Hiding Imperfections

DAVINA

I clenched the baton with a tighter grip this time, I was not going to just throw, I was going to continuously wreak havoc just the same way I would do in Adeline’s life.

However, I wasn't going to move rashly. I was going to move with precision, sneak up on them like a quiet storm and they wouldn't see me coming. As I held the baton, Shaw’s suit jacket covering me, I felt powerful and covered.

Adeline’s innocent smile flashed in my eyes, her jabbing words that were disguised as concern and love echoed in my ears. Behind her mask, I envisioned her real face. The face that laughed evilly at me while I did her bidding.

And then me, standing timidly before her while I listened to her, worshipped her, and looked up to her for years. That was what I aimed for, to tear off her mask and fire at her real face and then raise my head up high before her, so I wouldn't be that timid sister again.

My hands moved, my muscles flexed, and my veins flowed with energy as I smacked the baton at the contents on the counters.

The glasses broke, shattering into pieces like Adeline’s life would!

The wooden boxes became distorted just like how her face would be, when she would see me rising from the fire I was burned in.

“Impressive.” Shaw’s voice resounded behind me, fueled with approval.

The next thing that appeared in my head was those children. Over the years, I was forced to take pills that damaged my body and distorted my hormones, and then instead of being given an easy way out, I was made to get a device that damaged me even further.

All that sacrifice didn't amount to anything.

Bang!

I aimed harder, and the baton was now bathed in my sweat. In the blink of an eye, I had distorted everything on the counter and now, I stood in ruins, an evidence of what was to come.

I had nothing left. No strength, no pain, or emotions left for them to take. It was just raw coldness. A wall was building around my heart, thick and impenetrable toward people who used to be family.

I took off Shaw’s jacket as I breathed heavily and gently, he took it while shooting me a meaningful look.

“Never let them prey on your emotions again, whether they are here or not. You cannot achieve anything if you continue to dwell in the past.” Again, his words were a wake-up call to reality.

He understood me, but he wouldn't continue to do that forever.

“When will everything be finally over?” I sniffed, wiping off the beads of sweat on my forehead. “When will I be able to stand before Adeline and show her I am not the same person anymore?”

Shaw took a deep breath, his eyes scrutinizing me and wondering why I was asking such. Maybe he thought I was still plagued by their taunts and laughter but even as he assessed me, I didn't look away.

My eyes were dead set, demanding answers.

“I see you are really ready.” He smiled, a genuine one. “Don’t worry, when everything is in place, when Adeline has nowhere to run to, no savior, you will then emerge. You will pretend to help her but, only to send her to the depths of hell.”

I nodded, the last heavy breath spilling away.

“Go to sleep. Tomorrow, you will be briefed on every step we are taking from now on. First, we are going to start with your face.” He pointed at me, and my fingers found their way to my acne-riddled face.

In the past, no matter what I did, I just could never clear them away.

I nodded again, looking forward to the morning. I longed to see how my face was going to be, free from the boulders that covered it. Was I really beautiful underneath the redness or was Adeline just better than me still?

Shaw left and I found my way back to my bedroom. The coldness I craved before was gone, now replaced with a fire. Not one that consumed me but one that would keep me fueled for months to come.

Morning came, and a knock on my door resounded. Two assistants filed into the room while I was still on my bed, scratching my eyes in drowsiness. They didn't even wait for me to be up, they drew my curtains open and turned on the lights.

I felt uncomfortable but then I quickly stood up, knowing they were sent by Shaw and were only doing their jobs.

“Good morning, ma’am Lucille.” They greeted, professional smiles marring their faces.

I was shocked at the way they addressed me. So soon? But didn't they know who I was?

“I will be your personal assistant. I am Maria.” She smiled again, her brightness almost blinding my eyes. She then turned to the other lady beside her, “She is Grace. She will be assisting with your style today.”

I nodded, a bit awkwardly. These people were at my beck and call, all for the purpose of elevating me. I hoped they wouldn't see me as less, and not worthy of the wealth and status being delivered into my hands.

I took a deep breath as I hid that damned thought at the back of my mind. I plastered a smile that mirrored Maria’s while Grace proceeded to my closet, which I had no idea was so big and filled with clothes.

Business clothes, party dresses, and whatnots. Things I never had the grace of getting while I was still subjected to glorified slavery.

“Your first appointment today will be with the dermatologist. And by noon, we will be meeting Mr. Dane from the state’s identification card office to issue you a new identity and every other thing you would need.” Maria laid out everything for the day and I swallowed nervously.

The plan was solid, and everything was falling in place. What could go wrong?

Maria knew. She knew I wasn't Lucille. What did she think of me now?

My smile turned awkward, and I gnawed at the small wounds on my face, just to cover them. Just enough for her not to see my imperfections and think I was less. Not because I wanted to become Lucille so bad but because I wanted to portray a good version of Davina.

“Where is Shaw?” I asked, my gaze darting to the door, expecting him. He was the only person I was comfortable with now.

“Mr. Shaw will be away from the mansion from now on,” Maria said seriously. “He will be back to check on your progress in a month’s time.”

Pressure! What will I achieve in a month’s time?