IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE THIS - EPISODE 29

Lavender’s viewpoint

Two fantastic weeks of planning a gala, two fantastic weeks of organizing with the kids. Sera and Zach were really excited about their new job so they spent all their time researching and adding their ideas together to make the best party arrangement. My job was to go through their list of ideas and pick the ones mature and elegant enough, and add a little touch to it. By the time we were done, I must say we were really proud.

We made it a winter concept, ice to be more precise. With the color of the room going from icy blue to white, the beautiful ice sculptures and solid icy tables, silver utensils and the genius that did the frozen vines decoration, it was great to us. We were able to make the floor and walls look like icy blue glass, even if it wasn’t. The vines were frozen, snow white vines with beautiful himalayan blue poppy attached to it. Small glass trinkets jingled melodiously from the ceiling, also acting as white lights because they were. One of Rominic’s company new light creation that we were advertising. They looked more like thin crystal glass-like vines dangling down from the ceiling, luminating bright white light and making music as the wind push them together. Then at each corner of the room, very tall delphinium flowers lined the walls. There was so much details it would take me forever to describe the kind of work we did and I gladly paid the workers ridiculous amounts because they really tried.

We round up a day before the gala so the kids and I took our time to sleep all day, thereby forgetting to get our outfits. By the time I woke up at 3pm, I was panicking. I forgot to buy clothes for myself and the kids. The dress theme of the ball was any kind of blue for the ladies and white for the men. But for the whole of Verlice family, the ladies were to wear white while the men wears silver, to easily identify the family members. The problem is that I didn’t have any white dress in my closet glamorous enough for the occasion. I don’t like white, so I never really paid attention to buying one. The kids didn’t either, in case you have forgotten, Zachary only wears dark colors, Sera don’t like white because it makes her too angelic, Serene did not have a white dress, neither do the rest.

We were officially stuck.

“Mi corazón, where are you!” Tyra’s loud voice echoed in the hallway. “My darling, where are you?” I was baffled on what she would be doing at the house. She ought to be getting ready with Link since they moved in together. Yeah, they are that fast. They were already thinking about just getting married and making it official and we never uttered a word of protest. Link and Tyra were part of those couples that just clicks and you know their love is going to last for a long time. Beside, Link would never give his beautiful mini him up and Tyra would never let her daughter have a stepmother. They understand themselves.

I looked over at Rylee who had been sitting down quietly and watching us panic. She was glad because it meant she had an excuse to not wear a dress. She was currently sitting on Zachary’s bed, typing on her phone and wearing my boyfriend’s shirt. She is never satisfied with just Phineas. Speaking of which, they finally made themselves official even if they always have been, and since Phineas told his parents about her pregnancy, his mother literally never spend a day without calling to tell her about this pregnancy tip and that and have been begging her to move in with them, so she can take better care of her grandchild. Rylee might be changing, but she is not ready for the mother inlaw phase.

“Rylee, did you…”

“Nope,” she interjected with a pop. Tyra walked into the open room and breathe a sigh of relief. “There you all are! I’ve been looking for you since forever!”

“Good afternoon, Aunt Tyra,” the children greeted simultaneously, “where’s Raisa?”

“With her grandparents, they took her for the weekend,” we nodded, “do you know that Link bailed on me? He suddenly has a ‘serious’ meeting to attend,” Tyra said, making air quotation. I was more focus on the ladies walking into the room and dropping shopping bags and makeup kits. “He’s a chicken, just trying to avoid meeting my dad at the party. Why would he be so scared?” She huffed.

“Because your father is a general and has the ability to make him piss his pants?” Sera offered. Tyra rolled her eyes.

“He’s not that scary,”

“Yet you passed your own daughter as adopted because you were afraid of what he would do,” Rylee scoffed, “now who are these people and what are these bags for?”

“Oh, Rominic instructed me to go shopping for everyone and get them fabulous clothes, then get makeup artist for today. I went shopping with that amazing friends of yours, Anna and Sussy, and Ginger helped find the best makeup artist. I just forgot to bring the clothes earlier.”

“Why would Rominic tell you to buy us clothes?” Rylee cried, looking at the bags in dismay. She looked like her hope was taken away from her and trampled upon.

