The Haunted’s Kiss of Regret and Repentance

It was the day of my party, and everyone in the clan was invited. My mother and father bought me an island when I was born, and this was the first time that I was allowed to be on the island.

I was sitting at the balcony of my own private villa, and it was at the highest part of the island. The window overlooked the entire island, and I saw the smaller villas where some of the main family members were staying.

“Hey, sis, what’s with the long face? This is your big day, and everyone is excited for you to be officially introduced as the heir.”

I didn’t look at Izzy who was getting ready behind me. The breeze was amazing, and the smell of fresh air made me close my eyes.

“Sis, you can’t ignore me and pretend that I’m just the sound of the wind. You need to focus. Remember that our mother said everything should be perfect today. You can’t zone out on me like that, you know. Mom is going to kill the both of us if something bad happens, and she will ground me more if I don’t get your head in the game.”

I sighed and turned to see Izzy sitting on the bed with her flowing plain mint green dress that was just above her knee. Her black and gray ombre hair was swept to the side, and she wore a simple make up that complimented her skin and dress beautifully.

“Izzy, first of all, you look amazing. I love your entire look.” I said with a warm and genuine smile on my face.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“Second of all, I think you look better than my fat behind. I feel like a cupcake whenever I need to wear dresses and pretend to be the little miss perfect daughter in front of the clan.”

I made a sour face to express my distaste for my body and the situation. I was a chubby girl, but I can’t deny that I was beautiful. I thank my parents’ genes that God gave.

Izzy just rolled her eyes and took my dress that was laid out on my bed. The dress that my mother prepared reached just below my knee. It was a faded bronze fairy dress that was flowing and soft. It was an off shoulder dress with a sweetheart neckline, and had butterflies embroidered all around it.

“Shyne, you are just as beautiful, so stop the pity party. Besides, your dress compliments your body, and it makes you look even more beautiful. So shut up, stand up, and get dressed!”

I laughed as she pulled me with her left hand from my sitting position on the chair beside the window, while her right hand held my dress. I felt like I was the younger sister whenever Izzy took control of my outfits.

“Izzy, I don’t need you to babysit me while I change my clothes. I am not going to run away or do something stupid.”

“You’re my sister, Shyne, and I know for a fact that we have the same mind sometimes when it comes to mischief. That means, I need to be very careful with you, because I know that you’re worse than me.”

I laughed at her accusations, but did as I was told. It has been a while since the last time I did something stupid in front of the family. I was tempted to just skip the clan’s dinner and go to the beach, but I knew that I would be dead meat if I did what I was planning.

The preparations were done, and everyone was gathered at the open area of the island. The place was beautiful, and it was covered by lights and red and white flowers. I was behind the double doors as I waited for my father to formally introduce me.

I was feeling very nervous, and I had a bad feeling that something bad was about to happen. A hand held my shoulder and I covered my mouth to suppress my scream.

“Shyne, it’s okay. It’s me, your cousin Earl. Hey, it’s okay. I’m sorry.”

I caught my breath as I held my chest and tried my best to calm my racing heart.

“Earl! Why would you do that?! You nearly gave me a heart attack!” I said in a loud whisper. The dummy only suppressed his laughter as I hit the back of his head.

“I’m sorry, Shyne. I just saw Trixie and Nixie walking toward your direction a few minutes ago before arguing and leaving this place. Knowing the twins, they were bound to do something that could affect you and the clan. They were the reason why our cousin Andy had one of the worst birthdays, because they ruined it by bullying Andy about his failed grades. I just wanted to check on you if they did something to the heir of the clan.”

My eyebrows scrunched up and I wore an angered expression on my face. I knew that the twins wanted to be the new heirs of the clan, but I never thought that they would plan something today.

“Shyne, I know that look. You have that look when you’re out to get someone.”

I looked at him, and I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

“Look, Earl. I really appreciate your concern, but for now, I can’t do anything. I would introduce myself in a minute or two, and I won’t be able to move. Make sure you tell my brother and sister about what you think and saw. They’ll handle it on behalf of me.”

Earl nodded and left in a hurry to find Izzy and Alister. The two of them are my best shot in preventing whatever disaster the twins were planning.

“Shyne, it’s time.” My father said as he approached me from somewhere and took my hand in his.

The double doors opened, and my blood ran cold. I could see shadows all around my family. Each family member had a small shadow attached to them like reptiles, and my skin crawled from the sight.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Let me introduce to you the future of the De Leon clan! Miss Shyne De Leone!” My father announced as the people cheered, and the demonic shadows started to detach from them and crawl towards me on the stage.

I gave a silent prayer before looking straight at my family and giving them my perfectly practiced smile and nod. I needed to calm down in order for me to focus and control my emotions.

The shadows were getting nearer as I met Izzy’s worried gaze. I pleaded with her with my eyes, and she got the message and cheered loudly to distract the people.

“Alright, people! Let us all settle down and allow my daughter to give us her short speech.”

From the corner of my eyes, I saw the twins, Trixie and Nixie try to grab a microphone, but Alister and Izzy were able to stop them. Earl gave back the microphones to the operators, and I saw the three of them silently drag the twins inside.

I quickly gave my prepared speech about doing my best and honoring the family, and then I was excused to go to the bathroom. I ran as fast as I could to my room, and saw that the twins, Earl, Izzy, Alister, and my mother were there. The twins sat at the bed with their hands crossed over their chests, and a worried yet proud look was on their pale faces.

“Sis! Why are you here?! You should be downstairs!” Izzy exclaimed as she approached me.

I walked past her and went straight to my mother who was reading a folder that had the word ‘EVIDENCE’ on the outside.

“M-mom, wh-what are you reading?”

My mother slapped me with her free hand, and threw the folder to my chest. It stung, but the shock of it happening made all of us in the room grow silent.

“You had MULTIPLE FALSE PREGNANCIES?!”

My face paled and my entire body trembled in nervousness and fear. I could hear my blood moving in my veins and I felt like everything was floating. I felt like I was going to faint.

“How big of a SLUT did I manage to raise?!” My mom shouted as she kicked the scattered papers on the floor.

Tears were falling from my eyes, and I knew that my makeup was ruined. I couldn’t hear anything anymore, and I knew that I was having an anxiety attack.

Everything was moving, and I heard a deep and demonic chuckle before I completely passed out.