“Who is here to take you?” Asking, Mrs Parish looked back at her wooden pad. Despite being busy, she is personally checking the departure of students. Today, on the last day, I feel her hectic schedule.

Without answering, I hugged her. She has been the mother to us, in the absence of our mothers, despite her disciplinarian attitude. I know, I am going to miss her.

“What is wrong with you?” She tried to push me away. “Stop acting like this is your last day here.” She was annoyed. And, I am enjoying annoying her. We loved her, 'get back to bed' nags.

“Thank you so much for taking care of us.” Leaving her, I smiled. I never liked her, but today is special. The smile refuses to leave my face. My Appearance would be like a lunatic. But that joy of surprising my family is running through my veins. I can't wait to see their face. Especially mom. With the thought of her dramatic tears, I heard my giggles.

“Stopping being lunatic.” Mrs Parish rolled her eyes. “You will be back here soon. Then, grin as much as you want.”

“I am not coming back.” I grinned, taunting her. I guess, she doesn't like the polite bye. She needs the dose. “And, Daniel Brown is here to take me home.” I mocked her.

She sighed and looked at her tablet. I am sure she's looking for documents. “I don't see your father's signature in the….”

“It's home time…" interrupting her, “so I am leaving. But soon, the formalities will be done. And.....” I said. “I'll not come back,” I whispered.

“Is it so?” She mocked me. “Your grandmother wants the best for you. I don't think she will allow this…”

“I am my parent's responsibility.” I dismissed her and walked to sit on the couch. She ruined my day. I am trying hard to stay happy so that I could pass the same energy while meeting my family. But, people around me are eager to destroy it.

I have packed all my belongings and can't wait to see my siblings. They all are so young. So cute. Those little hands when holding my hands, I realised I have always wanted a little sibling. But I am so blessed that I got three siblings, that could fit into my lap.

“Cherish Carter.” When my name was announced through the speaker, I knew Dan has arrived. I warned him to keep it a secret. Even I discussed it with Norma, but she wasn't into the conversation. She sounded ill. Mom is still not aware of my surprise. And, she still thinks we have a month to finish exams. It's going to be her biggest surprise.

I rushed and found Dan conversing on the phone. He looks stressed. Of course, he is. I asked him to keep it our top-secret mission. He must be tired. He couldn't tell anyone that he needs help.

As soon as he hung up, he looked at me. He sighed with relief and smiled. He looks relaxed now. Not only that, but he took his time to reach me and hugged me like I am his precious daughter.

“I missed you.” He sounded emotional.

“Are you crying?” I didn't look at him and hugged him. I think this hug will help him.

“Emotions…” He chuckled.

“Even I missed you.” I agreed. “Where is Norma?” Breaking our hug, I looked around.

“She….uh… she was busy.” Dan looked uncomfortable.

“Is everything ok?”

Smiling with a lot of love in his eyes, “I think, Anna will clarify it.” He said.

“How's mom?” Joy hits me.

“I don't know. I couldn't face her.”

I frowned.

“One lesson for you… Sometimes it's fine to interfere in someone's life… It can save their lives.” Dan lectured.

“What happened? Why are telling me this?” Now, I am getting anxious. Something is not right. And, the possibility of worse is breaking my heart. My wild imagination is killing me.

“Because I regret not doing it.” Looking at the driver, he nodded. And, the driver soon walked inside to get my luggage. “Cherish…” Looking at me, “the environment where Anna grew was different from yours. So, whatever she did because she believed in her actions. I am so sorry that you had to face James as your father.”

Hearing the name, my body calmed down. It killed my joy. “I feel it would be better not to talk about him.”

I should have understood that my day will be worse when Mrs Parrish Denied my affection. But I was trying to be optimistic.

Wrong move.

“What are you doing here?” Dean approached me and looked inside the car. “Daddy dumped you.” He teased me as the driver's seat was empty. Dan and Driver is still inside, listening to infinite complaints of Mrs Parish. What is wrong with her? She should enjoy her middle age before middle life crises hits her.

Even This 12-year-old kid has the boldness to bully me. I can smash him into pieces.

“Of course, he can… He has a choice as he is MY dad.” I tried to remind him that, the man he thinks is his father, is actually my father. I don't understand his obsession with my father. Even though I am not very proud of Mr Carter, I carry his genes and that's a bitter pill to swallow.

“He's my dad.” Dean turned red. Again!!!

“Don't you think you should focus on your real father?” I pasted my saccharine smile. His denial is an understatement. He never met his father, my father was around. And his mother and my father are good friends. I wonder if they still meet.

“You should keep your mother in check…." Dean was about to burst, but he stopped.

“Hey, kid… Shoo.” A feminine voice interrupted.

“Duck you….” Dean was about to show his 'not so good' finger, but he stopped.

“Kid… Fuck off.” A male voice boomed behind us and Dean listen. But before leaving, he glared at me.

I turned and look at the owners. It was my seniors, Savannah Rogers and Hunter Maxwell. Why do I always find them together? Are they dating?

“You shouldn't talk to people like him.” Savannah was in her savage mood. “He knows nothing but harassment.”

“Savvy….” Hunter called her.

“That Ms Rogers to you.” She turned and warned Hunter.

Rolling his eyes, “Don't bother yourself with unwanted issues.” Hunter advised me.

I should have thought, before resting, that my day is not done. I still have a few hours to pass today.

Walking around the empty house, I noticed the arrival of workers from the window of my brother's room. I am sure they are construction workers, but why are they here?

David runs and stopped them.

I watch David, talking to them while Trina and Susan are taking care of the kids. My sibling, Ryan and Jupiter with Zippy. But where is Mom? They were surprised when they saw me, even Dan didn't wait a drove off.

Rushing around the house, I noticed the camera. Mom told me, she was paranoid. Since no one is giving me answers, I have to find my answers.

I switched on the TV, and I was lucky to find the footage. There is no security in it.

That was easy.

For a few minutes, I watched the recording but soon, I understood that nothing is happening. It's simply my siblings taking revenge on behalf of me from our good for nothing sperm donor. I look how Annie glares at him. This girl has a good sense of judgement, but she's too young. I think she's gifted.

I fast-forwarded the recording and found one interesting thing… Dean's Mother was here. What this woman is doing here? Why is she walking around the house looking at the decoration like she owns it?

When Mr Carter started to talk, I saw him collapsing and Dr Harrington dials… Most probably help.

As they leave, mom arrived with my siblings after a few hours, and then she checked the voicemail, resulting in her rushing out of the house, leaving little Carters and Zippy. But luckily, within a few minutes, Susan arrived to meet a confused being.

What happened?

I stormed to David, who is still in deep conversation with the workers, and pulled him away from them.

“James called them… He wants a few rooms added to….” David was explaining to me, but I stopped him.

“Where is mom? What happened to Mr Carter?” I asked.

Giving me that unwanted pity looks, “They both are fine.” He replied and asked the worker to start the job.

“I don't want this… I want answers.”

“James couldn't hold himself. You know, he was an alcoholic. It's withdrawal symptoms. He has an urge to drink. But he is trying to stay clean.”

“Why his mistress was here?” I added.

My question caught him off guard, but his action didn't bother, what bothered me was my mom standing behind him, who listened to us. To my question. I can tell she's hurt. Her heart is broken again.

“He brought her into my house.” She said as if she was trying to make sense.

“Mom….” I called her, but she collapsed on the concrete pathway, hitting her head with full force.

“She is bleeding.” David panicked.

.