“Because he knew Lavender would forget and you will never remind her. Now, now,” she said buoyantly, clapping her hands, “let’s chose the outfits, then begin the beautification process, we don’t got all day. The party starts at 8:30 and we must all arrive at least an hour early for the majestic red carpet walk. It’s almost five now, and beauty takes time. Come on, girls, choose.” And that was how we spent an hour trying to decide which dress would be better. Rylee wanted nothing to do with the dresses and Serenity kept crying that she rather be caught dead before seen wearing a gown. After much convincing from Sera and Zach, she agreed to dress up while Tyra and I picked a dress for frightened Rylee.

You know, it takes a lot of time for women to get ready. So let’s say before we finished, it was almost 8:30. Rominic and Phineas came at one point and since the ladies were still getting ready, he left with the boys to make sure things was running smoothly, but Phineas stayed back to wait for Rylee. Finally, we were done and the time spent getting ready was worth it.

I kept admiring myself in front of the car window, smiling and fanning myself. I specifically chose a sexy white floral lace diamond embroidery dress with icy blue sequined tulle overskirt. What I loved most about the dress was the short sleeve and neckline. It was a V plunge lace neckline with design I can’t explain, but it really brought out a lot of boobs. I wanted it that way. Since we all decided to wear overskirt dresses, Rylee was forced by us to wear a white sequin tulle overskirt with a beautiful French cut and clear open toes heels. She actually looked amazing in it and just like mine, the dress brought out her hips. Tyra wore a lace white polyester satin overskirt with beaded cowl neckline.

Sera gleefully chose a royal sleeveless one-shoulder ball dress with diamond embroidery and zigzaggery neckline. Since hers look more like a ball gown, the overskirt flared and surrounded her feet, like a mermaid dress. It was white. Serenity refused to wear anything that would make her walking more difficult, so she chose the simplest dress. A similar one-shoulder dress, only that this one’s neckline had beaded boat trim, the dress was mid thigh and the floral print overskirt reached her ankles. We let her wear the boots of her choice, the only thing that made her agree to wear the dress.

