"Gav, I want you to meet Chelsea! She will now stay with us from now on."  Dad gently pulled the woman and held her to her waist in an affectionate gesture.

Those words hit me like a punch to the gut. My eyes immediately darted to his face, desperate for an explanation. How could he be so insensitive? 

Mom had only been gone two months, and I was still drowning in grief. We were supposed to be grieving together, but here he was, introducing a new partner?  A wave of disappointment, anger, and annoyance is what I suddenly feel. 

"D-Dad?"  Defiance and uneasiness were obvious in my tone.

" I heard a lot from your dad that you are a smart and sweet kid. I think I'm gonna love you, sweetie." The woman endearingly told me.

She has a sweet voice and a beautiful white face. I had never seen such a pretty face like her, no wonder Dad chose her as a new partner.

I kept my silence for I don't know what to say. I want so badly to show my objection in their relationship, but I don't want to be disrespectful or disappoint my father. I don't even need a new Mom, no one can ever replace her.

"You're not happy?" Dad asked. Disappointment was very obvious in his voice and that made me guilty.

Did he ever loved Mom because how could he easily find a new partner in that short period of time? I was not stupid, and I was aware that my parents weren't sweet and romantically attached. They were always formal with each other, and I have never seen them fight or even had a slight argument before.

At an early age, I was not dumb to realize that my parents 'relationship was not in a good or normal condition. But to replace her in that short period of time makes me wonder if he ever cared about her?  No wonder it was so easy for him to replace my mom. 

"Listen, baby, I know you love your mom so much but you have to know that I can't raise you alone.  You need a mom who can watch and take care of you when I'm not around."  He held my shoulder then gently lifted my chin up.

"Robert, please bear with your child. We might have shocked her." The woman stated then looked at me giving me a gentle smile.

"Sweetie, I know I can never replace your mom on your heart, but I want you to know that you can treat me like your second Mom." I do understand what she was trying to point out but it's so hard to feel that way towards a woman you just met. I don't intend to disrespect her, but I just couldn't find the words to say so I kept remaining silent.

"I know you're not ready yet but I'm willing to wait until you can accept me." Looking at the woman, I could see she was a whole lot younger than Dad. 

She was beautiful, tall, and has a slender body. She has pretty eyes, a Caucasian complexion, and long shiny blonde hair. She looks arrogant and hostile like the evil stepmother's you see in a Disney movie, but I can't judge her based on looks. She was a stranger so they can't expect me to like her immediately, do they?

"How about start calling me Mom? Would that be okay with you?" My eyes automatically traveled to Dad as a sign of disapproval.

"I understand. I'll just wait for the time you can call me Mom." The woman decided to say when she sensed I'm not going to answer her. 

I don't intend to be rude or bad, but I am certain that will never happen. I don't want to call someone as Mom except my own Mother. Would it make me a bad girl if I refuse?

I only have one mother, and I believe she was the only one entitled I should call that term. Would it be okay if I call him Aunt? She's not my real mother anyway.

That same night, Dad went to my room and talked to me. I was about to sleep and waiting for the milk I asked to the maid when he knocked and entered my room.

It was him who was bringing my milk and I gratefully accepted and thanked him. I know why he went to my room tonight. I know his intentions. To talk to me about that woman.

I know Dad has been trying his best to be a good father, especially since my mom passed. I might be just a thirteen-year-old, but I think maturely that my usual age.

Truth is, I no longer wanted to be treated like a little girl. Life had taught me to act maturely. Losing a mom at an early age and trying to accept your stepmother without bringing trouble to your dad is an act of being mature.

I love my father, and I would never stand in the way of his happiness.  I know he's going to talk to me about Chelsea and I decided to give them my approval. 

Dad is a good father and a good provider. We were rich and financially well-off because my father is a hard-working businessman. Mom taught me to be always humble and be grateful for what I have. To not exploit, judge, or belittle others. I was very thankful to both of my parents, and I will never do something that can hurt their feelings.

