❝And the world hated her, because they couldn't understand the science that made her all, that she was❞

The faint ringing vibrated against my ear, echoing quietly as I fidget with the hem of my loose black dress, patiently waiting for him to pick up.

Silence played in the room and birds chirped outside, singing their own symphony. Sitting on the bed comfortably, I glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

"Hello?" His voice rang from the other line, giving a warm and homely feeling to my cold heart.

"Hey Dad. It's me" I greeted faintly.

"How much money do you need?" Just like always, his usual first question popped up.

Rolling my eyes, I spoke "Why in the world would you think that, I would call you for money?"

"That's the thing. my girl! You never call for money, like do you not need it? Are you starving yourself or living on the streets?" He let out dramatically. His fun yet worried tone made me realize just how much I had missed him.

"I already told you, didn't I? I have some money left from my previous job and other than that, my savings. Forget it, tell me how are you?" I asked.

"I am fine. Just counting my last days, wanting to see my daughter one last tim-"

"Dad" I whined childishly at his reply, making him let out a laugh.

"Okay sorry sorry. I am absolutely great, just missing you. What about you, Giggles? How have you been?" He asked fondly.

Giggles was the nickname, my dad gave me when I was really young. Maybe, because I used to giggle a lot and at everything.

Though those giggles and laughter were long gone now, had died years ago, faded away and became a lost memory.

"As always, I am doing fine and I miss you too. What are you doing, anyway?" I muttered coldly, not wanting to talk about myself.

"Seeing that I didn't have much work to do, I decided to bake some pies. Wait, aren't you supposed to be free today? Why don't you come home? It's just like three hours drive" He suggested enthusiastically.

Biting my bottom lip, I let out a sigh and replied "If I could I would, but I am at a friend's house for his sister's birthday. Sorry"

"His? Who is he? Are you alone?" He inquired in his I-am-your-dad-and-I-am-supposed-to-be-strict tone.

I rolled my eyes, taking a strand of my hair and wrapped it around my finger "Just someone I know and no, I am not alone. Everyone is here, my friends that is"

"Is Kate and Maria there too?" He asked again

"Yes Dad. Everyone is here" I let out a sigh, untangling my finger from the hair.

"Well have fun and I know, you can forgive your dad for acting like a nosy little bug. Oh! and Delia said hi and that she's missing you very much" He chimed as I heard quiet laughter in the background.

Delia was someone, whom I really admired. After my Mom, Dad changed in a weirdest way. I mean he was still the same yet somehow he changed. It didn't make sense, nothing did that time.

Delia helped my father a lot. She gave him the comfort that he needed, something I could never offer, at least not like her. She gave him, his laughter, his smiles, and me, my old fun Dad back.

I was beyond thankful towards her for making him the happiest man, when he seemed to forgot the meaning of the word 'Happiness'

At least someone is happy

Pushing those dark and tortured memories behind, burying them deep inside, I covered them with a chuckle and answered "Tell Delia I miss her too and hopefully I'll be there soon"

"I really hope you do and don't forget to bring those girls with you too" He said warmly

"I will, I promise" I nodded, but abruptly stopped in the middle, when realized he couldn't see me.

"Uh uh kiddo, I don't want an empty promise, you better" He warned in a playfully stern voice.

But Dad, your daughter is full of all those empty promises, she has received

"Yeah yeah as I said, I promise. Now, I have to go. Talk to you later" I announced, getting up from the bed.

"Okay giggles, Bye. Take care of yourself and don't forget to have fun. Come home soon, we miss you"

Whispering a low farewell, I cut the call and turning off my phone, threw it on the bed.

Letting out a sigh, I ran my hands through my messy hair as I stood there in front of the mirror, watching my reflection stare right back at me, mocking me. Is this what you wanted to be?

"I hate you"

There were so many things I still had to say, so many things still had to share, yet like always I stayed quiet, because it was easy. Easier.

Fuck it I thought and started brushing my untamed hair, after getting done, I walked towards the door.

Loud laughter floated in the air as I stepped out of the room, pulling me towards it downstairs, intrigued.

"I can't believe you Ethan!" Emma's deafening voice burst just as I stepped down the last stair.

Walking towards the living room, I saw Emma sitting on the floor, under a big mound of boxes and gift wrappers. Bouquets and chocolates, cards spread everywhere.

Ethan and Evan were sitting on her left side laughing and joking about heaven knows what and Kate was on her right side deeply engrossed in their sibling war. On the armchair beside, Nate was sitting, reading a newspaper? That's new.

And on the couch were sitting Maria and Sharon clutching their head, moaning in pain.

"Winter, come here and see what Ethan got me for my Birthday present" Emma whined as she saw me coming.

Raising her hand, she gave me a clear view of her present, making me let out a chuckle under my breath just as I saw what was it.

It was a plain white baby bodysuit with the quote 'Be sad Bitches! My uncle is the coolest one' written on it. It was pretty great actually.

"Nice," I commented, nodding impressively and sat down on the floor, resting my back against the armchair, Nate was sitting on. He didn't notice, completely focused in his newspaper..

