𝐔𝐍𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐘 (𝟏𝟖+) √

01 | EVANGELIA

Consequence

Noun; a result or effect, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.

Every action has a consequence.

Had I known that last night would end up being a disaster, I never would've drank a sip of alcohol. Anyone who was someone was there last night. It's safe to say that my parents wanted to disown me.

After Selena dragged me to the bar and we had about nine drinks, she convinced me to sing in front of everyone. I think there were about one hundred and fifty people. From models, singers and actors to wealthy lawyers and a lot of businessmen. It's safe to say that my image was completely ruined.

Oh, I can't sing to save my life.

After that, I couldn't remember anything. Luckily for me, tabloids and press had it all covered. I was the main topic of gossip sites, tea spill youtube channels and my face was plastered wherever I went.

I didn't regret doing that, heck, I even felt content that even though this blew up in my face, for one night, I enjoyed being a nineteen-year old girl, instead of just being a modest, quiet rich girl.

But I was afraid of wrath that I would face on behalf of my parents. I couldn't even begin to imagine the punishment I would receive once they come marching in my room.

Sitting up with a jolt from a dreamless sleep I had, the first thing I felt was nausea rush throughout my entire body. Biting my lip as I closed my eyes, I tried to stop the dizziness and blurriness in my vision.

''Fuck.'' I whispered. A mirrored wall was in front of me and I almost fainted at the sight of myself. Red lipstick from the previous night was everywhere except on my lips. Mascara ended just a little below my

cheekbones, making it look like I've cried. Oh, and the birds would be jealous of the nest I had on my head.

''Evangelia Lorelia Maddox!'' My mom, Mina, came rushing into the bedroom, almost breaking the door in the process. ''What has gotten into you?'' She asked, her voice slightly raised.

''I'm sorry.'' I sounded anything but apologetic, due to the headache I had.

''You're sorry? You are sorry? Do you have any idea what you have done? You embarrassed our family, trashed our family name in front of the entire world, and you're sorry?'' She screamed in my face, her features holding anger.

''Fuck! I've been a ''good girl'' for my entire life! I wanted for one night to do what I wanted, not you or dad! So, excuse me for not giving a fuck.'' I snapped.

Taking a step back at my outburst, her mouth was slightly parted as her eyes were holding disbelief. She blessed herself and silently began praying.

I could read the prayer off her lips.

''You need to find your connection to God again.'' She mumbled under her breath, but I caught it. Bringing her eyes up and looking at me, she released a puff of air, ''I'm sending you to grandma Heather. If you haven't fixed your behavior in a year, you can kiss your dream university goodbye and you'll go to the one I choose for you.''

It was my turn to stare at her in disbelief. Taking a minute to process the information, it didn't occur to me that instead of sending me to a household of God, she was sending me to my own, personal hell.

That is how I found myself an hour later on a plane. Instead of going to Paris, I was headed to New Jersey, in a place that I wouldn't have visited ever again.

Did I hate my grandma? No. But I didn't love her, either. I hated the fact that the religion couldn't be my choice, but it was what was expected of me. I respected every religion that exists, but I deep inside, I was never a believer of any.

The plane ride wasn't very long, or perhaps it was, but I was so deep in my thoughts that I hadn't noticed that we had already landed.

With a private jet, there were also security guards that were sent with me, until I reached my grandma's house. One of the four guards opened the back door for me, then stepping aside and letting me pass. The other two took the suitcases from the trunk of the car.

Heather's house was the same as I remembered it. Cream-colored two-story house, with a big balcony on the second floor. On both sides of the house were red roses, giving it a homey vibe.

The front door opened, revealing my grandma. She wore a long dress with an apron over it. Her gray hair was styled into a neat low bun and her face held happiness, welcoming me with a big smile.

"Honey!" She opened her arms for me. Taking a careful step towards her, I gave her a soft hug, not expecting her to squeeze me tightly.

Maybe she changed.

"Grandma." I said, a fake smile appearing on my face. "Come in! I was just making some cookies for my favorite granddaughter!"

Barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I stepped inside of her house and took a look around me. Every inch of a wall that was on my right side was covered in pictures of dad, mom, me and my cousin Talia along with uncle and aunt. She kept their photos even after their divorce.

Heather didn't believe in divorces.

"Talia will be mad if she hears that I'm your favorite granddaughter." I joked, but inside I was dead serious. Talia could be scary as fuck.

She dismissed me with a wave of her hand, as she closed the door behind the guards after they placed my things in the hallway.

"Let's be real, she hates me anyway." True, not that I love you.

Once we were all alone, she turned around and every nice and happy feature of hers disappeared, replacing it with a stern and hard look.

"Ground rules.

Church every Sunday.

Prayers every morning, before meals and before bed. No social life except for the Church. Did I make myself clear?" Quickly, I nodded my head.

Yeah, changed my ass.

I could only hope that I would find my "connection" to God soon, so I could get the fuck out of here.

What I didn't know back then was that something could keep me there. Something would catch my eye.

Someone.