If it's their happiness, I will never stand in their way. I may not like their decision, but I will always respect it and will not complain on it.

 I took the glass of milk he gave me and silently drank it. I put the emptied glass of milk I just drank on the bedside table and thanked him in a sluggish tone.

"Are you still upset?" he asked me.

I met his eyes then shook my head as an answer. I couldn't help to stoop my head and hide my tears that is now starting to come out of my eyes. I was not upset nor mad that's he was having a new wife; I was just surprised and sulking.

He cannot just bring a woman and introduce her as my new Mom then expect me to be happy, wouldn't he? It's just two months after my mom passed. I will accept and understand that he has plans to marry again but not that too soon like this.

I never expected it to be this early. I just couldn't help to sulk and get disappointed. But as his child and because I love him, I will not to be selfish. I will not stop him from getting married again just because he wanted to be happy.

"I know you're upset. Chelsea is a good woman. I swear you'll gonna love her." Dad still tried to explain.

"I know Dad. Forgive me for acting this way. I have nothing against Chelsea but.... "

"I know, I know..." To my surprise, Dad immediately hugged me when he saw tears now streaming in my face. I just couldn't contain my feelings anymore.

"All I'm just asking is try to get to know her better. I'm not saying you should forget your mom, but you can treat her as your second mother too?" Dad pleaded. I looked at him and nodded as an approval while crying. 

"She seemed to be a sweet and generous person." I tried to utter in between sobs. It's true I have nothing against her. I can try to get to know and like her.

"She was." Dad immediately replied.

"But is it okay if I'll just call her aunt? I hope that's okay with her?" I can agree with everything Dad is asking but not to his request to call Chelsea Mom. I just love my mom too much to bear to call another woman in her image.

"Y-Yeah, sure." I noticed a bit of disapproval in my father's voice, but I disregard it.  I want them to respect my decision because after all, this is not easy and I'm trying my best to understand and accept the situation.

"But If you could call her mom as a sign of respect to her, don't you think it will make her happy? I mean I'm not asking you to call her Mom immediately --"

"That's all I'm asking please, Dad...."

"O-Okay..." I heard him pull a long and frustrated sigh.  He decided to leave my room afterwards and bade me goodnight

That night I silently cried in the bed thinking about my mother. I missed her voice and her sweet caress. I missed everything about her. I don't wanna question life but I couldn't help but ask why she has to die?

Why there's death and why it was too painful to lose someone you deeply love? And why some people can easily move on and go on with their lives after losing a partner just like Dad.  I suddenly wonder if love is that too shallow. Maybe it is.

I was under the impression that love is deeper than that. That's what my mom told me. She told me that love can endure pain, and it does not expect something in return. It is patient, selfless and willing to sacrifice. Dad might decide to go on with his life and forget her, but I will never ever do the same.

Mom will always remain in my heart and that is a promise because my love for her will never falter and will never be forgotten. That's the love I know and the love my mom taught me.

Days had passed and   I can see that Chelsea is trying to make efforts to get closer to me. I was usually polite and trying my best to hang around with her sometimes.  She smiles a lot and was sweet as well.  I can see he brings too much happiness to my dad so who am I to refuse her efforts to get close to me.   

Though I never seen him treated my mom endearingly that way, I tried to be okay with it as I gradually begin to get the answers to all of these questions.  The way he looked at her and the way his face lighting up in merriment, I can see the intense admiration and deep love reflects in it.  His actions show how much she loves Chelsea, I can't help to feel sad and bitter for my mom. Sometimes I wanted him if he ever did love Mom?

I coped up with Chelsea's presence and intervention in the house. I used to somehow get along with her. She was kind and sweet but occasionally strict. I knew it is bad to compare the woman to my mom, but they have big difference in a lot of things. 

Chelsea was impeccably fashionable, favoring designer labels and luxury goods. She loves expensive things like jewelry and well-known branded bags while my mom, although stylish, valued simplicity. She doesn't like spending too much on expensive stuff because simple things make her happy.