"Thank god! Finally someone who appreciates it. Thanks Snow. Emma was just making me regret all my efforts to find it" His hazel eyes swimming with euphoria, shined at me.

The bright rays of sunlight flirtatiously sneaked in and glowed on his face, sharpening his already sharp features. His hair was a wild mess, tousled and undone yet it looked devilishly handsome.

A lazy grin gilding his face and cheeks looking just a perfect amount of rosy, because of the glimpsing sun rays as he sat there on the floor, with his legs crossed.

"Now, open my present!" Evan hollered, making his elder brother laugh as he dearly wrapped his arm around his young fella.

Somewhere in the background, a voice cursed and then let out a groan clearly disturbed by the loud noises.

"Sure" Emma giggled, looking around and then picked up a cute small box, excellently wrapped in a golden gift wrap.

Her face lit up and a big smile took over her face, when she opened the box, but it faded away as fast as it came. Because in that box, there was nothing except a plain white note.

"What's that?" Kate furrowed her eyebrows, leaning from side to peek in.

Emma picked up the note with a sour expression as Kate read out aloud "Being related to me is really the only gift you need, just saying"

"That is so clever" Ethan remarked in disbelief, looking towards Evan as he sat there with a cheeky grin.

"I hate my brothers,"Emma mumbled, tearing the note in half and threw it in the box again as Kate let out a laugh beside her.

Realization hit me, making me remember that I had yet to give her my present. Quickly getting up from the floor, I muttered "I'll be right back"

"Snow, if you are going upstairs, please call Finn" I heard Ethan yell from behind as I raced upstairs towards my room, making me grumble.

Barging in, I looked around frantically for my bag and let out a sigh, when I finally spotted it. Falling on my knees, I opened the bag, rummaging through my clothes and took out Emma's birthday present.

I didn't get the chance to go and actually buy something for her as it was kind of a sudden plan, so I just tried to find something appropriate for her from my treasury.

Let's hope that she likes it, I mused, exiting the room with that pink paper bag in my hand.

Humming to myself I walked towards the room Finn and Nate was sharing, across the hallway.

The door was opened a little, but still knocking it gently with my fist, I spoke "Are you decent?"

"Not morally, but I got all my clothes on, if that's what you are asking" His voice chimed from the other side as I opened the door and stepped inside.

"Oh my god! What did I do to have your highness grace me with your presence?" Finn jumped up from the bed, joyfully and coming in front of me, bowed down.

"Don't make me punch you" I let out coldly with a blank expression.

"Cheerful as always, I see. What can I do for you?" He asked, tilting his head, then gave me a wide smile.

"Ethan is calling you down, that's all" I muttered and letting go of the doorknob, turned around to walk out.

"Visit again, your highness" I heard his voice called out as I made my way downstairs, making me roll my eyes.

"It's nothing special, but I hope yo-" I began to say, entering the living room, when she cut me off in between

"Stop with this formality and give it to me" Emma joked, spreading her hands towards me.

Chuckling quietly, I put the paper bag in her hand and took my previous seat on the fluffy carpeted floor.

Knowing that the girls forgot to bring anything for her, I instantly added "This is from us"

Kate brightened up beside her and mouthed to me 'I love you' as I scrunch my nose, shaking my head slowly.

"Aww you guys are so sweet" Emma cooed, excitingly and quickly opened the bag. Meanwhile, I sat there praying and tapping my fingers on my knee.

It was nothing big, just a Chanel's perfume 'Chance' and a Nail polish set consisting fifteen different shades of nail paint, nudes, glitters and soft colors.

I was not really a big fan of painting my nails and stuff, but seeing Emma changed hers every week, I thought it would be perfect for her. That perfume was just a bonus.

"Oh my god! This smells heavenly" Emma exclaimed and took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh floral scent in, after spraying perfume in the air.

Ethan made a gagging noise "I can't breathe" He dramatically choked out, causing Evan to laugh.

"Yeah yeah it's all great and all, but can you like keep it down a bit? I am dying here" Maria's groggy voice interrupted.

"Same" Sharon let out a wince and quickly added turning towards Nate "I still want to know, how are you not hungover"

Nate peeked through the newspaper from the side, eyes shining sinfully and replied "It's art, darling"

"Yeah sure, art..." Ethan let out a chuckle and tilting his head towards Nate, smirked.

Loud footsteps echoed in the air, alerting us as someone quickly came down the stairs and approached us.

"Good Morning my friends and his crazy siblings and..... my hungover girls" Finn's voice boomed as he entered the living room with a big grin enhancing his face and observed the atmosphere, looking around with delight.

"Oh! For the love of God and the peace of earth, do us a favor and shut up!" Maria groaned sitting up and threw a deadly glare in his direction, while he stood there completely unaffected.

"Now, quiet down everybody!"Margaret announced, walking in with a tray in her hands as Finn quickly stepped out of her way.

"Here loves, Drink this. It'll help to cure your headache," she explained with a smile, coming towards Maria and Sharon and offering them cups of peppermint Tea as It's warm smell started engulfing us.

