CHAPTER 4 - Prettier

                                        

                                              
THE moment I woke up the next morning I sensed the shift in the air. Maybe it was the noise and chatter that filled the usually silent house, or the sound of rain drops hitting my window. I just knew today was going to be... different.
And not necessarily in a good way.
I was in the middle of staring up at my ceiling, trying to convince my aching body to start moving when there was a knock on my door. Valentina popped her head in with a sweet smile that did nothing to calm my nerves. 
"Good morning, güzellik." She greeted me, making me smile a little. "Your parents want to have breakfast with you before you leave for school."
I sat up immediately. "Parents? I thought Dad is still in Ethiopia?" 
She shook her head. "He decided to surprise you and come back early."
I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face if I tried. My father, Ibrahim Kassa, was a successful man whose business had taken off a few years ago. One minute I was sitting on the stairs, listening to my parents argue about finances and the next we were packing our things to move into a mansion. Hard work was at the root of everything he did, even if it meant sacrificing time with his family. 
With me.
I tried not to hold it against him. Money had brought opportunities I'd only ever dreamed of. But also changed some parts of my life into a nightmare. 
Did I miss how things were?  The council flat, arguments and barely enough room to breathe? I didn't miss those parts of it. But I missed having a daily dinner with my dad and brothers, seeing them more than once a month, and even if I went to bed hungry there was still a smile on my face because I knew things would get better.
When things were already better, when you were at the top, what was there to look forward to? 
The elation I felt at the news of my dad being home slowly faded away as my thoughts progressed. I forced myself to complete my morning routine, showering, applying makeup and wearing my uniform. After washing my hair last night it had reverted to its curly state, which was thankfully tame. I eyed the necklace Luca had gifted me. It was pretty, a simple golden chain with a small heart at the bottom. It also cost the price of a cheap car. 
I clasped it around my neck before I could dwell on it further. Any anger I felt towards my boyfriend had disappeared, mostly. It was not in my nature to hold grudges, especially towards him. Luca upset me every other day, so staying angry would be futile.
Descending down the stairs towards the dining room felt like I was approaching my doom. Sunlight obscured my vision for a second as I entered the spacious area. A high ceiling, white and grey colour scheme and minimalist furniture are all signs of my mother's touch. 
The faint smell of her sweet perfume lingered in the air as I approached my parents sitting down. Only Dad looked up at the sound of my footsteps, and a contagious smile spread across his weathered face. 
"Fallon." He greeted me, hugging me warmly. "How are you, my love? I've missed you."
"I've missed you too." I mumbled into his shoulder, which I just barely reached. I got my height from him.
He pulled back to look at me. "I hope you've been taking care of yourself? You look tired."
I put on a convincing smile. "I'm fine, Dad. How was Ethiopia? You've tanned so much."
"It was amazing, all your cousins were asking after you. Your āyati as well." At the mention of my Grandma, his mother, I immediately softened. She was such a wonderful and pure hearted lady that I barely spoke to enough.