I was aiming for something. I knew Peyton would be there. From the information I got from Zimò, she had no choice but to be there with her husband. In the past, she avoided it, but if I knew her properly, she would attend after seeing me at the club, to make sure Rominic isn’t aware of my existence. I wanted to give her the shock of her life.

~~~

Stepping out of the limo with Tyra chewing gum extremely noisily beside me, I smiled sweetly as the paparazzi took pictures. They probably didn’t know who I was and was wondering because I didn’t come with Rominic and they didn’t know Rominic had daughters as well. Well, until Tyra stepped out still chewing her gum. Sera stepped out, smiling like the world was welcoming the greatest queen of all time, making sure they get good shots of her.

“Serenity,” I called, leaning on the car. Serene refused to step out. “Come out, please?”

“I don’t know,” she murmured shakily, “I’m scared,” she whimpered, shifting deeper into the car. I completely understood her. The first time I stepped on a red carpet with Rominic, I passed out. Yeah, not my finest moment. Serenity had my shyness to an extent, mostly when she’s not clinging to Zachary or Zyaire. “What if they hate me?”

“Who has ever hate you? Serene, you don’t need to worry. Just look at Sera,” I looked over my shoulder and smiled as Sera posed for the camera, acting like a celebrity peacock. I rolled my eyes back to Serenity. “She’s doing just fine,”

“She’s Sera, mom, she’s always fine,” Serenity huffed, crossing her arms stubbornly, at least she was no longer shy. “I’m not like her, I don’t have metal for brains.” Somehow, Sera heard that because I could feel her glare on my back. I laughed a little, they were going to bicker if I don’t get her out of the car. “Can’t I just stay in…”

“Serenity,” Rominic’s voice came from behind me, like a hoarse exhale of breath. I momentarily froze from the sudden proximity and appearance. My eyes widened a bit because I was not expecting him to come out, at all. Rominic gently pushed me aside and stretched his hand out to Serenity. “Please, for daddy?” To my not so surprise and displeasure, she smiled and took his hand. Rominic pulled her out, adjusted her dress and took her hand again, I was still frowning.

“Why do they all think you are cool, I am way cooler.”

“No, you’re not,” Serenity and Sera blunted out, causing the reaction of my lips parting in shock and betrayal. Rominic winked at me, to which I frowned again, causing him to laugh wholeheartedly as he led Serene inside. She was skipping at his side while Sera walked ahead of them. I placed my hands on my hips as I continued to scowl at his back. Once upon a time, I had the children all to myself. Once upon a time, they loved just me and me alone. Once upon a time, it was said that male children are for their mother but here I am, envying how fast he stole their attention and trust.

What a showoff.

I felt a hand around my shoulder, followed by a very loud annoying laughter. He tugged me to his side, causing my body to sway unsteadily which made me groan and stomp on his foot. “Ow, aren’t you getting too violent, purple plum?”

“Apollo, what can I do to get rid of you?”

“Leave that fat ass for me, I fuck better,”

“And you cum lesser.” I retorted. He burst into laughter like a drunkard, tightening his hold around my neck. I swat his arm away and walked ahead of him.

“Are you sure you won’t marry me? I can be the man of your dreams,” he shouted after me.

“I’m sorry, this ship don’t accept passengers with STD!” I shouted as I finally entered the building, leaving him on the blue carpet. I could still hear him foolishly laughing behind me. Shaking my head at him, I made my way across the hall to the ballroom. Some flight of stairs led down to it. I held my dress and gracefully walked down, running my eyes around to look for my friends.

I spotted Anna harshly whispering something into Gael’s ear, swaying herself and yanking his ear along with her. She looked pissed. Ferris was staring at them boredly while Waylon and Elias laughed about something I couldn’t hear from the distant. Cameron and Sussy were talking to some other couple, Maverick was standing behind Terra who was freaking out a couple with her talking and makeup. Ginger and Veralina sat together, whispering and gossiping about everyone clothes and jeweleries. I knew that because they did that a lot. They all looked amazing and breathtaking.

I spotted Jamie laughing with some business partner his age (but you would think he’s younger because of his looks) and Kara was seated among some older women, Zayne sitting on her laps and stuffing his face with buns. I looked around for the others. Tyra was with her half-sister, rolling her eyes at what she was boasting about with hands folded and a bored expression on her face. Her sister looked a lot like their mother while Tyra looked a lot like her father who is Kara’s older brother. Tyra’s parents got a divorce when she was young because her father barely had time for her. The woman cheated, got pregnant and divorced her father, then married her lover. The result of the pregnancy was her obnoxious and snooty younger sister.

I rolled my eyes around until I found Rominic smiling down at Serenity. He must have been introducing her to Tyra’s scary father and he was intimidating her with his stare. Zyaire was standing close to him, staring up at him with curious eyes. Tyra’s father turned his scary eyes to Zyaire who didn’t flinch, instead, asked a question that made Tyra’s father choke on his saliva. Rominic was staring at Zyaire with lips parted. He closed his mouth and asked something. Zyaire shrugged nonchalantly and pointed at Jamie. Tyra’s father rolled his eyes while Rominic muttered to himself. Zyaire asked the question again, resulting to Tyra’s father blushing. Rominic knocked Zyaire’s head and I’m assuming the next speech was scolding.

Rolling my eyes away from them, I found Zachary sitting alone, meticulously typing on his laptop. Some men sitting at the table across him was staring at him in awe. Probably at how fast he was typing, his focus and the way he was murmuring. He stopped typing and wiped Jewels lips with an handkerchief. Jewels was sitting close to him and messily eating ice cream cake with her hands. From my understanding, Zach took it upon himself to wipe her lips and chin and give her the juice on the table. Jewels smiled goofily and stretched her cake fingers to Zachary. Zachary sighed, took her hands and wiped it. Then Jewels went back to shoving her hands into the cake again.

Wow, he’s got his hands full.

I was still fishing out people. I found Sera standing on a chair to make herself taller, her fingers stroking her chin as she listened to what the group of ladies were saying. They had their hands allover her dress and expensive jewelries. Finally, I found the group I was looking for. August and Micah. All workers (important workers that is) were invited to the company’s anniversary. Micah had his hands pressed to a table, over a lady blushing profusely. He knew what he was doing to her. August on the other hand, was looking at something wistfully. I followed his gaze to Gael.

Seriously?

I made my way over to him, gently pushing pass people. When I got to him, I gave his head a mighty whack. August howled, jumping away from me with his hands flying to his head with eyes wide. When he saw that it was me, he pouted. “What gives, short broom?”

“What’s with you and wanting what will never be yours?” I crossed my arms under my breasts. He clicked his tongue.

“Can’t I appreciate good things?”

“Not if the good thing is my friend and not interested,”

“But he can be. Geez, Lavender, he is like super hot,” he whispered. I rolled my eyes over to Gael. Yes, I know he is. To unintentionally prove his point, Gael got away from Anna and blew his hair out of his face. God, I literally forgot how to breathe. Gael and Ferris were a force to be reckoned with and Cameron was too cute for his own good. All my friends were gods. Back in school, so many girls envied me. I was the only girl that truly mattered. Any girl who didn’t sit well with me, could never get a chance with them. I always knew I was lucky when they chose me to be their one and only.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, he’s so hot,” August whispered excitedly. I rolled my eyes over to him and frowned my lips and eyes.

“August, stop being weird, Gael isn’t gay.”

“Not him, the other one,” I tilt my head and looked at who he was inclining at, Ferris. I rolled my eyes back to him and smirked. “What?”

“He’s married and his spouse have big breasts and actual puss. Plus, you go close to her husband, she will annihilate you.” Which Annalise would definitely do. I’ve seen her do it. He pouted in disappointment.

“Bummer, where have all the good guys gone to hideaway,” he sang then waved his hands dismissively, “it’s not like I wanted to date him or anything. I’m only twenty percent into guys, the rest eighty are for…” He trailed off as his eyes caught something. I followed his gaze and rolled my eyes when I saw what he was looking at. A woman with enormous ass walking to the restroom perhaps.

August purred and licked his lips. “Now, that ass is worth tapping,” he made a funny gesture as he bent to his side. “If you’ll excuse me, milady. I have a ass with my name on it.” He walked off with haste. I shook my head. August stopped when a lady with even bigger behinds passed him, then he followed that one instead.

Manwhore.

