I said leave. Tricia snapped. Isabella held Vera tightly and backed away.
But Tricia was furious. She walked forward and shoved Isabella toward the door. Get out of this house, she shouted.
Isabella stumbled, still holding Vera. But in the middle of the struggle, Vera slipped from her arms and fell. She hit her face on the sharp edge of the gate and cried out loudly in pain.
Mommy. My face, she screamed. Isabella bent quickly, lifting her bleeding daughter.
Please. Look what you’ve done, she cried. Tricia crossed her arms.
That’s what happens when you trespass where you don’t belong. She walked back inside, slamming the door. Isabella and Vera sat by the gate outside the mansion for hours.
The sun was hot and they hadn’t eaten anything. Isabella tore a piece of cloth to press on Vera’s wounded cheek. The little girl whimpered softly in her arms.
Evening came. Kelvin’s car drove in. As he reached the gate, he spotted Isabella and Vera sitting on the ground outside.
His heart raced. He jumped out of the car and rushed to them. What happened? He knelt before Vera, saw the wound on her face, and looked up at Isabella.
Isabella’s voice was shaking. Yo. Yo, madam.
She threw us out. She said we shouldn’t be in your house. She pushed me and Vera fell and got hurt.
Kelvin’s face turned dark with anger. Get inside, he said quickly. Both of you.
Come inside now. He opened the gate wide and helped them in. As they stepped inside, he saw Tricia sitting in the living room watching a movie, sipping a drink like nothing happened.
Kelvin’s anger exploded. He walked straight to her and yanked her up from the couch. To the room.
Now. Tricia looked confused. What? What’s going on? He didn’t answer.
He marched her to his room and shut the door behind them. Inside Kelvin’s bedroom. What is wrong with you, Tricia? He shouted.
You saw someone in my house and instead of calling me, you threw her out. You pushed her. You made a little girl fall and get injured.
Tricia folded her arms. Who is she? Why is she here? You brought her into your house without telling me. That little girl is my daughter.
Kelvin shouted. Tricia’s mouth dropped open. What? Yes.
My blood. My own child. I just found out days ago.
And you. You starved her. Pushed her.
And hurt her. Tricia’s eyes were wide. But.
I’m pregnant for you. So. Kelvin shouted.
So because you’re pregnant, I should throw away my own daughter. The child I abandoned for five years without knowing. He stepped back and pointed toward the door.
Let this never happen again, Tricia. Don’t ever touch them. Don’t ever go near Vera again.
Oh I swear, this house will no longer be your home. Tricia stood frozen. And for the first time, she realized something terrifying.
Kelvin was beginning to care deeply for Isabella and Vera. And she was slowly losing her place in his heart. The sky was grey that morning.
The house felt quiet. Too quiet. Tricia sat alone in the large living room, her eyes puffy from crying all night.
The mansion that once made her feel proud now felt cold and distant. She heard footsteps. Kelvin was coming down the stairs…
