The Kiss From Hell

5

I could hear my parents arguing with Gage downstairs.

My mom slammed the kitchen cupboard so hard the beautiful stained glass broke apart and shattered to the floor. I couldn't make out the ramblings going on, but I knew Gage was asking for the one birthday gift, the ONLY birthday gift I had ever wanted...to be included.

"William, don't be absurd, she can't come! You know what will happen if she is approved and changes! There are consequences to every action and you're willing to accept those so she can have the 16th of her dreams?" Susan screamed at the top of her lungs, causing me to cringe. What happens if I'm approved? That doesn't even make sense.

"She deserves a normal life, Susan, Gage is right. She's my little princess and I want her to experience joy before it's too late for her! Maybe this is what she needs for us to turn the tides! How can you stand there and deny that I might be right? She's stronger than you think you know!" William was calm but determined as he explained his reasoning to her. I could hear her huffing and puffing in response.

"This is insane William! How dare-"

The front door opened and shut furiously and I ran to the window to see my dad standing outside, clenching and unclenching his fists rapidly. He looked up at my window just in time to see me staring and gave me a lopsided grin, motioning with his hands in an "I don't know" type of way. I tried to smile back, but the truth is, I felt really small. Small and unwanted, just like my time at the orphanage. I don't understand what they're even talking about, I just asked to go on vacation with them so I can feel accepted. It sucks feeling like the black sheep all the time.

"Eliza come here please". Her voice wafted up the stairs like a beautiful melody. "I want to chat with you." She had calmed down from her screaming match with William and I could tell she was trying hard to control her emotions as she called out to me.

Dejected, I got off the windowsill and made my way downstairs. I braced myself for rejection.

Gage was angrily sitting at the table, surrounded by the broken glass of the cupboard, a small cut on his cheek. He looked at me, eyes full of grief and sadness.

"I hear you want to join us this year for our birthday."

I looked at the floor. "I do...I want to be a part of your family. I call you mom and dad, Gage is my brother, but I don't feel like you even want me around."

Susan looked like she had been slapped. This woman had adopted me because she wanted a daughter, she gave me everything I could possibly want and she must be so angry that I don't feel part of the family after all this time.

"You've done so much for me, to love me and give me a beautiful home and a lovely education. You gave me the world's best brother." I winked at Gage and he smiled sadly back. "But I want more."

Susan stopped and took pause. She opened her mouth to speak just as William walked back in the front door.

"She can come." He said as he walked past her to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee.

Susan slumped over and sighed. "Are you sure, William? I don't think she will be able to handle it. You know we can't take her there and if we do...the coven will...."

She trailed off as she watched me run to William and wrap him in a crushing hug. Gages energy was buzzing as he excitedly jumped up and grabbed me and threw me around in an excited grasp.

"I told you Lizza! I told you I'd get you a spot! This is it!" He yells and fist pumps the air.

He set me down and I flicked my hair to the side with a big grin going from ear to ear. Playfully shoving me before pulling me in for a huge hug. I blushed before squirming my way out of his embrace and stood to hurriedly hug Susan and thank William.

She looked at me with worried eyes but held me close, stroking my long hair and bringing me warmth and comfort. William waited beside her before pulling me into an embrace of his own.

"Your whole life might change after this vacation, Eliza. I just have to make sure that this is what you want? Are you sure?" He peered into my eyes deeply, searching for any hint of uncertainty.

"Yes, all I want is to be part of the family and I feel this is the best way to really feel lile one of you guys. Don't get me wrong, I've always felt loved but I've just never really felt included in all the fun vacations you guys take. You always cone home looking so relaxed and connected to each other. I just want that too." I ducked my head in shame at feeling so pathetic despite their kindness.

William hooked his finger under my chin and pulled my head up to meet his gaze.

"If you desire to become more entrenched in our family, who we are and what we do, then your wish is my command. You've even patient for so long that I cannot refuse your request. Now, take my credit card, Gage can drive go pick yourself out some heavy winter clothes. It's cold where we go." Undoing his wallet, he handed me his black card. "All expenses are on me, so make sure you do my card justice." He said with a wink and a smile.

Gage and I raced to the car, excited for our impending shopping spree. Looking back at the front door, William and Susan were holding each other, a mixture of worry and pride written on their faces.

This will be the best birthday yet!