Chelsea is a bit arrogant and hostile to the servants while my mom treated the maids with generosity reason why she was loved by them. Chelsea maybe sweet and kind but only to me and Dad. I couldn't help to think sometimes if the treatment she was showing to me was true or just pretensions.

One afternoon when Dad and Chelsea came home together with a girl taller and somewhat a couple of years older than me. They arrived bringing a lot of shopping bags from an expensive brand then the maids brought them upstairs where the guest rooms are located.

"Gav, sweetheart. I want you to meet Leanna. She'll be your sister from now on." my eyes automatically flew to the girl the moment I heard what my dad said. 

The girl is skinny and has a fair complexion that matches her height. She has round blue eyes and a curly blonde hair like Goldie Lock's.  I met her curious eyes, a wide smile automatically plastered on her naturally pink lips.

"She was Chelsea's daughter, and she will now live with us. She will be going to occupy the room next to yours from now on." Dad gave me a worried look as if he was thinking I wouldn't like her. I responded a warm smile giving him assurance that It's okay with me.

 A new sister? I think that's awesome!!!

"I want you to remember darling that you will always gonna be our baby so don't you ever think that we will love you less, now that Leanna was here okay?" Chelsea emotionally stated then caresses my hair. 

I couldn't understand but Chelsea's reaction seemed.... unreal. I suddenly felt irritated on that remark. Did she think of me that way? A selfish girl who wanted all the attention? That I wouldn't understand the situation and get upset because I want all their attention to be mine? Well, my stepmother must have thought the worst of me, I guess.

"Leanna was 2 years older than you and I want you to treat her as your big sister." Dad explained then gently turned to Leanna.

" And I want you to treat me as your dad like how Gav treats your mom as hers. We are now family, so I want you to get along and treat each other like sisters, understand girls?"

"Yes, Daddy!" The girl excitedly replied

Seeing her excitement, I felt a surge of happiness too. I was so lost for words and overwhelmed by too much joy.  As an only child, I'd always longed for a sibling.  Specifically, a little sister or brother, but a big sister wasn't so bad after all.  I'd welcome Leanna with open arms.

"You must be Gavriella. Oh my! You look so pretty. I'll be your big sis from now on. Are you cool with that?" the girl sweetly stated that warmed my heart. 

"Nice to meet you," I came closer to her and gently hugged her as a welcome.

"Thank you, sweetheart " Dad said, his voice filled with relief and gratitude.

As days go by, Leanna and I got along with each other. We used to bathe in the tub and swim in the pool together. Leanna was chic and very conscious of herself while I on the other hand likes sports especially playing badminton and volleyball.

I love watching sports channels while she preferred to watch drama movies and fantasy series. She loved make-up and hair styling, and I often helped her fix her hair.  Although it seems like we were different poles, we manage to still to get along with each other despite those differences.

Well, that's what I thought on my part. There are times I wanted to do some things and Leanna was not interested, I notices she gratifies my will just to make me happy. She's nice and I'm glad for having a stepsister like her. I just hoped she never change in the future.

*  *  *

It was a weekend when the family decided to go camping. We hiked up a steep part of the mountain and set up our tents. The view from there was amazing.  I had fun skipping stones in a creek and even rode a canoe across a lake.

Dad said the view from the other side was even more spectacular and that's where we should set up our tent. Camping for the first time was fun, I never thought that I will really enjoy it. 

After setting up the tent, we started a water balloon fight. Chelsea and Leanna joined us, so it became more fun. We end up bathing at the lake then played volleyball in the water until noontime.

At night we had barbeque and s'mores for dinner. It was a fun experience, and I realized dad might be right that having Chelsea and Leanna in our family will somehow help us to cope up for the loss of my mom.

I requested to share the tent with Leanna and Dad immediately obliged as if he was happy, we are getting along with each other. I planned to have chit chats with her until we fell asleep because it was nice and really fun to be with.

