The pepto bismol pink walls and vomit yellow accents burn into my eyes as I leave the Jack and Jill bathroom that attaches both Maddy's and my temporary room. My attention shifts to the walk in closet where my boxes are all sitting. Whomever painted and decorated 'my' room definitely didn't know what they were doing. 'Now, that right there is some real eye rot.'

Unpacking would mean I intend to stay, 'Nah, not happenin.' I open one box with the label mama's things and pull out a book she wrote. It was published and didn't gain much traction but I enjoy reading it nonetheless. It was about a girl who's only dream was to be a performer, but no one ever took her seriously because of how she looked, she learns she's the heir of a royal bloodline and inherits an entire kingdom.

I sit the book down on a shelf nearby. I note the size of the closet, the closet was the size of my bedroom back home so I know I'll make this my hiding spot here.

A knock at my door sounds as I make my way over towards it. Opening it to find the woman I have only seen in photographs. Tall, platinum blonde hair cut in a lob, and big brown eyes. My aunt Dorotheé, my papa's little sister. Madison definitely resembled her mother. Only instead of the cashmere sweater over a tube top Dorotheé wears a blazer that matches her tight pencil skirt and Maddy's eyes are blue not brown. "So sorry I missed the funeral my dear, divorces don't solve themselves." She began as I gave a quick nod. 'I do remember papa saying something about her working in a law firm; but she wasn't a very good lawyer according to him.' "We have so much catching up to do sweetie" She adds, inviting herself in catching me off guard. She sits on the bed and gestures me over. "Damien's a little cutie isn't he?" 'What the hell kinda mess is this? I ain't even been here five minutes, and she's already tryna set me up.'

I nearly choke on my saliva, I mean sure his hazel eyes were nice to look at and his face was definite model material. Let's not forget how he towers over me but the fact that I'm only five foot two everyone was a tower to me. "I can't say I noticed." I reply looking at the braided bracelet on my wrist, discussing boys with this woman was somewhat uninteresting to me.

"You probably just need to get to know him better, him and Maddy are in the back if you'd like to join them." She replies, shooting me a wink. "You can use the pool, put on a cute swimsuit that makes the young boys go wild. 'Note to self: Dress like it's the dead of winter anytime I'm near so much as a puddle. Got it.'

"I think I'd rather just take it easy and explore the grounds myself." I say as she nods and gets up from my bed.

"I understand sweetie, If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask." Aunt Dorotheé heads to the door. "And I mean absolutely anything, I'm not like those boring parents, there are limited rules here so feel free to do whatever you want, whenever you want. You can drink, smoke, have a party, oh but please no boys in bedrooms, I don't want to be a grandmother at thirty two."

She leaves as I frown, 'I thought only tv parents didn't give their kids structure. Not that I watched much tv.' A sigh escapes my lips as I plop onto the massive bed that sat in the middle of the room. My attention shifts to the piglet plushie I brought with me. There was no contest compared to the real cerviché but it was all I had left of him. "Come on Junior, let's go on an adventure." I begin picking it up as I dislodge myself from the bed and head to the door.

Opening the door slowly I peek out not wanting to run into anyone. Maddy made it obvious she didn't enjoy my company and I rather not intrude more than I already have. On the other hand Damien did seem nice enough and I am desperate for a friend or at least an ally in this strange world. 'Sheesh... fine whateva.'

Heading down stairs I approach the back door when I notice an old man mostly bald and sitting in a wheelchair. I know exactly who he is. "Half-Breed." He mutters under his breath but loud enough so I still caught it.

"I beg your pardon?" I ask stopping in my tracks. He looks up and in my direction but glares through me.

"Didn't say anything you need to concern yourself with girl." He coldly replies. I bite the inside of my cheek and force a smile. Papa did say his father is a bit screwy in the head but I didn't think was referring to him being straight up racist.

"Right, I'm gonna go outside with Maddy." I mutter.

"Maddy doesn't need to be bothered by you colored folks." He replies as I clench Junior tighter, and watch as he rolls away in his wheelchair. He should be glad I'm not a vindictive person. 'Lord, he looks like he's been pickled in vinegar and left out in the sun too long.'

Just as I was about to turn and walk away the door slid open, "I don't know, but Damien wants you to come outside, so..." Maddy begins her reluctance evident.

"Well, ain't that sweet of Damien. Guess I better head on out before he thinks I'm rude." I reply, 'What's her deal? Not like I asked to come here.'

"Sweet or not, he's waiting, so let's go. And, uh... just try not to, you know, make things awkward out there. Damien's not exactly used to... all this." she says before turning on her heels and heads back outside. 'What in the hell do you mean all this?'

"Lead the way." I reply trying to be nice but if my dear ol' cousin opens up her big mouth again I have no problem with 'accidently' knocking her into her showy rich people pool.

The Rottweiler from earlier is in the corner of the massive yard gnawing on a chew toy while the much smaller dog rolls around in a patch of grass. "Ian, told me what happened with Havoc, don't worry he doesn't bite." She states "I'd be more worried about Bellerose, she may be small but she can be an aggressive little douche at times. Also are you planning on dragging that toy everywhere?"

"It's not a toy, but if you're worried I'll take it to school and embarrass you in front of your friend's then don't worry I aint plan on that." I reply as she nods.

"Hey Sam, wait can I call you Sam?" Damien asks as we approach the table he was sitting at under the tarp.

