Secrets - A slave to my father

Chapter three

Ally’s POV

“Run Ally!” my mother screamed at the top of her lungs. “Run!”

I sat up in my bed, sweating and out of breath. I should have been used to it by now. The same dream every night for 8 years straight. Nothing more, nothing less. I don’t remember the day my mom died. It’s like the day has been erased from my memories. Everything else about my mom, I remember clearly. From the way she laughed to the way, she sang to me before bedtime. 

I looked at the time. 

10:30 am. 

I sighed as I got out of bed and walked towards my bathroom. 

Today was the day of the charity ball. I looked in the mirror only to see a small bruise staring right back at me. 

“It’s not as bad as I thought It would be…” I mumbled to myself. I brushed my teeth and combed my hair before walking downstairs to grab some breakfast. As I entered the kitchen my father called me over. 

“Ally, can I have a word with you?”

“Yes,” I said as I turned around and looked at him. As he approached me, he looked at my face.

“You need to cover that up,” he said as he pointed to my cheek. No emotions on his face, no remorse whatsoever. No guilt, no nothing. “The limo will be here at 6:30 pm sharp so don’t be late.” 

“I won’t.” 

“And do not embarrass me tonight,” he said before walking away. 

The hours had gone by fast and it was now almost time to go.

I placed myself in front of my mirror as I took a good look at the girl starring back at me. I covered the bruise up nicely even though I don’t usually wear make-up. I typically just wear some mascara and a little bit of blush. I braided my long curly brown hair and put it into a low hanging bun with a few loose strands of hair hanging down to frame my face. I turned around and walked towards my closet where my dress for the evening was hanging in a bag. It was a long navy-blue dress with long sleeves and a lace pattern up front stopping right over my chest. The lace went all the way to my shoulders where the sleeves began. The dress hugged my body all the way down to my hips where it flowed out, giving it an illusion of a mermaid dress. I took a pair of black heels to go with the dress and my diamond earrings. I took one last look in the mirror, to be met with perfection. Just like my father so desperately wanted. It was now 6:20 and time to go, so I grabbed my coat and hurried to the main hall where my father was already waiting for me. As I reached the hall my father motioned for me to follow him outside to the limo. 

“You need to be on your best behavior tonight,” he said while looking at his phone.

“Of course.” 

My father just nods at me before turning his attention back to his phone. The rest of the car ride was as silent as the night. 

After driving for about 30 minutes we reached our destination. In sight came the biggest mansion I’ve ever seen. Maybe mansion was the wrong word to use. It in some ways looked more like a castle. It took my breath away. The white-grey bricks complemented the big black window frames to perfection. In front of the house, there was a big fountain which the driveway was led around. It was truly amazing. 

Our limo went to a stop and within a few seconds, our driver opened the door. My dad stepped out first and held his hand out for me to take. We walked side by side up the red carpet that was laid out. 

As we entered the house my ears were met with the sweet sound of a violin playing, my nose was met with the amazing smell of fresh flowers, and my eyes with the sight of ladies in beautiful gowns and men in tuxedo’s dancing across the floor in perfect rhythm with the music. To my right, there was a bar area and to my left two people were standing, greeting all of their guests. I guessed that that was our hosts for the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Demarco. My father led me to them extending his hand. 

“Mr. Demarco what a pleasant party you’ve set up for the evening,” my father said while shaking Mr. Demarco’s hand.

“Thank you, Jack, but I can’t take the credit for this. This is all my wife’s work,” he said  as he gestured to his wife. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you and thank you for the kind words,” she said as she took my father's hand. 

“The pleasure is mine,” he responded. 

Mr. and Mrs. Demarco surely looked like a power couple. He was tall and masculine with broad shoulders and short black hair set to perfection, whereas his wife was smaller and had the most kind and soft features I’ve ever seen. Her long brown hair was hanging over her shoulders. Suddenly the attention was drawn to me as Mr. and Mrs. Demarco were looking at me waiting for my father to introduce me.   

“Where's my manners,” he cleared his throat. “This…” He said as he pulled me forward, “is my daughter Ally.” 

I suddenly became very nervous as I extended my hand to greet them. 

“It’s a pleasure meeting the both of you,” I said with a smile. 

“Oh, the pleasure is ours!” Mrs. Demarco said while squeezing my hand. “Such a beautiful young lady, you must be very proud,” she said as she turned towards my father. 

“Yes, she is my pride and joy,” he said while faking a smile. I had to do everything within my power not to gag then and there. 

“No surprise there,” Mr. Demarco said while giving me a small smile and a nod. 

“Our son is here somewhere,” Mrs. Demarco said scanning through the crowd looking for her son. “Well I’m sure you’ll bump into him somewhere,” she mumbled almost a bit annoyed. “Well nevertheless enjoy the party.” 

She again had a smile on her face.

“Thank you very much,” I replied. Mr. Demarco gestured for my father to follow him. 

“I’ll be back shortly,” my father said touching my shoulder. I shuddered as I felt his fingers press down. My father turned his face to me and gave me a look that said, “Don’t make any trouble.”

“Yes, father,” I forced a smile as I watched the two of them walk away. 

“Go have fun dear,” Mrs. Demarco said. I smiled at her before I turned around and made my way through the crowd.