9 Years Ago

'Aliyana, can we go to the pool? I want to swim but Papa says he is too busy."

I roll my eyes as the paintbrush mimics the lady's bent arm, the brown darkening her shaded side.

'Not now, ask Anya, or Deno, they'll be happy to take you."

'But you are my stepmother," She responds and I flinch, my eye twitching at the sound of that word. It was Mischa's trump she used when she wanted to spend time with me. The kid was naughty and rude especially since I ...