Chapter 1

Amelia’s POV

Can’t believe I will be 18 in two days.

I can’t hide the smile that was forming in my face as I applied a light make up in front of the mirror.

I was just so excited of the idea that in two days, I will be able to leave this place and be free.

Well it’s not like I was a prisoner here.

I was well loved by my adoptive parents and my step sister. They have actually treated me as their own family. They feed, clothes, and even spoil me with something I don’t even need.

It’s just that, sometimes I feel empty inside.

The feeling of missing something I never had.

Maybe it’s because of the fact that I was an orphan. I am longing to have something which is impossible to have.

Or is it really impossible?

Anyhow, I am still trying to figure things out.

Maybe I can find my missing piece in the big city where I plan to move for college.

Afterall, 18 years in this small town is kinda depressing.

I want to move out asap.

I put down my mascara and batted my eyelash before flashing a bright smile in the mirror.

As I was about to leave, I caught a glimpse on my forehead and stopped.

A crease between my eyebrows formed as I stared at the red birthmark on the upper right corner of my head.

It is slowly fading away.

I can still remember it being a bright red crescent moon form. Trixie, my sister will always tease me for having it saying I was Sailor Moon, a cartoon character she was obsessed with when we were kids.

But now, it was just a light pink curve line that anyone can easily ignore.

“Eli, breakfast is ready.” I heard mom shouted from the kitchen downstairs.

“Coming.” I shouted back as I pick up my phone and dash out of my room.

“Good morning hon.” Mom smiled while placing strips of bacon into an empty plate.

I dash straight to the chair next to it and began eating.

“Morning mom.” I said as I chew my food.

“So, what’s your plan for your birthday?” I think this is the ninth time she asked me this since the beginning of my birth month.

“Well I really don’t like parties and you know that mom. I guess a family dinner will be great.’ I suggested.

“Is that what you really want?”

“Totally.”

“Okay then. I’ll book a reservation at the most exclusive restaurant in town.” She gave me the most beautiful smile that she have before sipping her coffee.

“Oh you didn’t just plan for a birthday party without me.” Trixie groaned as she sit next to me.

Mom chuckled as I just rolled my eyes at my lil sis.

“What? I got this all planned out since last year and I will really make a scene if you won’t let me do this for you.” and here goes the spoiled brat.

“Come on Trix, you know I don’t like parties. It’s loud and messy and for the record, I don’t like crowd.”

She is silent for a moment. Before putting her puppy eye and pouting her lips on me.

“Yeah I know. It’s just that we never had party memories before. And in a week, you’ll be graduating and then move out.” She paused and sigh.

“I guess I just want to have the best memory of you before you go.”

And there ladies and gentlemen is how she got me.

“Fine. Just don’t me wear skimpy dress and too much make up.” I replied in defeat. What can I say, she really is good in making me feel bad.

“Alright. You’ll never regret it.” She smiled like crazy and hugged me tight.

“You always know her soft spot.” Mom gave Trixie a knowing look.

“El you really don’t have to if you’re not comfortable at it. Besides it’s your day. And I think it is time to put an end in spoiling Trixie like that.”

“Mom!” Trixie is about to do tantrums again but I stopped her.

“No mom, it’s fine. And Trixie is right. We never had this party memories before. I think I need one before leaving for college.” I wink at Trixie and she giggles like a child.

“You just love me that you can’t say no.” she whispered but still loud for us to hear.

“And that too.” I replied and made the three of us laugh.

“Good morning ladies.”

Dad entered the kitchen and went directly to hug mom.

Even after years of marriage they are still deeply in love with each other. And that made me wonder if I will ever find a love like that.

“Good morning dad.” We all said in chorus.

He sat at the corner of the table adjacent to mom and me.

“So, what are you all talking about?” he asked while putting butter onto his toast.

“We are just planning for Amelia’s birthday party.” Trixie is sure beaming with excitement.

“I thought you hate parties?” dad asked in confusion.

He knows I really don’t like it. We both don’t like it.

Mom and Trixie is our exact opposite. They would go to social gatherings, festivals, and all other parties whenever our family is invited.

As for me and dad, we always made-up excuses not to go.

I lose count on how many gatherings we ditch just to stay at home and watch Netflix all night.

I guess mom just got tired of arguing with us and let us do what we want.

“Guess I’m throwing one for myself now.” Saying it more for myself.

Wish I won’t be regretting this one.