"It's fun camping right?" I asked her while we prepare our sleeping cot.

"No, sorry. I don't like camping. To tell you honestly, I don't really enjoy this activity." she confessed, her voice flat. I wonder why because she seems happy a while ago when Dad and Chelsea were around.

"It's my first time camping and I like it." I managed to reply.

"Seriously? You've never been camping before, not even on a school trip?" I'm not sure but I felt hint of sarcasm edged her tone.

"Mom needed me," I explained. "With her illness, I couldn't leave her." Leanna fell silent, her gaze distant.

"What are you thinking?" I bother to ask her.

"Nothing." She mumbled, shrugging. 

"Why do you hate camping? This is fun for me?"

"I don't like sleeping in a cot. Who knows some insects will bite us here? And I hate the idea of sleeping in a grassland or soil area," she grumbled as her face shows irritation.  

My brow furrowed. That is not what it looked like to me when the adults were around.  Wait, is she somewhat pretending that she was having fun just not to disappoint them?

Then I realized that there are a lot of times that she gratifies my will and favored me in so many ways. I am also aware that she always wanted to please me, and I appreciate it. I know even real sisters have different preferences so that's completely okay with me.

I wanted us to be comfortable with each other and I will never hold a grudge on her if she ever disappoints or unintentionally hurt my feelings by her choice of words. Thats what sisters should be, respecting each other's decisions and accepting whatever each other's likes and dislikes. 

"So, you don't enjoy hiking or camping?" I asked.

"It's tiring hiking on a mountain. I don't like walking on muddy ground and getting my feet dirty. I'm sorry but I don't enjoy such activity. I hope I didn't disappoint you for not liking what you like," she said with an obviously worried look on her face.

"Oh no, that's okay. " I reassured her.

"You prefer a beach vacation on a weekend, right?"

"Yeah, I like sunbathing, wearing a bikini instead of this camping attire. I would love to a more convenient, classy, and comfy resort than bring a heavy backpack, walk on steep ground, and camp in a steep mountain."

"I love the beach too." Of course, who doesn't love the beach? I love snorkeling, to try to ride a jet ski, build sandcastles, and even try surfing and scuba diving too.

"See what I mean?"

"The view of sunset on the beach is what I love but the view of a sunrise in a mountain was amazing too." I added.

I noticed her wince as if she wasn't interested in what I just said. What I was trying to let her know is I was up to the beautiful view not about the comfort and luxury of the place will give me. That I was up with the fun activities not to enjoy the luxury amenities of a resort for whims and caprices.

But of course, I would not dare tell her that, it will disappoint her for sure, so I just managed to be silent. I noticed she wants to sleep and chose not to continue our conversation anymore. I then decided not to push it through. As she settled down to sleep, I closed my eyes, too.

"Hey, Gav! I asked a maid to make us some snacks at the pool. Come on and let's swim."  Watching the most awaited volleyball match that is  being aired live in the TV, Leanna found me in my room.

"I'm watching my favorite volleyball match." I replied without taking my eyes off the television.  As much I wanted to gratify her, I can't miss every detail of the game. I was so agitated for my  favorite team to win.

"Stop watching that boring volleyball match. Come on, it's more fun swimming." I gigle when she pulled my hand trying to distract me.

"I can't miss this. I've been waiting for this to be aired,you know."

"But I want you to accompany me. It's boring swimming alone." She replied in a bratty way.

"Okay, I'll accompany you after this." I tried to assure her.

"No! I want it now Gav!"

Sometimes, Leanna had this habit of being persistent and imperious. I also noticed that she's a bit  bad-tempered if she couldn't get what she wants.

"No, Leanna." I declared with  finality.

Looking irritated, she stomped her foot in outrage and settled in her bed.  I sighed out of patience. The more I get to know her these passing days, the more I seemed to dislike her childish attitude. She was older than me, why couldn't she act maturely like her age?

