Arletta Jessica McDowell POV
I have arrived home, but the bad memory of the elevator still lingers. Damn! Why was I constantly reminded of that? Was it because two phobias popped up unexpectedly, and that perverted man added to the horror?
"Why do you have such a frown on your face, Lizzy? Is there something else you are going through?"
I, walking without enthusiasm, looked back because someone called my name. It turned out to be Mom. Should I tell her about what was going on with me? I did not want Mom and Dad to fight because of that. What a hard choice!
"I am tired, Mom."
I could not give another answer because I avoided telling Mom lies. I would not say I like that and avoided making white lies. Mom looked at me strangely, but I kept quiet and hoped that this situation would end soon.
"Okay. Get some rest, Lizzy."
I was very relieved by Mom's words, because it meant that I could go back to my room. I hoped I would never have to experience all the bad events that evoked two phobias at once. Well, at least that was my hope.
"Thanks, Mom. I am going back to my room now."
"You look strange. Are you okay?" Mom was still asking the same thing. I knew she must be doing this on purpose so that I would tell her the truth. But not today, Mom.
"I'm fine, Mom. Do not worry." I lied to her, for my goodness, because that was all I could do for now.
Mom was watching me with a worried look. I could not blame her, but I needed a space to be alone. I tried to smile, even though inside, I felt the opposite.
What sane person could be happy if they had experienced the horrible things I have felt? I hope it was all a dream and that all the bad stuff never happened when I woke up.
"Okay. Call me if you need anything."
"Sure, Mom. I will do it."
I turned my body around and then walked away from Mom, who must have been confused by my attitude. What could I say to her now? Nothing. It was better to calm down rather than have to remember annoying things. The major problem was my phobias came suddenly. How could I handle them? It has been nine years since I have had any issues, and a few hours ago, everything changed.
I walked up the stairs feeling empty. I thought I would have to sleep with the lights on tonight so I did not get scared in the dark. I began to realize one thing: where were the husky puppy and orange cat? They should have wandered into the mansion. Did Ben take them?
Just when I was arriving on the second floor, I saw a figure of a young man in the middle from twenty meters away, and there were also two other shadows, like the image of a cat and a puppy. I guessed I knew who he was, and I let him there.
I kept walking and tried to act as normal as possible so that no one would get suspicious, although it was challenging, especially seeing my expression right now.
"Hey, Sissy!"
I recognized who had called me that and forced myself to smile. The puppy I had seen instead ran towards me and then barked excitedly.
"Yeah, Ben." I waved goodbye to my only brother. Luckily, I had him, so my days in this house were not as bad as I thought. The puppy bumped my right leg and deliberately circled around me. The sight slightly comforted the feelings of sadness, annoyance, and emptiness in my heart.
I bent down and picked up this handsome puppy. Dex licked my right cheek, so his silly behaviour made me laugh, even though I felt the opposite inside.
"Are you being a good boy, Dex?" I asked this cute husky puppy.
He made a strange sound, which could be interpreted as, "Yes, Mom. I am a good boy."
"Good! That is my boy." I praised Dex. He licked my face again, and this handsome dog's behaviour was funny, which made me laugh. I probably would not be like this if I did not have a pet.
"Sissy. Where have you been? Mom said you went to Dad's office?"
I immediately turned my head when I heard the question. It turned out that Ben was already beside me with his favourite orange cat. "Yup. I did go there."
Why did Ben ask such a sensitive question? Oh, well. He did not know yet about what was going on with me. It was better that he did not know either because it would be troublesome for me, too.
Ben raised one eyebrow, and I was still holding Dex. The orange cat was still near my brother, and our situation was quiet. I must be strong because I did not want to make any suspicious act in my family's eyes.
"Dad's always on his best behaviour. He never changes," Ben grumbled, annoyed.
"Exactly. Dad could have said it at home, but he was happy to give his children a hard time and the difficulties as usual." I replied to Ben and tried not to remember the incident in the elevator. Damn! Arlan's face came back to me, much to my annoyance.
I tried to get rid of Arlan's face, which increasingly appeared in my eyes. That pervert was a bastard, but I was hesitant to report him to Mom. She could send anyone to kill him. He deserved to die, but I did not want to get so much trouble with his death, including my guilt.
"Are you okay, Sissy?" Ben's question was the same as Mom's and made me almost want to scream, but I did not because the consequences could be severe.
Ever since I was on my way to Dad's office, my gut feeling had warned of danger, and exactly that was what happened. I unconsciously exhaled rather loudly because all those annoying moments hadn't gone away. Shit!
"I want to take a nap. If Mom asks for dinner, tell her that I can't go to the dining room. Just bring all the food to my room." I told Ben to anticipate this because Mom was very disciplined, especially during meals. She would ask us to eat together unless one of us was out of the house.
"Alright." Ben seemed to understand, and luckily, he did not ask me more questions.
"Thank you." I realized that I had been holding Dex. This cute dog seemed to be looking at me expectantly. Would I still bring him to the room? I guessed not. At that moment, I preferred that my good boy was with Ben because I did not want to be bothered by anyone.
"Ben, please take Dex first," I said as I handed my dear puppy to my only brother.
"Why? You usually like to play with Dex." Ben accepted Dex but cringed as if he had already realized something was off with me.
"I told you that I wanted to take a nap. When Dex is in the room, he likes to play." I said that on purpose so Ben would not be too suspicious.
"Okay." That was all he said. Dex looked sad, but I scratched this puppy's head to comfort him.
I am sorry, Dex. I got so much pressure today, so I did not want to be bothered by anyone, including a pet. Just give me a moment; perhaps my feelings will be better later. I hoped so.
"Thank you, bro. I am going to my room." I resumed my delayed steps and left Ben alone with Dex and his favourite cat.
"Why is Sissy being weird? Did she fight with Dad when she was in Dad's office? Or maybe there was something-"
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