Chapter16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Fiona looked to the family home and tried to keep the sigh out of her voice. She had no idea why she was back here except the fact that she had things here.
Rosa joined her placing her hand on her shoulder,
" You don't want to go in" she asked and Fiona huffed
" I would prefer not to"
" Ehn what the hell can they do" she grumbled and she had to admit that her sister was right. There was little else they could do to her now.


Fiona guided Rosa up the steps of the Hardin home, its grand facade seemed to be more of a mockery now like some forbidden fortress that held memories that she would rather forget.
It was a little warm outside but once they stepped through the threshold she felt a slight chill the air thickened with tension. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation that she knew would follow if any of them was at home
As they entered the foyer, the familiar scent of lavender and leather hit her.


" This place changes constantly, doesn't it " Rosa mumbled and Fiona glanced at her
" No" she seemed paler than usual, her eyes darting nervously around the room.
" Are you ok?" she asked her and Rosa shrugged
" I just don't want to be here "
Before they could make it further inside, their stepmother, Stella, appeared at the top of the staircase, her gaze cold and calculating as she glared at them

“And where do you think you’re coming from” Stella’s voice dripped with disdain.
“I would have thought running off once was enough"
" Or are you planning on running off again, Fiona? And you're taking Rosa with you this time” she asked and Fiona tried not to scoff.


She didn't even ask how Rosa was doing, or how she was not in the hospital. They had not visited or come to check on her, and this was the question she asked.

Fiona squared her shoulders, meeting her stepmother’s gaze head-on.
“We’re just here to get our things, Stella. We won’t be staying long you don't have to worry .”

Stella descended the stairs, her lips curling in a cruel smile.


“And where, may I ask, are you planning to go? Back to that miserable little apartment of yours?”
Fiona moved to say something but Rosa stepped forward, her voice surprisingly steady.
" That's none of your business where’s Dad? I need to talk to him.”


Stella’s smile widened as if she had some huge secret that she was happy to keep.
“Your father is out, as usual. He’s got more important things to do than worry about the likes of you two.”
Fiona felt a surge of anger but kept her composure. Stella was not the reason their father was absent from their lives, he just wanted it that way
“In that case, we’ll be quick,” she said, moving towards the staircase.


They walked to their bedrooms and packed their things. They didn't even have too many, so it did not take time to get rid of them
" I'm sorry" she mumbled and Rosa looked at her and smirked
" Are you apologizing for him, our father seriously?" she asked and Fiona laughed
" I know it's foolish but I can't help it " she mumbled beneath her breath
" I'm glad we're leaving this place" she mumbled and Fiona nodded
"So am I "
They didn't make their escape fast enough it seemed because the front door was thrown open and Jenny, their stepsister, walked in. Fiona’s stomach turned at the sight of her.


She looked radiant, positively glowing. It seemed married life was agreeing with her already, her eyes were sparkling with barely concealed triumph as she took in the scene.
" Well look who’s here,” she sneered.
“I wasn't expecting this surprise.”
" Neither were we' Rosa muttered annoyed
She wanted to flaunt her upcoming wedding to Donald, Fiona could see it in her eyes and she wasn't going to wait long.


“Isn’t it wonderful, Fiona?” Jenny continued, walking to them and shoving her finger in her face likely to show off the giant diamond ring on her finger
" Donald bought this for me isn't it nice" she simpered and Fiona nodded
" It's very pretty" She fingered the ring on her finger, she would have flaunted it but she was not sure she wanted to explain that at any rate.

“Donald and I are going to bring so much to this family. He is already working on his investments ”

Rosa couldn’t hold back anymore it seemed.
" Ah, yes, Jenny. You must be so proud. Marrying for money and to a duck face at that. Truly inspiring.” she mumbled and Fiona tried not to laugh

Jenny’s eyes narrowed with pure hate, but she didn’t respond. Fiona took Rosa’s hand, leading her away
" We're glad that you're happy"
" We're going to leave now" she muttered ignoring the smug looks from Stella and Jenny.
Fiona felt a weight lift from her shoulders as they stepped outside
" Do you still want that snack?" she asked and Rosa grinned
" You don't have to ask twice "
They walked to a nearby cafe, seeking refuge in its cozy room, it smelled of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods that enveloped them as soon as they found a corner table.


Fiona ordered two lattes and a selection of pastries, hoping the sugar would ease their tensions– well her tension and mostly Rosa's rage that she felt bubbling beneath the surface.
Rosa sighed, taking a bite of a croissant, she moaned and then sighed
“I’m sorry, Fiona. I know this is hard for you and I shouldn't make it all about me" she mumbled and Fiona shook her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
“ There is nothing to apologize for, Rosa. I am sorry for the way our father has treated you. You deserve so much better.”
" You were his child, only a baby–" she paused unable to continue
Rosa smiled sadly.


“It’s not your fault. You were his daughter too, he didn't love either one of us and that is on him not us" she grumbled
"But... if you want to make it up to me, you could buy me a slice of key lime pie.”

Fiona laughed as she rose from the table,
“Consider it done.”


She left her eating and went to place take, she walked towards the counter to order the pie her thoughts were still on their meeting, she was frustrated and annoyed now that the sadness had left her, so she didn't notice the woman until when she accidentally bumped into her.
She was beautiful with striking features, deep curled red her, and piercing brown eyes that glittered like stars.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Fiona began, but the woman cut her off with a disdainful look.

“Watch where you’re going,” she snapped, her tone icy, and then without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Fiona stunned.
She walked to the counter placed the order and then walked back to her sister
" Who was that" she asked and Fiona shrugged
" I have no idea"
Rosa rolled her
" Charming. Just what we needed today.”


" Ignore her," she said looking to the cafe door as the woman with red hair and a snooty attitude walked out.