"My god, Margret you are such a sweet soul" Sharon let out in affection, picking up the cup from the tray.

She slowly shook her head, giggling. Then turned around, peering at us. "Evan, shower. Now. Emma clean this mess and take your meds, Ethan help your sister" She ordered in a motherly stern tone, causing Evan to groan as he got up from the floor, grumpily.

Tired, I stood up from the floor too, fixing my dress as she looked at me and with a tender smile, she asked "Winter, would you mind helping me in the kitchen?"

~~~

Soft hues of orange and yellow painted the sky, water color as we all walked out of the house, with our bags.

Somewhere far from the sky, birds sang a tired goodbye, going back to the place where they belonged. Dreaming of coming back with new hope on a new day, with a new sunrise.

"I will miss you kids so much" Margaret breathed, putting a hand on her chest with a sad glint in her eyes.

"We will too, it was so much fun coming here and meeting you guys" Finn replied with a smile, walking towards her and wrapped his arms around her, in a bear hug. Covering her small dainty body with his.

"Yeah, you took great care of us" Kate spoke as the others nodded in agreement.

Pulling away from Finn, Margaret looked at us with teary eyes, shining "You are going to make me cry" She sniffled.

"Aww! Come here Mama Keyes, give us a hug" Theo called adjusting the bag on his shoulder and giving a big grin, stepped in front to throw his arms around Finn and Margaret.

One by one, everybody stepped up wrapping their arms around each other, engulfing Margaret in a warm big group hug. Meanwhile I stood there fiddly, with thousands of thoughts running through my mind.

"Thank you for everything" Sharon gave her a timid smile, walking away.

Maria and Theo got into the car shouting and arguing about who would get to sit by the window as Alex loaded the bags in the trunk.

Ethan was still standing beside his Mom as he looked down at her with crooked smile, when Margaret confessed "I will miss you, son"

"Not more than me, but don't worry I'll be back soon" He assured her, then slowly leaned down and kissed her forehead, caressing it with a promise.

"I love you. Take care, Mom" He mumbled and looked at her one last time, memorizing the details of her face. After, grabbing his bag from the ground, he stalked towards his car.

What the fuck are you waiting for? I yelled at myself inwardly as I awkwardly started strolling towards Margaret, having no idea about what to do.

She looked at me and quickly a gente calm smile made its way on her face.

Standing in front of her, I hesitantly raised my arms and went to hug her. She more than happily welcomed it, enclosing me in her embrace.

I let out a faintest sigh, feeling a strange sense of contentment and peace hypnotizing me, whispering to my heart. But, didn't wanting to come out as a freak, I quickly pulled away.

"It was so nice meeting you, Winter" She smiled at me brightly, grabbing my hand as I tried not to squirm and pressed my lips into a thin line, nodding.

"Likewise, Margaret. It was a pleasure meeting you and staying with your family, I really enjoyed it here" I told her earnestly, in my best polite tone.

"I am glad you did. You should come here again with Ethan, I really want you to. We will have so much fun and I can even show you hi- "

"That's enough, don't you think Mom? Now if you excuse us, come Snow we are getting late" Ethan announced grabbing my arm and hastily dragged me towards his car, leaving Margaret standing there, giggling.

I thanked god in thousands of other languages as I let him drag me further. I don't think I was ready for wherever that talk was heading.

"Stop calling me that" I scowled, stopping abruptly in between, I snatched my arm from his tight grasp and pushed him away from me, roughly.

"Man, what's your problem?" Ethan asked, letting out a wince.

"I thought it was obvious, you" I muttered, giving him a cold look and turned to open the passenger door and settled in the comfortable leather seat.

"Let's get going, we have a long journey ahead" Finn cheered getting in the car, soon followed by Nate.

Throwing my head back, I let out a groan and spoke "Out of all people, you guys have to join us?"

Ethan slid in, making himself comfortable on the seat for a long drive as Finn chimed sarcastically "I don't want to miss this opportunity"

I rolled my eyes resting my head against the seat as Nate and Finn talked about only god knows what.

"Winter, could you put your seatbelt on?" I heard his smooth voice from beside me. Letting out a tired sigh at his mocking tone, I raised my hand and took the seat belt, buckling it around me, throwing a glare at the hazel eyed devil sitting in the driver's seat, just as I did.

His deep chuckle swirled in the air, before the car's engine roared and I turned my head looking out of the window, watching shadows and blurred buildings dancing along with us in the dim light of sunset.

With music blasting in the background mixed with laughter and talks, we hit the road. Long drive and Music, yes that's what I liked.

How have you been? It's been ages.

Just saw that I last updated 18 days ago, ughhh. But, can you blame me? I am drowning in assignments and stuck between trying to complete them or getting enough sleep, also my exams are coming and now I am fucked.

Anyway, I know you can forgive me for being late and hope you like this chapter, that's all I've got. My mind is messed up, because I am not getting much time to write or motivation, #SomeoneGetMeADrink #OrBetterYetJustKillMe

Bye. Be safe angels, take care of yourselves. Smile often and Don't be sad, because sad backwards is das and das not good :)

Love, Zee...