“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 89

***Graceland’s POV:***

I woke up at 5am. I could hardly sleep last night. It wasn’t the fact that they ganged up on me again, that I used too. But hearing Jonathan refer to Kai as a ‘brain dead sap’. For a moment, I’d actually thought about killing him. I had to calm down before Marla and Theo got here. I didn’t want them to know just how despicable these people truly were. Not because I wanted to protect the Rochesters or Jonathan, but because I couldn’t dare to see the looks on their faces knowing that some asshole said such awful words about their son.

Restless, I decided to play my violin. Whenever I was sad or felt overwhelmed, my violin would always bring me back to my inner peace. After my mom died and I moved in with the Rochesters, I ended up composing over 250 pieces. One might say that was impressive, but the truth was actually more depressing, as it showed just how sad and depressed I was living in this house.

When I picked up my violin, the first thing that popped into my head was the beach. It was early evening, the sun hadn’t set yet, the waves of the ocean were like dancing clouds, and the first face that popped into my mind was Kai. But he wasn’t asleep, instead, he was smiling at me. It felt so familiar. As I played, my notes got brighter and brighter, I imagined what a piano would sound like with this piece. My mind just kept thinking of his face and what his smile would look like. By the time I was finished I could feel the tears on my face. I didn’t care how long it took, I was going to wake Kai up and I would use my music to help me do it.

It was now 7am, two more hours until Marla and Theo got here. I decided to grab me a bagel and orange juice. As I walked into the kitchen, I noticed Calvin sitting at the breakfast nook. He was drinking a coffee and reading something on his tablet when he looked up at me. We stared at each other for a brief moment before he spoke.

*“I take it you’re all packed?”*

*“Yup.”*

Silent.

*“Well, if you need help bringing your bags and boxes-”*

*“I only have one suitcase. I’ll be fine.”*

Calvin looked at me with a confused expression.

*“That doesn’t make any sense. You’ve been here for over seven years how could you only have one suitcase? What about all the clothes we’ve brought you?”*

I looked at Calvin with a blank expression, it was the only way I could stop myself from looking at him with pure disgust. He truly had no idea what was going on with me. He didn’t care one way or another.

*“I’m not sure what you’re referring too. I’ve never had anything purchased for me in this house. I’ve only ever had Olivia’s hand-me-downs; surly you don’t expect me to take those items.”*

Calvin’s eyes widen; he truly had no idea…how pathetic. Scrambling in his pocket as if he were looking for something, he finally stood up.

*“I’m going to go get my black card, you’ll go to the mall now to buy some new clothes.”*

I held my hand up to stop him, I didn’t want anything else from these people.

*“That won’t be necessary father.”*

Calvin stared at me as if I’d grown a tail.

*“What do you mean not necessary! There’s no way I’m allowing you to embarrass me in front of House Christiansen. Even if it is just an employee picking you up, you represent Rochester!”*

Employee?? He thought the Christiansen’s were sending an employee to pick me up, well…this is going to be interesting.

I smiled politely at my fool of a father.

*“I’ve already purchased me a dress, I assure you, I have no intentions of embarrassing my family.”*

Calvin’s expression eased up, after a brief pause, he responded.

*“Well, that’s good to hear. Still, leaving here with only one suitcase, it sends a message that we never purchased anything for you which isn’t-”*

*“You haven’t purchased anything for me.”*

Calvin began to look exasperated.

*“Why are you being difficult! Are you trying to give the impression that your parents didn’t take care of you!!”*

I almost laughed aloud. My days of lying about how loving you all are, was over.

*“I’m not TRYING to do anything father. If you feel you’ve been every bit the adequate and loving parent, then by all means, show the Christiansens. Show them the room you set up for the daughter you love so much, show them the various clothing and presents you’ve purchased for the daughter you love so much. Tell them her favorite foods, movies, and colors. Tell them how your favorite daughter likes to celebrate her birthday and what she loves to do during St. Merry’s day.”*

Calvin’s eyes widen, he’d realized he never did any of these things for me. He knew absolutely nothing about his biological daughter. I smiled bitterly.

*“Just remember to switch the name from Olivia to Graceland and you’ll be just fine.”*

I turned to leave; I no longer had an appetite. Calvin stalked out of the kitchen shortly after.

The time was now 8:15am, I had just finished getting dressed and doing my hair. I didn’t have a lot of care products; I was glad I purchased the few items I got yesterday. I didn’t know a lot about makeup, so I settled on a light pink blush and lip gloss. For my hair, I settled on a fishtail braid with a few strands of curly hair. Thankfully I had thick and long hair that didn’t require too much. The sundress fit me perfectly, I purchased a pair of light pink wedged heel shoes to with a deep pink flower at the toe opening.

I gave myself one more look in the mirror, hoping this would be good enough for my in laws and fiancé.

At 8:35am Marla texted me to let me know they were 25 minutes away. I decided to make my way upstairs. As I pulled my old suitcase I could hear voices and laughter coming from the grand room. Everyone was woke. Looks like Jonathan stayed the night as well. As I made my way to the foyer, Sharon called out to me.

I stopped and turned slowly looking directly at her. Sharon’s eyes widen as she took a closer look at me.

*“Graceland?”*

*“Yes?”*

Before she could finish her sentence, everyone began to walk into the hallway. My three brothers instantly stared in shock, they’d never seen me dressed nicely or in anything that wasn’t a hand-me-down. Cole was the first to speak.

*“Wow Graceland! You clean up nice!”*

Brian scoffed.

*“So, she’s wearing a dress, what’s the big deal.”*

Cole rolled his eyes choosing not to comment back at Brian. Noah was the next to speak.

*“You look decent. Thank you for not embarrassing us.”*

Dickhead.

Jonathan stared at me with furrowed brows but said nothing. Suddenly, Olivia walked towards me with a fake smile on her face.

*“Oh Grace! You look so pretty! I’m so used to seeing you in my hand-me-downs, it’s nice to see you in something that’s yours.”*

This fuckin bitch! Any chance to throw a jab.

Suddenly, Brian and Jonathan began to laugh.

*“That’s a good point Livie; she is always trying to be like you. Wearing all of your old and out of seasoned clothes.”*

Brian continued to laugh until Noah shot him a glare. But I just simply smiled.

*“Hmm. Perhaps that’s why some people thought the Rochesters were poor. It appears clothing could only be purchased one daughter at a time.”*