The Other Side

“Harvey, do you have something to do today?” I asked.

“I’m sorry Jane. I have a basketball practice today. I’ll make it up to you next time.” He kissed my cheeks and run fast towards the gym. We’ve been together for 2 years and I knew his the one for me. Suddenly, my gloomy thinking was interrupted when someone smack my shoulder.

“Ow! Who the hell --” I was greeted by Sofia’s grinning face.

“How are you Sissy?” I narrowed my eyes at her. Now, she’s talking after she startled me to death.

“I’m fine a while ago until you startled me.” She just laugh at my comment. She’s my step-sister and became my only family with her Mom since Dad died last year in a car accident. It’s a tough year but I’m thankful for them and Harvey for being with my side in those times.

“Earth to you, Jane.” Sofia snapped her fingers in my face. “Anyway, wanna come? I have a party to go.” She giggled while talking. She’s always invited to parties since she’s popular in the school.

“Err, I don’t. I feel like sleeping more than partying. Just, remember to come home before morning or Aunt Sandra will go like h-u-l-k.” We both laughed. Between the two of us, Sofia is the it-girl and fashionista. She used to dress-up like a model and yeah, she is a model while me, I look like her maid sometimes. No wonder, boys like her much.

“Yuppie Sister Jane. Toddles” She excitedly walked, and I just shrug. Well, maybe it’s time to go home and rest.

I went to the female restroom first and when I entered the cubicle, I hear women chatting outside.

“Hey. Girl. Are you invited to Sofia’s party tonight? I have heard Harvey and other varsity team will be there. I’m excited kyaahh.” The women started to squeal. I think they are talking about the party that Sofia will be attending. Hmm, my sister is really popular.

“Where will it be held?” I heard another female voice answered. “In the Royale Hotel. Let’s go.”

I waited until they are gone before going out of the cubicle. Wait! There’s a party in Dad’s hotel? Harvey is going in the party. So does Sofia. What’s happening? Why didn’t they tell me? I think I need to figure out myself.

After I exit the school premises, I ride a taxi towards the party’s venue. Something is really not good. Harvey told me he has a practice to go and Sofia has a party to attend.

“Breath Jane. Just calmed down.” I keep that mantra to myself to stop my hyperventilating heart from bursting. After the 30 minutes ride, I have arrived in my Dad’s Hotel. Its been a year since I stop by.

I felt nuisance as I walked to the hall. I used to run in the stairs of the floor with my Mom, but she died when I was a little. And then Dad re-married and yeah, Aunt Sandra and Sofia live with us until Dad passed away last year.

The receptionist recognized me as I approach towards her desk.

“OMG! It’s been a long time Jane. How are you?” Mary asked me in surprised. She became a good friend of mine since we knew each other since childhood. Her father is a loyal employee of my Dad.

“I’m good Mary. Just stopping by for a minute.” She approach guests who just came by. I recognize some of them. They are my schoolmates. I turned my back against the desk and grab a magazine to cover my face.

“What are you doing there, Jane?” Mary asked with confusion visible in her tone. “I thought you’re here because your sister, Sofia has a party tonight.”

“Are you sure about it?” She nods as an answer and show me her iPad. Confirmed!

“You didn’t know? Its her engagement since your graduating.” Engagement? How come? She doesn’t have a serious relationship.

“How come, Mary? She’s doesn’t have a boyfriend.” Again, I saw another confusion written on her face.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t know? She has a boyfriend. A super-hot and rich one.” Mary giggled while talking. I didn’t know that one.

“What’s the name of the guy?” Mary didn’t answer my question since another bunch of my schoolmates entered the hall. I covered my face again, so they won’t recognized me. If this is really Sofia’s engagement, why didn’t she tell me? I smell something fishy.

“What’s your question again, Jane? We have a lot of guests right now.” She wiped the sweat on her forehead.

“Who’s the guy?” My hands are sweating. I have an idea but please don’t say –

“Harvey Dela Cuesta. The son of the Director.” I froze. I cannot think properly after what she said.

