Black Rose

Chapter 1 : Past Shadows

Ileana's Pov - At home

Ileana Dela Cruz, that's my name, which I someday wish to get rid of. I probably sound horrible for saying such things. It is just pretty much annoying how people give me too much unwanted attention, because of my family's social status.

I also get frustrated as to how people react after knowing my full name. They just instantly bombard me with questions like : "Are you related to the vice prime minister? Is he your father, uncle or brother?"

I mean jeez! There are like a thousands of people in Manila with the same surname, but only one out of hundred are related. Can't I just have a break for a second and lead a normal life?

Anyways I have many important things to worry about other than that, like my almost armpit length hair for instance. It's so overgrown at this point. I like it shoulder length with light front bangs. This right here, is not my style at all. I guess It's time for a hair makeover at home.

___

Author's Pov

"Oh hey, you got a new haircut?" Ileana's cunning stepsister says as Ileana sits on the dining table. She gives her a deadly glare as she knows that all the attention is now on her, thanks to her Ailee.

"Turning into a man, doesn't cost much these days, you might as well just do it fully." Her father sarcastically remarks.

"Dear, there is nothing wrong with her look and besides it's not like it matters to anyone what she does. Let's just accept her as she is, she's our own blood." Her sweet mother defends her.

"Ohh this is for you dear. Congratulations! I saw your test paper, on top of your desk." Her mother says as she gives her a rectangular Pandora box with a simple diamond necklace, just the way she likes it.

"Thank you mother." Ileana exclaims as she puts it around her naked neck, making her sister roll her eyes.

"98%! Not bad, why don't you learn from your brother, he often did better." Her father sarcastically says and it instantly makes her lose her appetite.

Nothing she does is ever good enough for him, ever. And as always he finds ways to bring his son up, knowing how much it torments her everytime. Seeing her teary eyes, her mother touches her husband's hands trying to stop him from dragging the matter any further.

"Ileana, Ilea...." Her mother calls out but the girl is long gone.

"See, can't you all behave like a family for once. When are you gonna get over this and move on with your lives. It's as if losing one child was not enough and you wanna lose another. Zyair is gone and he is not coming back, so stop blaming her for it all the time." Mrs Dela Cruz says in rage.

"Get over it? How can I when the killer of my son is right infront of me. How can I eat with her and see her face every single day. I cannot handle that." Mr Dela Cruz retorts back at his wife.

"Ohh I can't stand this, really." She says as she goes upstairs in a fit of rage.

Ailee who has been smiling the whole time as her younger sister was now becoming her father's least favourite. She just likes the sound of it, and as for her father and step mother, it's not new seeing them act this way. She is used to it all and that's why she is just shamelessly finishing her breakfast like nothing happened.
____

Author's Pov - At College

The driver drops a disheartened Illeana at her college. All that is running through her head is what happened earlier at her home.

"Ileana! Ileana! Hey". Her best friend Kyle happily calls as he goes to her.

"Hey." A small smile appears as she greets him back.

"What's with the long face?" He asks as she tries avoiding his gaze by looking ahead.

"Nothing much." She monotonously answers making him nod in understanding.

"It's about your father again, isn't it?" He finally asks after pushing aside his hesitation, while she just nods without a word.

"I just feel like I wanna die Kyle. It's hard living everyday knowing that someone died because of you. My father never stops reminding me about the son he lost, he makes my life a living hell. I can't carry on like this, I wish I was the one who was dead instead of Zya..." She says while her composure reaches its limit, unable to say her brother's name.

"Don't say that, I know you would have done the same for your brother. Do not blame yourself for what happened, he saved you because he loved and cared for you. Honour his sacrifice instead and stop questioning your existence. Your dad, his just frustrated about losing his only son. He will get over it with time". Kyle says while wiping the tears off of her face.

"Why doesn't he at least try to move on and be happy to have us for once. I mean he still has a family, but he acts like he has none. I just want him to look at me as his daughter for once, not his son's killer. He hasn't done that for the past six years now." Ileana breaks down into his embrace.

Kyle not knowing what to say or do anymore, he embraces her until she calms down.

"I wanna say it will be alright but honestly speaking Ileana, forgive yourself first then the rest will follow. I know that is hard but wherever your brother is, he would want you to feel gratitude for his sacrifice. Do you think his happy to know that his good deed ruined his sister's life? No! He is clearly not. Try to be happy for him and his memories, okay?!" He further says and Ileana's mood instantly changes as she imagines her brother's proud smile.

"My mom always says that. I will try for him and his memories. Thank you Kyle and I'm really sorry for disturbing your day like this". She says with a much more cheerful smile.

"Anytime Ley, and by the way, me and the boys are sort of hanging out after classes. Wanna join?" He offers trying to help his best friend clear her mind.

"No! it's fine, isn't it sort of like a boys day out or whatever?" She asks as she realised that she didn't want to disturb him and his friends.

"No, they already know that you will be there". He says with a smile.

"But I ...."

"No! we are going and that's final. We have done this a million times and they would feel offended if you don't come. You're no less than a sister to them so yeah". Kyle discards her refusal immediately.

"But that friend of yours, Aiden. I can't stand him really". She says with a roll of her pretty hazel eyes.

"I know, neither can he". He says with a chuckle while she glares at him.

"What?!!! Everybody knows that it is true". He says with a shrug.

"Whatever!" She says as they start going to their first classes.

________

* To be Continued *

°
°
°

Sorry for the late update but
More is coming Soon. Feel free to
Comment your thoughts n ask Q's
I'm happy to clear all confusion.

< Vanityheart_army >

♡