a part of all your important parts in life. Well my parents certainly were a part of my most memorable events, if you count my mom causing fights if anyone ever dares to talk back at her with my father doing the bare minimum in stopping it. Then they proceed to argue, usually mom wins the fight. But I'm getting too ahead of myself, let's start at the beginning, and by that I meant this morning, not my whole childhood dear god no.

I awoke to the chorus of morning light streaming through the windows, the gilded rays playing upon the canopy of my four-poster bed. I stretched beneath the silken sheets, and stepped out of bed. Exited the room and with a couple of twists and turns and possible accidents on the way I finally reached the dining room.

Aurelia, or the character I immigrated into, is rich because of course she is. And as such as maids, this particular maid was setting up the table, placing down my family individual plates and utensils and a whole other set of dishes. I sat down, mumbled a thank you to the maid as she finished up. That obviously earned me some wide eyes stare, maybe chatters from the staff for a couple of days, that's how low they think of me. Of course it's not actually me, I understand that the oh so villainess Aurelia starts being humble all of a sudden is strange. But still, it doesn't feel good to have all these strangers, all these people in this house know what to expect of me, what to expect of myself.

Soon after "my" parents arrived, they looked exhausted, as always. Nevertheless they leaned close and kissed me on the cheek, I still have the itch to push them away when they do. My father asked the general questions, "How are you?"

To which I replied with a general, "Fine." And nothing more. I knew a simple answer is all that it takes to satisfy these people, as long as I was fine, they didn't need to ask any further. But apparently this day was Christmas, because my mom, with that knowing smile, brought out a bag. She handed it to me, I must have held my reaction for a moment too long. She gestured her hand and excitedly echoed the words, "Open it."

So I did what I was instructed, and what do you know? It was just a super expensive bag for me to carry, pink and grand.

"That's my advance moving up gift for you." My mom said, "Because I am sure you will be first in the quiz bee competition."

I clicked my tongue, that's right, the tournament. The competition I had no time to prepare for because guess what? Reincarnated a wee week ago, spent the week in a daze just trying to keep it together.

"Just keep the good work," she continued, "and make me proud."

'Oh no pressure or anything!' I bit down on my response, instead smiled and nodded, not an exact answer and can be interpreted to anything, a thank you instead of a confirmation of her expectations.

I was quick to chew down my breakfast, readied myself and left that house, any second longer I was afraid my lungs would close off entirely. So I'm assuming you're asking some questions, I'll make this as short as it can be. 'Heiress of Gold' is a television drama that was popular from where I lived. Based on the title you probably guess that the characters are loaded, and congrats, you're correct. You're also correct to assume that I have reincarnated as villainess, a star for effort.

I sighed as I slammed the car door shut, the engine starting. Maybe this is why I reincarnated as a villainess, maybe this is the saying, 'You are what you are.' and 'Your truest self will reveal itself sooner or later'. Well it got revealed alright, it got revealed as soon as my death bed cleared. I'm just thankful I didn't get awareness when I was an infant. Can you imagine a sixteen year old in an eight year body making friends with kids? I would be a monster, wanted for damaged and ruined childhoods.

The car came to a smooth stop at the entrance of Aurelia school, she stepped out of the car and gazed at what must be the biggest building I had ever seen in my life. Towering pillars flanked the main entrance, each meticulously carved with intricate designs. The large, arched windows were framed by dark, polished wood, offering glimpses of the bustling life inside. Ivy crept up the sides of the building, a green contrast to the pristine walls.

The school's grounds were expansive, manicured lawns stretching out like emerald carpets, punctuated by flower beds bursting with vibrant colors with tall, ancient trees that provided shade. But most of all, I was greeted by the familiar sight of the school's emblem, a majestic eagle in flight, emblazoned above the entrance.

I will never get used to it, never. A school this big with thousands of people her age all gathered. Her stomach was in knots. Maybe she should skip school, that's what other people do, right? She turned around and started to walk away when cherry voices called out to her.

I repressed a groan as I looked over my shoulder. Two girls were in front, or rather two minions are more accurate. In the story they were at best gremlins that follow Aurelia around and at worst the most horrendous influence a sixteen year old should be exposed to.

The blonde smiled at me, "There you are! We've been looking for you everywhere!" She grabbed her wrist, a somewhat gentle yet firm hold on her.

"Yeah, come on, we gotta prepare for the competition." The other girl said as she grabbed the other end of her arm.

With both wrists trapped, what did the girls do? Dragged her. Pulling against the dirt, grinding her against the pavement, inside and out to the backyard of the school where they go to their signature bench. Yeah that's right, apparently students can own pieces of school structures now.

Then they started to question her.

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There's a funny thing about being trapped in a different person's body. You have all their memories, their tone, their mannerism, the 16 years of them existing still resonate with you even when the mind completely differs from the original. So she supposed it shouldn't be a surprise when her so-called 'friends' start asking practice questions, her mouth moves on its own and the answer comes out before it even registered to her mind.

"Correct," The blonde says, which she recently learned named Seliana, "as expected of you Aurelia."

I forced out a weak laugh, "Ah…thanks.." 

As the conversation lulled, Seliana's gaze shifted, landing on a girl sitting alone as she read. "Hey, check out over there," she pointed to the girl, "Let's go say hi."

"I-I rather.." I tried to refuse but I was dragged along anyway, as we stepped closer to the girl her features became familiar to me. That lonely girl was the heroine's future companion, but until the day the heroine transfers here she is stuck to be treated with fear. Why? Because there's a rumor that she is a witch, child's play I know. Absurdity and honestly kind of hilarious when you first hear it out loud.

As we approached the girl under the tree, Seliana smiled, "What's this? Deep in a book as usual, are we?" she sneered, the girl slammed the book shut and rose, she tried to walk away but then Seliana plucked the book from the girl's grasp.

The girl, her eyes widened as she, reached out futilely. "Please, give it back..."

Seliana flipped through the pages nonchalantly. "Oh, what do we have here? A love story? How quaint." She tossed the book to the other girl, who caught it with a cruel chuckle. "Catch, Ellie!"

Elise held the book just out of reach as the girl lunged for it. "Come on, stretch a little! You might actually get it," 

Seliana turned to me. "Aren't you going to join in, Aurelia? It's just a bit of fun."

I scoffed, "No thanks." I stepped forward and grabbed the book from Ellie, "And aren't we supposed to be practicing? Stop wasting time and let's go back to studying." I threw the book back to the girl, she caught it. 

With a roll of her eyes, Seliana huffed. "Fine, if you're going to be such a spoil-sport."

As we turned to leave, my eyes met those of the curly-haired girl. In that brief exchange, I saw it, pure hatred for me and just me. I sighed, oh well not like I can do anything about it and plus she is right to hate Aurelia, someone who tormented her for all these years. I get it. She can hate me all she wants if it makes her feel better, it won't affect me in any way so why be bothered with it?