“H-harvey?” I asked again. Perhaps, I misheard what she –

“Yup. The varsity player in your school. Duh, I have seen you together sometimes.” This time, I lost balance. H-how can this happen? My s-sister and my b-boyfriend just lied to m-me?

“Are you okay? Hey, Renz, get a glass of water for Ms. Jane. Thanks.” Why did they do this? I thought they love me.

“Jane, just drink first okay?” I accepted the water, but my heart is sinking with pain. “Why are you crying? Did I do something? Gosh!

Manager Emma approach us. “What’s the matter, Jane? Did Mary hurt you?” She looked worried to me.

“I-I didn’t d-do anything. I s-swear.” Mary stutter as she tries to defend herself.

“She didn’t harm me. I’m fine. I was just shocked.” Mary inhale sharply but Manager Emma didn’t. She knows me since I was a child, so I know she’s not convinced with my answer.

“If my sister didn’t invite me, I will go hysterical too.”

“Just go with your desk Mary. I’ll accompany Ms. Jane. Thank you.” Aunt Emma accompanied me to one of the rooms before asking me.

“So, you didn’t know that Sofia is getting engaged today?” She’s like a mother to me when Mom died. I know I can trust her.

“No. She told me that she have a party later, but I didn’t know that it will be like this.” I cannot contain my tears and burst out. She immediately hold my hand to comfort me.

“And then I heard from Mary t-that …” I paused a bit to gather my breath.

“That?” She asked me so I will continue my story.

“That Harvey was the one she’d be engaged with.” I completely cried losing my composure.

“So, Harvey here is your boyfriend, correct?” Her guess is correct.

“We’ve been together for 2 years and I didn’t know that they are betraying me. The two person that I loved and trusted. How can they do this to me?” I continue to sob while Aunt Emma just hug me tightly.

“Shuush” She patted my back to comfort me.” I know it’s hard, but you need to stand firm and be strong. I know that your stepmom and sister is not a good person. They looked kind but I know they are not. Go get what’s yours. Even this hotel is yours. Don’t let them steal everything from you, okay?”

She wiped my tears and now I’m determined to get equal. Aunt Emma is right. I always let them use everything that Dad and Mom gave me. I am too kind that’s why I am taken for granted.

I asked for a gown and a stylist so I can join the party. I won’t let them win again. I choose a black gown and a dark make-up to show my vengeance. At exactly, 7 pm, I went down the grand hall and waited for the right time.

“Today is a very special moment. The engagement of Mr. Harvey Dela Cuesta and Ms. Sofia Fernandez.” I’ve heard the host announce the events topic and the crowd applaud. Its my cue to enter.

I walked confidently when the doors opened, and the host stop and even the guest looked in my direction.

“Well, how rude for my SISTER and my BOYFRIEND to not invite me. I thought you have a varsity practice Harvey?” Aunt Sandra looked tense,

“J-jane? Let me explain.” He was about to approach but Sofia stopped him.

“So what? You don’t suit each other. We belong to each other so stop interrupting my ENGAGEMENT.” Sofia angrily shouted.

“Okay. Guards, take these trashes away from MY HOTEL and if they won’t, drag them down the floors.” I saw the guests shift uncomfortably in their sits. Now, you will know that you shouldn’t mess with me.

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO US. YOU BITCH!” Sofia exclaimed angrily.

I moved closely to her and slap her face hard. “I already did. You hurt me; I will give you what you gave me. Be prepared, this will be the start.”

I walked away and last I heard is there shouting.

It has been 3 years since that cruel moment passed by. But it feels like yesterday. Today, I am running the company that Dad and Mom left me. What happened to them? I made sure that Sandra goes rotten in jail after that I discovered that they are behind Dad’s accident. And Sofia as rat poor. I cut any relationship with Harvey after his betrayal. Now, I’m living on my own and I won’t let another person do that again.