MELISSA
I carefully placed plates on the dining table. Centering plates in front of each chair, positioning side plates above the main plate and stacking the plates neatly for a three course meal.
Nora aligned the plates with the cutlery, creating a clean and visually appealing presentation. She ensured there was enough space between plates and other table elements, such as napkins and glassware.
While mother began setting generous portions of food onto the larger plates, arranging them neatly across the dining table.
She ladled the soup into a deep bowl and laid it on the table beside the other large serving dishes.
"My beautiful girls" father beamed as he walked into the dining room, impressed by our work.
"Papa" I smiled, moving to where he stood and hugged him, tears stuck in my eyes.
"Mi amiga, you look like you're about to cry, missing me already?" He joked while mother and Nora chuckled.
"Are you okay my dear?" He asked and I nodded, but of course I wasn't okay, I hadn't seen him in years, and last I heard, he had died and no one had informed me.
It was so good to see him hale and hearty. Mother's smiled faltered, seeing how deeply papa cared for me, I hadn't seen it before but now I could see things more clearly. She never had good intentions for me.
"Of course papa, she would soon be married off and leave this family, I'm sure she misses us already" Nora smiled coming to me and resting a hand on my shoulder. I could see the fake smile, the way her head tilted and the way she clenched her teeth whenever she was forcing a smile.
"C'mon amiga, you will be well taken care off in your new home" He laughed, nudging me lightly and I forced a smile.
"Let me leave you girls to it and prepare for the guests" he said, walking to mother, he gave her a kiss and walked upstairs.
After setting everything on the table I went back to my room to get a change of clothes.
I remember Nora walking in and offering me advice on what to wear... since she had known the Salvatore's since she was a child, she knew what Mrs Salvatore would like. I took her advice that day and was embarrassed by Mrs Salvatore and Blake.
Thinking about the whole thing made me cringe, just then Nora walked in.
"Lisa..." She began, "You know Mrs Salvatore doesn't really care what you wear, you could just wear your Jean, blouse and flip flops" she smiled sitting on my bed.
"Really?" I asked smiling through my teeth.
"Yeah, trust me" she said as she got up and headed for the door, she stopped and turned back to look at me,
"And she prefers it if you call her by her first name, Jessica, she said it makes her feel young" she finished and left, closing the door behind her.
Nice try bitch!! I would not fall for that again. I was going to slay today and outshine everyone in that room.
Luckily I always had an eye for fashion and I knew Mrs Salvatore's favourite colour was red, she also loved people that dressed classy, but professional.
And I had the perfect outfit.
I headed straight to my massive live in closet, and picked out my dress.
I got dressed and stood in front of the mirror,
It was a well structured bold red blazer-style mini dress with a deep V neckline and long sleeves. The double breasted design featured golden buttons that add a sharp, polished touch.
I was holding a small black handbag and wearing black sheer tights, adding contrast and elegance to the vibrant red outfit.
With a gold, pointed toe stilettos. A gold wristwatch and gold earrings.
Satisfied with my looks, i sat on my bed and scrolled through my phone, waiting for the Salvatore's to arrive.
A few minutes later I heard some cars pull over in the front yard, I looked through the window in my room and for sure, it was them.
I waited a few more minutes for them to settle in the dining room... I was going to show up fashionably late.
After 10mins I decided it was time to make my appearance, they must have exchanged greetings and now settled around the dining table.
I headed downstairs, my heart thudding in my chest... afterall I was going to come face to face with my murderers and abusers all in one room... I simply ignored the nervousness and went down the stairs, my heels clicking against the polished tiles.
They all turned simultaneously, all eyes on me, Nora's and mother's mouth dropped.
'Calm down Lisa, it's just a dinner, with people you've lived with for five years' I tried encouraging myself.
I went straight for my chair, stood beside it and then,
"Good evening Mrs Salvatore, Mr Salvatore" bowing my head slightly and then I pulled the chair out and sat down.
"Stunning" Mrs Salvatore exclaimed, "That red dress look so good on you"
"You look more beautiful than they give you credit for" Mr Salvatore added.
"Thank you" I appreciated confidently. "You do look beautiful yourself Mrs Salvatore"
"And Mr Salvatore, handsome as ever, now I know where your son's get their looks from" I added.
Mr and Mrs Salvatore smiled and nodded, agreeing with me.
"Lisa, you didn't wear the clothes I asked you to wear, that would have been more fitting" Nora smiled nervously.
"Oh I know, I'm sorry dear sister" I lied, "I just like this one better" I smiled back at her.
Mariam scoffed staring down at me like she was going to shoot me with x ray beams from her eyes.
"Some people don't know how to respect their elders, coming late to a family dinner like it's some date" she snapped.
"I have not disrupted anyone's dinner, have I?" I chuckled, eying her from head to toe. "At least some people know how to dress... professionally" I smirked.
She just scoffed and turned to her plate. I could feel a gaze burn through me, it was Oliver, our eyes met and I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.
I turned to look at Blake, but Oliver's gaze lasted a little too long. Blake's eyes was on Nora, of course he had always been in love with her. Then he turned to look at me, his gaze lustful... of course, always the ever sore man whore, fucking dick head... I gave him a disgusted look and turned to the food in front of me.
We all started eating, spoons clinking on the plates, mmms and ahhs, everyone exclaiming at how good my stepmother's food was.
"So Jack, how is business going" Mr Salvatore asked.
"It's going pretty well George, just slight problems, soon to be fixed" my father replied, a small smile on his face.
"Agnes, you've brought up your daughter wonderfully well" Mrs Salvatore smiled.
"Yes Jessica, Nora is..."
"No... I mean Melissa" Mrs Salvatore cut in.