~~~

The party started with Zachary making a speech, a very impressive one before Jamie opened the ceremony with a auction. It was ceremonial to always have an auction at the anniversary gala. Sera was very excited when Jamie called her out to do the auctioning. She was bouncing with energy. With how she was speaking, she made people want to buy more so they won’t look bad. She would say words like:

“Oh, come on, people! I thought this auction thing among rich people is suppose to be exciting? What’s with the lame prices? What are you big men for?”

“This necklace would look extraordinary on any woman. If you have a man you want to impress, try it on and see the wonder.”

“I don’t know how to drive, I’m nine, but any man driving this car would definitely get a million glance from me if I was older like my mother, or that gorgeous lady over there. Now I’m sure any man with this car can get her phone number.”

“Do I hear a ten hundred thousand? Anybody man enough to dare?”

“Only caring men can afford this for their wives or lady friend. If you love your women, buy this for her…” With each things auctioned, she had new words to say. After the auction, the entertainment while Rominic spoke to the set of men he ought to have seated with at the cancelled meeting. In the mean time, I walked around making sure the guests were having a good time while Apollo followed me around like the bad leg I can never get rid of. I couldn’t take it anymore so I agreed to giving him the first dance.

Apollo went on to spill how he was so happy I listened to him and how he feels fulfil and should play cupid more often. I let him babble to his heart content, he deserved that much from me. We were still dancing when the one I’ve been waiting for decided to arrive. I don’t know what they were thinking coming at that time, but they definitely was intentionally showing disrespect.

Earl West, a long time business adversary of Jamie. He was always looking for a way to bring both Jamie and Rominic down, but never succeeded. Always putting on an act to be polite in public, when in reality, he was a double-headed snake. The old man was disgusting and Peyton married his equally nasty older son. From what Zimò told me, after Peyton went into hiding in bankruptcy, she somehow met Earl West, who offered her a contract. The contract was to be his son’s wife and bear him children.

Peyton was happy, she signed the contract with hope of using them until she gets a hand on their wealth, but she had no idea what kind of man both Earl and Ethan was. She got herself married to the wrong family. Ethan cheated on her countless of times, but she couldn’t complain. Mistreated and hit her, and she couldn’t complain. She had no idea that when she married Ethan, she also married his father, so they were happily sharing her. I know it’s a sad thing, but if you look at it from the other point of view, she deserves it. She married him with the plan of getting her hands on their documents and stripping them off everything. And then you’ll judge her from what she did to me. I was just happy that her two sons weren’t treated bad but I knew they would turn out to be just like their father and grandfather.

I kept my eyes on them as they walked pass, eyeing Peyton with more disdain than I thought I had. They walked up to Rominic who was just coming out of the meeting with the other men. Apollo and I had stop dancing and was staring at them. Rominic tensed when he saw Peyton. She maintained her sweet smile. I stood there watching his body movement and the way the gentle expression on his face wavered. Whatever Ethan was saying to him was really hitting a spot. From the way he held Peyton and looked at her like they were in love, I deduce he was using her to mock him with a sweet smile on his face.

