--Caterina--

I was an ordinary young girl. I was in university, pursuing my dreams. My parents, Mr Diego Ferrari and Mrs Alessia Ferrari, were both successful lawyers and were fabulously wealthy. I had two younger siblings, Elena and Max. I loved them both even though they could be extremely annoying.

I lived in a wide, spacious mansion with cleaners, cooks and butlers. Yes, we were that rich. But me, my siblings and my mother never let our souls to be taken by money. We were always kind, helpful to the staff and learnt that money can't get you everything.

My father however, loved money. He always cared about how the world saw us. It was always 'fix your face, Caterina' or 'don't smile like that' or even 'if you don't stop, I'll order the maid to flush you down the toilet'. He treated me as though I was the same age as my siblings. He never showed love for me, he always cared for Elena because of her good grades and ballet talent and he loved Max because he was following in his father's footsteps.

I didn't want to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a vet. No wait, a paediatrician. No, a nurse. I wasn't quite sure and my father never approved. My mother always said that he loved me even though he didn't show it.

I didn't believe her.

I wasn't sure she loved him anymore. He was always out; staying late at work. Constantly stressed and moody. I once woke up when I was younger to hear them arguing. My mother, tears streaming down my face as she angrily yelled at my father who's face was emotionless. She saw me standing in the doorway, scared. Her fingers moved a little, as though she was telling me to go. I did just that. I ran into my room and attempted to follow back to sleep, but I couldn't. I was worried something was going to happen to her, to my sibling in her stomach.

I was always closer to my mother than father. A younger sister is great but sometimes Elena could never understand what I needed advice on. My mother was good at that. She always made time for us no matter what, always there to kiss us goodnight or wave us goodbye in the morning.

I was reading a book in the living room. My legs on the couch as I comfortably sat scanning the words on the page. It was interesting and about a young girl with disabilities. Max was attempting to fix a puzzle on the rug and Elena was watching another episode of Victorious.

She was singing the theme song loudly, dancing around the lounge. I looked up at her, finding it hard to concentrate. I placed the book down, smiling. "Come on, Cat! Sing with me!"

I rolled my eyes, still grinning. "You don't have to be a afraid to put your dreams in action!" I was now standing on the expensive sofa with my sister, dancing. "You're never gonna fade, you'll be the main attraction!" We sang in unison, pulling Max onto the couch. "Not a fantasy! Just remember me, when I make it shineeee!" We all pretend to play the guitar before jumping as we sat down, giggling.

"That was fun!"

We couldn't stop laughing as we watched Jade call Tori names as usual. "She's so mean!" Elena huffed, folding her arms as she leaned against me. "Yeah, but she's very pretty." I ruffled Max's thick hair. "Ooh Max!" I teased, pushing him playfully. "Has someone got a crush?"

He immediately blushed, shaking his head. "No. .I told you. I like Teresa. From school." I raised an eyebrow as he laid on my legs. "Ahh. .that brunette girl. .from Barbie." I was teasing him and he knew it, blushing harder as his other sister giggled. "No!" He exclaimed, "from school!" I nodded, "yeah. .don't worry. I believe you." He groaned. "I'm telling the truth!"

I grinned, "I never said you weren't."

"But you implied it."

"Did not."

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too."

I was sticking my tongue out now.

"Na-na, na-na!"

"Stop behaving like a child, Caterina. And sit up for goodness sake!" My father came into the room, his face hard as usual. He had his usual expensive suit on and briefcase in his hand which he had put down when he walked in.

"Daddy!" My siblings ran to him, wrapping their arms around him as he smiled adoringly at his favourite children.

I sat up, attempting not to scowl as I watched Tori talk to Sikowitz.

He sat on other side of the sofa, both children on his lap. "How was your spelling bee, Elena?"

She beamed at her father, "I got 100% dad!" He smiled, kissing her cheek. "I'm so proud of you, figlia," he turned to Max. "And how was your football match, Max? I'll be coming to the next one," Max grinned at his father. "We won!" My dad's smile widened as he patted Max on the back. "Well done, son!"