"Go on and swim. I'll go down and accompany you later." To my surprise, she  suddenly stole the remote control out of my hand then switch the channel of the television.

"Hey! I'm watching, Leanna!" I irritatingly snapped back almost losing my patience.

"If you don't wanna accompany me in the pool then I want to watch my favorite show with you."

"Why can't you watch in your room? I'm watching my favorite match, Leanna!" Out of impatience, I tried to get the remote control back from her but she teasingly extended her hand off  me and moved away.

"I want here in your room. Come on, you'll love this show and it will surely make you forget that boring volleyball match you wanna watch."

As much as I wanted to convince myself  to tolerate her, truth is I can't help to get pissed and start to lose my  patience. I never had a sister and I don't know how to handle this kind of situation.

Though she was so annoying and her bossiness and stubbornness were really starting to push my buttons, I knew I needed to tolerate her to avoid the conflict between us.  Even though I was dying to watch the game, I caved and let her pick the show. 

* * *

"I brought you some snacks, girls!"  Chelsea  announced bringing a tray of sandwiches and sliced fruits together with glasses of lemonades.

Leanna and I are currently at the pool and decided to swim this morning.  We immediately went out of the pool and walked towards Chelsea's place after she called us. 

"That looks delicious! Thanks, Aunt Chelsea!" I happily stated. I couldn't understand but I felt Chelsea suddenly got stunned and turned to me. I was not sure but it seemed like I saw a tinge of irritation in her eyes.

"Why are you calling her Aunt, Gav? It's supposed to be Mom now,  right?" Leanna corrected.

"Yes, darling. Leanna's right. Drop the Aunt and start calling me Mom, okay?"

I thought I already clarified this matter to my Dad? Did he not explain to Chelsea that as a respect to image of my mom, I chose to call her Aunt because my real mother is the only one I wanna call Mom. 

I thought Chelsea agreed to that?  I chose to remain silent and gave her a short smile. I don't know how to construct words that would not offend  her.

I could sense  she was waiting for my answer but I suddenly lose the courage to explain. I was afraid I might offend her with my choice of words.  I was afraid that she might not like what I might say, or worse it might hurt her feelings.  

To  my frustration,  the very thing I was avoiding to occur is what  had just happened. Aunt Chelsea, suddenly walked away looking so upset.

"I think you upset my Mom," Leanna said giving me an accusing stare.

"I didn't mean to upset her and -- "

"Call her Mom like how I call your  father as Dad." She said in an authoritative tone.  The way Leanna raised a tone on me, kinda pissed me off.

"Dad and I talked about this matter. He understood my reasons and we've agreed that I shall call Chelsea' as Aunt  and it doesn't  mean if I call her that then I don't treat  her  as my second Mom because I do, Leanna. It's just that I only wanted my real mother to call as Mom because she is my real and biological mother. " I explained.

"What! You're preposterous Gav! Don't you know it insults and hurts my mother whenever you call her Aunt? You should have some respect in your bones--

"What are you talking about? I do  respect her!" I angrily retorted.

"Whatever!" To my surprise, Leanna drastically put down her sandwich in outrage then walked out and left.

That night Dad talked to me about the same issue. He told me that he never mentioned to Chelsea about our agreement because it will hurt his wife. He even asked me to just call her Mom to please her which I opposed, of course.

And no matter how my father tried to convinced me to oblige the will of my stepmother to call her Mom, I never agreed to it. This could be at least the best gift I could ever give to my beloved mother. They might have thought I was being childish, preposterous, and self-centered but then I do not care. That's how much  I love my Mom and by that means, I know I will gratify her.

After that event, Leanna had been ignoring me for a week. Every time I tried to talk to her or tries to make a conversation, she will just nods and shakes her head as an answer.

There are some times that it seems she was trying to piss me like accidentally bumping me, borrowing things or gadget from me then bring it back broken or damaged. There was also a time when the tire of my  bicycle got flat and one of the maids told me that they have seen Leanna intentionally flatted my bicycle's tire.