"Not at all," I reply, setting Junior down on the table.

"Cute pig, does it have a name?" He asks as Maddy grumbles under her breath.

"I'm going to go change," Maddy states as she turns on her heels and pushes past me as I frown. 'Spoiled rotten brat.'

"Have fun," He says as she retreats back inside, "Don't worry about her."he adds, turning his attention to me.

"You don't have to pretend to be nice to me," I begin, as I take a seat across from him. "I don't plan on staying long,"

"Oh really where do you intend to go?" He asks as he grabs a freeze dried strawberry sitting in the middle of the table. "Velvet Berry Bite?"

"No thanks." I reply waving my hand away, noticing the freeze dried berry had nuts on it which I am severely allergic to. "I'd move to Nigeria, since my mother has family there they're just figuring some things out but said they wouldn't mind taking me in if this doesn't work out."

"Well whether you decide to leave or stay, I'd give you my full support," He replies as I nod. "Silverwood Hill is a tough place to live; I can imagine it being rather different from Quar-leshire." he adds as I ignore the mispronunciation of the farm town I lived in for the past sixteen years. Quarleshire pronounced KWARL-shire was my whole world and a rather small black community. The kids didn't like me too much and called me a 'sell out' but at least I had cerviché, mama, and papa.

"The pig's name is CJ." I reply as I decide to open up a bit to him.

"Cj what a cool name," he says as I flash a small smile. I take a moment to look at him and I mean really look at him. His face was free from blemishes unlike my freckled one. "Is there a story behind CJ? I mean only if you're comfortable with sharing it."

"It's just something I got from a fair." I reply not telling him it was named after the pet pig I used to own and was won by a boy I used to like. I imagine keeping a pig here is not ideal. "What did you guys mean by welcome party?"

"Maddy convinced her mom to let her have a party while the adults are at the country club tomorrow. She's posing it as a welcome party for you but she just wants to have her friends over before school starts." He shrugs, reaching for another berry.

"Are you not friends with her friends?" I ask, raising a brow and picking lint off CJ.

"I'm friends with Maddy, the real Maddy."

Before I could ask what he means the phone in his hand rings as he excuses himself.
****

Walking into the dinning room I noticed Maddy and our grandfather engrossed in conversation. Quickly I turn on my heels to leave the room only to bump into Aunt Dorotheé. "Not so fast, sweetie. We don't get the opportunity to eat together very often and it's your first night here so why don't we have some fun family togetherness." Aunty D states. Maddy looks up and forces a smile as if she was on her good behavior for her mother.

"Okay..." I quietly reply, hanging my head and taking a seat at the table. I really wish Damien was here but he left hours ago.

(TW: blood)
I stare into my lap not making a peep as I dig my nails into my palms hard enough to draw blood. "The stock market prices seem to have dropped." Grandfather Kennet begins turning his attention to his tablet.

"So I saw this thing on the mom wisdom side of Clipzy where to draw closer as a family they don't bring electronics to the table," Aunt Dorotheé began as she approaches the table.

"Do be silly Dorotheé, advice like that is for people who don't have a good family relationship." Maddy states as she takes a seat next to me. 'This spoiled little daughter of a biscuit, calling her mother by her first name seems a bit disrespectful.'

"Okay it was just a suggestion." Aunt Dorotheé replies as she sits next to the old man. "You girls are so lucky I always wished I could have a sister to share things with when I was young and cute like you girls."

"Hey, is it cool if Theo comes tomorrow?" Maddy asks as a brunette woman starts to bring out plates of food.

"You know how I feel about that boy Madison," Aunt Dorotheé began as the woman who appeared in her mid twenties set the plates down. "Why don't you invite Taylor and her brother, they're nice kids and would make great friends for Samantha."

"Taylor and I aren't friends anymore." Maddy replies as my attention shifts to the plates of food.

"Prosciutto-wrapped fig delights, Pate de Foie Gras, and Crispy Pork Belly Bites to start," The woman begins as I know immediately what I will not be touching. "I'll be back with the Cochinillo Asado."

I have no clue what that is but do know I am starving and it sounded delicious. I notice my dear ol' grandfather looking in my direction from the corner of my eye. "Mulatto," He murmurs as we make eye contact. My gaze shifts back to my lap, coming here was definitely a mistake. I scratch at the exposed skin of my arm.

Aunt Dorotheé and Maddy continue their conversation in the background seemingly oblivious to the uncomfortable atmosphere, "And here is the Cochinillo Asado." the woman began as she set the plate down right in front of me. The cold dead eyes staring into my soul as my stomach starts to churn.

"You may go Marianne," Grandfather said as the lady left us, the old man pulls the plate close to him and began cutting into the poor piglet. My attention shifts between everyone as Maddy takes a Pork bite, my gaze shifts back into my lap as the tears finally fall. Three months of build up the dam finally broke. "Stupid things tough to cut through."

"Oh my God! Samantha you're bleeding..." Aunt Dorotheé began as she jumps out of her seat. "Marianne get the bandages!"





AN: Hiya lovelies, Jules here and now we meet the 'lovely' grandfather Ken.

What are your thoughts on him and Aunt Dory?

Do we still hate Maddy?

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I have decided to update every Saturday but if miss it I'll update on Sunday. :D

See you next weekend!

Love,
Jules