My Happy Life Is Changing 💔

'I...' I begin, about to confess my wrongdoings, but I'm interrupted by my mother's disapproving glances.

Oh gosh… New lipstick line I won’t see you for a while.

’Maybe the new helper took it?’ Eula, my older cousin, suggest.

I quickly shoot back, 'No! It was probably just misplaced.'

My family gives me a weird look, not used to me speaking up like that. I usually keep quiet and stay out of trouble, but I don't want someone else getting blamed for my mistake. I know how harsh my mom can be with her disciplining.

'Suspicious,' Euffie, my younger cousin, scoffs.

Yeah? Well so are your stupid talismans that don't even work! I'm always the one being blamed for the poor effectiveness of our rituals when it's actually you who's responsible because you can't even make them properly in the first place! … ‘Ahem.’

I stop my thoughts before I get too upset. I already go to great leghts to avoid stress and negative emotions, as it can quickly impact my well-being and physical appearance. There’s no need to let a little twat girl ruin my vibe. By cultivating a calm and unbothered state, I maintain both my zen and beauty.

'Regardless, we can look for it after breakfast. Let's go eat,' Auntie Eudora say with a shrug on her shoulder.

I throw a judging glare towards Euffie’s direction as she prances ahead, completely carefree. She always has a knack for copying me, and if she can't do that, she'll find a way to pin blame on me for anything at all. Little troublemaker.

Though, she’s actually right, in this situation. Maybe she’s not that talentless afterall.

I trail behind everyone as we all shuffle toward the main building for our breakfast.

Where was it! Huhu! I am sure I kicked it around here.

I stealthily and nonchalantly look around the bush I kicked the empty milk cartoon and the “bowl of misfortune” into and I can’t see either one. If I duck down to investigate closer, I would give myself away.

‘Um… Miss?’

I turn around and see the new helper emerging from somewhere in the garden. He was sent over from the rural temple just a few days ago. He cautiously approaches, walking slowly and timidly, as if I mightpounce and bite his head off.

I tilt my head. I’m a bit busy!

Then I remember my manners.

‘Good morning.’ I said, nodding lightly.

He silently extended his hands towards me, discreetly handing me the bowl from behind his back.

Oohhh! Ok ok ok… So he saw me doing that…

I smile tenderly and mouth “thank you”. He just stands there motionless and happy. I hide the bowl under the long sleeve of my ritual attire and skipped passed everyone, making sure I have enough time to return the silly bowl undetected.

Gatekeep, Gaslight, Girlboss.

'See, it's here!' I exclaim, pretending to have just discovered it on the decorative table beside the entrance, as everyone enters. ‘Are you sure you looked properly or did you walk out in haste and thought you didn’t see it?’

Sorry grandma. Gaslightmaxxing here.

My poor grandmother scratches her head and shrugged. I sigh almost audibly at her reaction. My mother looks at the bowl then at me, then at the bowl, then outside the door.

Why are you so smart though? Come on! I fixed it! Don’t take my luxurious life away!

I stand motionless as I watch my mother put two and two together. Then she just walks off with grandma and sis.

Whew…

Everyone heads directly to the dinning hall where the helpers serve us breakfast from a list we all pre-selected the day prior. Quite lush :3

During breakfast, we all say our individual prayers silently, and we eat in silence. Typically when our family from the rural parts come to join us for bigger spiritual events, breakfast is quite lively and noisy. However, when it's just us, the atmosphere is typically quiet. Dinner can sometimes be noisy, specifically when Euffie is in a mischievous mood and tries to rile me up.

Grandma says it is disrespectful to the food if you eat and do other things such as scroll on the phone or watch something on the television. I agree on the phone part, but I also enjoy eating while watching a good movie.

This same grandmother that implemented this rule is now whispering with my mother. Another person who likes the quiet.

Whatever could they be talking about?

After we all eat and prepare to go to our respective daily commitments, my mother cornered me,

Sigh. I knew it was too good to be true.

She takes my hand and slips her prized sapphire bangle around my wrist. Followed by an obsidian beaded bracelet.

Oh?

I am so taken aback by this sudden gesture that I do not see my grandmother slowly coming to join us as well. It’s like she materialised out of nowhere, and just starts filling my other hand with all shapes of jade bracelets.

Nice.

‘Ehhh... So this will bring me luck yes?’ :3

‘No, this is to protect you from bad luck,’ my sister says as she finishes off the look by placing an amethyst necklace around my neck. Much like putting the last star on top of a Christmas tree.

‘I’m fine, hehe… I like the attention though.’ I say as I admire each sparkling piece. ‘Thank you…’

‘Hurry! I will be late for my first class!’ Euffie screams from the front door.

Euffie, while you’re normally annoying, I think you just saved me from being grilled alive by three of the most powerful ladies in the family.

I kiss my sister, grandmother, and mother goodbye and escape. Just as I am stepping out of the house and into our chaperoned car, one of my grandmothers obsidian bracelets breaks.

Sh*t…