The Alpha's Burning Flower

Chapter 7

Life as She Knew it

Annabella POV 

It's been three days since I found out dad died. Six since he actually died. Today is the funeral. I got out of the hospital yesterday because the doctor said I was healing quickly and am able to function on my own as long as I'm careful. I dress in black and pile into Sarah’s car with the other three. No one speaks. I barely even feel present at the funeral. Some man that says he's from dad’s work speaks but I don’t hear what he says. People come and tell me they're sorry. I keep the tears in but Sarah cries. 

I don’t even remember going home but the next thing I know, I am standing in front of the door to the house. I think Sarah is calling me so I walk into the house. She is standing in the living room so I go stand in front of her, my eyes down. I don’t hear what she is saying. Suddenly, I feel a sharp pain on the side of my face that makes me stumble. 

She slapped me. 

She does it again on the same cheek. I cup my face and look at her in shock. 

“Did that snap you out of it you wretched girl? Are you finally listening to me?” She yells at me. I just stare. “Did that crash make you stupid?” She asks angrily.

“N-no.” I stutter still shocked that she hit me. 

“Finally, she speaks. It's time for dinner,” she says flipping a hand at me. 

“I’m not hungry,” I tell her. 

“I don’t care if you're hungry, I am and I want dinner. So go make some.” 

“What?” I am so confused. Why would she ask me to cook dinner tonight? She sighs and grabs my arm roughly and drags me into the kitchen where she finally lets go. 

“Listen closely girl because there will be punishments if you do not listen well. Things are going to work differently now around here. You will cook breakfast and dinner for me and my kids every day. Before, you will set the table and after you will clear it. You will clean this house spotless twice a week. You will eat in your room, not with us. You will not backtalk or complain in any way or there will be punishments. If you do not do everything I ask well and on time, there will be punishments. Do you understand?” I don’t know what else to do so I just nod my head. “Good,” she says then walks away. 

I have no idea how to cook real meals, dad always did it. So I made the only thing I know how to: grilled cheese. I made eight, enough for all of them to have two if they want, and heated up some tomato soup. I take out four plates and four bowls, placing two sandwiches and each and pouring in the soup. I set a spoon in each bowl of soup then set it all on the table. I go back to the kitchen and pour four glasses of water and bring those to the table as well. I set napkins in the middle. 

“Dinner is ready,” I tell Sarah and then walk up to my bedroom. I crawl into bed without changing and break down into silent sobs, quickly crying myself to sleep.