Sarah was one of our long-time maid and according to my Mom, she had been serving our family even before she was born so I knew the woman will never lie to me. I never confronted Leanna about this because I don't want to have another conflict with her. I  decided to tolerate these acts because I know she was upset about what I did to her Mom.

God knows I tried tolerating all these things but there is always a time when it feels like she really wants to push me through my limits just like now.  She wore my favorite dress that my mother gave to me before she passed and she didn't even bother to ask for my permission to use it.

"Why are you wearing that dress?" I confronted her.

"Are you mad at me because I wore this dress?" She sarcastically retorted.

"I don't remember you asking permission to borrow that dress of mine. That's my favorite and I seldom wear it because I'm saving it for special occasions."

The dress was one of my most valuable things I treasure and it really pissed me off because she just wore it without asking my permission. It was the last dress my Mom bought me when we went shopping.

It was the time when she was healthy and she was not aware of her disease. I was worried she might bring it back broken just like what she usually does when she uses my stuff.

"I thought everything that's yours was mine too? Are you just lying when you told me I can use all of your things and you won't be upset with it?"  Her tone was infuriating as her one brow raised.

Yes, I remembered telling her that. I told her she can use anything she desire or borrow anything she may like in my stuff and even told her what I have was hers too but that dress was too important to me to the point I will get mad if she intentionally damaged that dress.

I might have told her that, but isn't it's impolite to just use something that is not yours without asking permission from the owner? Is it so hard to ask permission to borrow something that's not yours?

"Please take good care of that dress of mine and  please, bring it back after using it.  That dress is important to me."

"You're upset do you?" She teasingly asked like she intentionally wanted to push me through my limits. 

Oh,  how I hate that infuriating half-smile of her as if it pleases her when she's seeing me getting irritated.

"I'm not." I lied.

Does she expect me not to be?I never thought she was this too insensitive.

"Liar! You didn't mean when you said what's yours was mine too, right?"

"You should've asked permission from me. That dress was so important to me, Leanna."

"Tell me the truth. You don't really like me do you?" I can't believe what I'm seeing right now because her eyes were like daggers as if ready to attack me.

"What? Where was that came from?" I asked unbelievably.

"Come on, I can see the disgust in your eyes  and I hate it every time you look at me like that."

"That's not true!  You see, I always favored and tolerate you to avoid confliction between us."

Where is this all coming from? Is that what she thought of me all along? That I don't like her and I was just pretending to like her?

"Oh please don't give me that crap because I won't buy it, Gav." She poignantly stated pointing a finger at me.

My eyes widen in surprise on the way she speaks and talk to me right now. Anger and disappointment started to creep inside me. I couldn't help but shake my head in disbelief. Is this the real Leanna which I treated a sister? I accepted and treated her like a friend.

"Please bring back that dress after using it."

Not believing the angry behavior I can see from her,  I just  decided to leave her and  walk towards my room. But the moment I entered my room, I did not noticed that she  followed  me and to my surprise, she drastically took off the dress in front of me then aggressively threw it on my face.

"Here's your dress! Next time, don't you say something if you don't intend to keep it." She angrily flared then she rummaged through my closet and grabbed a robe to cover her body.  One thing I can't believe is when she evilly smirked at me, as if she'd won or gotten even at me before she left. I was left stunned with that behavior she showed me. It's like I never really knew her.

Weeks had passed and we were no longer talking to each other like the way we used to. Actually, after what happened,  I intentionally evaded her to avoid conflictions. 

Dad noticed our silence and evasion to each other so we were asked if we're having a misunderstanding. When he confirmed it, we were asked to settle our gap and patch things up so we were forced to reconcile.

I knew Leanna was just faking her reconciliation with me because I often caught her glaring and  giving me a sly smile like she wanted to let me know she still hates me.  It pisses me off sometimes but I managed to ignore it so it won't create trouble.