“Shouldn’t you be there?” Apollo asked, jerking his head towards their direction. I nodded in agreement. I smoothened my dress, adjusted the overskirt and sashayed over to them. Serenity ran up to them, jumping on Rominic with excitement. She held his hand and continued to squeal “dad, dad!”

“Excuse me,” Rominic muttered to them before bending down a little to look at Serene. “Angel, what’s getting you so excited?”

“Look, Uncle Fabio gave me his dagger!” She lifted the very sharp silver dagger Tyra’s father handed her, “isn’t it pretty?” My eyes flew wide. How could he give her a knife!

“It’s beautiful, honey, you can keep it.”

“Really, dad? You’re the best!” She squealed while I was staring at him with mouth wide open. “Zachary, Zachary, come see my new weapon!” She shrieked, running off as she waved the dagger.

“Did you seriously just give a child a knife?” Ethan asked quizzically.

“You have a child?” Peyton spluttered in shock. “Since when? And who’s the mother?” My cue. I walked over to Rominic now frowning.

“That’ll be me,” I stood beside him, throwing him glares upon glares. Rominic bent backward awkwardly and grinned. “You gave my daughter a knife, really, Beau?”

“Actually, Fabio did, I just supported,” I continued glaring at him. He laughed nervously. “I’ll go collect it, dear, I’m sorry.”

“You better be. Now move it.” He shifted away from me and scurried after Serenity. I watched him until he was gone before turning my attention back to the couple of the month. Earl left before I came to go bother Jamie. I smiled politely, smirking inwardly at the amount of fly Peyton could catch with that mouth, while Ethan checked me out. He hadn’t recognized me.

“Oh, hello, sorry about that,” I smiled at them. Ethan nodded.

“So, Rominic finally decided to forget the unfortunate motherfucking ex of his and move on with a better chick,” he commented, eyeing my body. I rolled my eyes. “I’m impress. How much did it take for him to buy you?”

“More than you can afford.” I smiled more sweetly. Ethan looked up from my body for once and stared at my face. He furrowed his brows in puzzlement, looked at gaping Peyton and then back at me. His eyes went ahead, making me turn to see he was looking at Rominic getting a speech from Serenity who was aggressively waving her hands and stomping her feet, waving the blade everywhere. Zachary looked bored out of his mind while Zyaire was holding a gun! A freaking gun!

Fabio!

“Excuse m…”

“Lavender?” Ethan asked. I turned and raised a brow at him. He scoffed incredulously. “Of course, if it’s not you, it’s no one else. I’m impress, you are have gotten hotter,” once again, eyeing my body. “Thought you died?”

“Yeah, I’m the spirit of Christmas future.” I blunted out sarcastically before turning completely and marching to my children. When Serenity and Zyaire saw me coming, they squeaked and ran. “You two, come back here!” They did the exact opposite and ran to Fabio instead. We live in the same house, we would settle this privately. “Rominic, I’m going to the restroom to scream, don’t miss me.” I held my dress and ran to the restroom. I shut the door behind me, walked over to a sink and turned on the faucet.

5, 4, 3, 2…

Peyton barged into the restroom looking like a bull ready to attack. Good thing I’m not wearing red.

“What are you doing here, Lavender?” Peyton’s harshly screamed, “you ought to be dead,” I shrugged, “and you… How did you get pregnant? How long have you two been together? Bitch, how dare you… How… How did you get back with him!” I smiled and slowly spread lipstick on my lips. “I’m talking to you, you gold-digger!” I smacked my lips thrice and rubbed them together nonchalantly. “Lavender!!!” I gingerly redrew my lipstick and wore the cap back on. She stomped over to the sink but did not touch me. “Don’t ignore me, whore! I know those children aren’t his! You must have opened your legs for other men like the slut you are and pinned it on him! He can never be with you!” I pushed a loose strand of my hair out of the way and winked at my reflection.

“You look so beautiful, Laverne, hotter than every woman here. Now, to return to my darling husband, he’d be missing me by now.” I giggled after saying that, then pushed her out of my way. I walked out of the restroom, smirking with satisfaction. Peyton hate being ignored with passion. To my surprise, Rominic was standing outside looking worried.

“Did she say anything? Please, don’t believe anything she says…”

“I’m better than that.” Peyton stepped out of the restroom, halted when she saw Rominic and eyed him. She looked at me, smirked before sending a wink to Rominic and flouncing off.

Whatever you think you have planned, bitch, you are about to get what’s coming.