I was scowling now.
"I've got a surprise for both of you!" He snapped his fingers and two maids came in with large bags. They opened them carefully as I watched with curiosity. One revealed a large purple, Princess dress for Elena. She squealed at the sight of it. Another revealed to show a new sports outfit for Max, he had every footballer on his favourite team's outfit now.

They thanked their father before running to their new clothing, checking it out.

The episode had almost finished.

My father turned to me, his face hard again. "Don't you have some studying to do?" I wanted to glare, scream, shout. But I wouldn't. Instead I smiled, "I'll see to it now." I stormed out, ignoring my siblings questioning looks.

I was so angry that I wasn't looking where I was going. I bumped into someone and looked up to see my mother, her eyes filled with surprise and concern. "Cat? What's wrong?" I hadn't realised I was crying until then. She pulled me to her chest, her warmth and comfort instantly making me feel better. I loved the smell of her, it was fresh and smelt like flowers, blossoming in few spring.

We sat in the other living room, yes we had two. "I just wish he would look at me the way he looks at Elena. I don't want to be jealous but I am. I can't help it." I was calm now, no longer crying. My mother sighed, nodding. "I get it." She said. She placed her hand over mine.

"He. ." She hesitated, "he just doesn't know how to. ." I shook my head, not wanting her to continue. "He doesn't care. Don't lie," I stood up, brushing my clothes down. "I'm going to study."

Three hours later and I had fell asleep with all of my exam books around me.

I stretched, closing them before grabbing my phone from side and scrolling through social media. I smiled at a couple of memes and giggled at a funny video. I followed odd accounts.

I didn't usually get many texts because I only had two friends. I sighed, switching off my phone. It was almost six and time for dinner.

I packed my things away then went into my en suite to brush my teeth again. I changed my jeans for my leggings as I was feeling uncomfortable then walked downstairs and into the kitchen to catch my parents kissing.

They immediately stepped away from each other, my mother blushing while my father scowled at me. "Don't you ever knock?"

What? To go in my own kitchen?

He pushed past me, slamming the door on his way out. I rolled my eyes before taking a seat beside the island.

My mother shook her head, smiling before turning to the food she was cooking. She usually cooked food for us and let the cooks off. She only let them cook when she was tired.

"Why do you love dad?" I rudely asked. The question had been in my mind for a while and I had to get it out. She raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Because. ." For moment I thought she wasn't going to say anything then she smiled softly. "Because he's funny-" I snorted and she rolled her eyes. "He's kind, charming and incredibly sexy." I groaned at the word. "Too much!"

My mother laughed, telling me to grow up. We set the table in the dining room and placing everyone's food at the right place. Small portion for Elena, medium for Max, large for me and my parents. I loved food.

My mother called everyone to dinner and everyone sat at their designated seats. My father at the head, my mother and I at his side and Max beside my mum and Elena beside me.

I ate quickly with my mouth closed as I chewed, I needed to make up for the lost time I had when I slept. I needed to revise for my test.

"Stop eating like a pig, Caterina!" My father grumbled while my mother sighed at him. I rolled my eyes, ignoring him. "And stop with the attitude." I slammed my knife and fork down on the table and glared at him, angry roaring inside me. I was sick of his petty, annoying comments.

"Cat!" My mother sighed, rubbing her head as my father glared at me. "What?" I snapped. I hated being mean to her but I was furious. Elena was sitting there chewing with her mouth open. If it were me I would get in trouble as I did when I was younger for it. Why was I always treated differently? Even the littlest things.

"Stop being rude, Caterina."

"Diego. ." My mother said in a low voice, as if to tell him to stop. "No, let him continue to criticise me. I'm used to it!" She groaned as my siblings watched quietly.

"Well then, you need to-"

"You know what-"

"So I was thinking of freezing my eggs."

The room fell into silence as we gawped at her.

"Eggs? Why would you freeze eggs when you can eat them, ma?" Max asked, confused.

I face palmed myself, uncomfortable.

My father abruptly stood. "We will not talk about this now, Alessia." He had a serious face on but his eyes seemed. . distracted. "As for you. ." He glared at me as if I was a shame to his name. "We will finish this later." He left the room, not looking back.

My mother placed her head in her hands while Max and Elena kept their eyes on their food as they ate.

I had just ruined what could of been a calm family dinner.

_____

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