One

“Is she really not at home?” Venus muttered to herself.

The girl lives in Koba, Central Bangka, where everything feels so close. She had just returned from school, changed clothes, and went straight to the kitchen. Today the program was just voluntary work, and the sellers in the canteen decided to take a holiday in congregation. There was only one, and the itinerant vendor didn't provide heavy food such as rice. Fortunately, this community service didn't reach midday.

Even so, for some reason Venus thinks eating at home is better, than eating at a tavern and wasting pocket money. In addition, she also believes that her stepmother is out. One of Venus's friends claimed to see Venus's stepmother riding in her friend's car. Whatever it is, Venus remains wary. She decided to just give up, even though she wasn't sure.

Of course, giving up is a bad sign.

“Ah, honey. What are you doing?”

The voice was so sweet, if only it hadn't come from Venus's stepmother, Sella. She is a woman who tries to look beautiful in her horrible face. Fake white like a witch. The woman just appeared from the back door. She took the Venus plate and put it back on the shelves.

“I know, I know,” Sella almost chanted. “Are you hungry? Hey, is there no canteen at school? Why don't you eat there?”

“Today the canteen is on vacation,” Venus said furiously. She restrained the emotions that suddenly bubbled up.

“Oh my gosh,” said Sella pretending to be sympathetic. “I understand. I'm just … confused. Just because of that then you intend to steal food in my cupboard? After all, you've been fifteen years! How could you not eat in a food stall alone?”

“I didn't steal!” sprayed Venus felt insulted. “And when was eating at home categorized as stealing?!”

“Aha!” Sella's eyes glittered evil, but her words remained as sweet as fake honey. “Don't be so mean. Didn't you hear me speak this morning when I called my friend? I plan to cook for my friends who are coming soon. You should have heard, considering you were not far from me. Besides, sorry for not even assuming you existed. And, anyway, your father also doesn't really care. So why should I bother?”

Venus's chest suddenly fluctuates with emotion. Her biological father had never cared, even when Venus complained about how unjust Sella was to her own child. Sella's voice was as sweet as honey but contained poison, making everything worse. Venus really can't take it anymore.

“You shouldn't treat me like this!” Venus shouted angrily, feeling that she no longer cared if her father ignored her. “You're just lucky when you marry Dad! You use everything about Dad like a snake! Think for a minute, Sella. If my father didn't make you part of the Samudera family, what would you end up with? Bitch on the streets? Because I think that's what it should be!”

Venus was secretly astonished at her own words. However, the proudest moment was Sella's expression. The woman's face looks like she's been slapped repeatedly with an iron trash can lid. Moreover, Venus who has black eyes is not finished.

“Who do you think you are?! You can live even from Dad's hard work! You don't even do anything besides tidying your nails and gossiping! Who do you think I am? Useless flies, is that so? All this time I respected you only because of Dad! Do you think I also accept you completely?! And if you haven't forgotten, I have the right to kick you! You—”

SLAP!!

Venus staggered back and almost fell, but she grinned at Sella with a triumphant expression. Venus's eyes were wet with tears of anger. Sella's chest turn up and down ignited with emotion, as if the one who had shouted was her, not Venus. Venus knew what she was saying was true, and Sella seemed to hate admitting even to herself.

“Get out of here,” she hissed threateningly, losing control of her all-sweetness. “And don't go home before your father comes home! Let's see if your anger can melt his heart. Leave now, before I run out of patience. Go away! Go!”

Her hiss turned into wild snaps. Venus was just about to swear at her, but the girl shook her head slowly, well aware of how hatred hung in her heart. There would be no effect if she even washed her mouth by throwing harsh words at Sella. The emotions that Venus had been holding back from now have clotted into a dark cloud in her heart. The girl wanted to void everything, but she knew it was useless. All that's left is nothing.

Venus ran up to her room to get her backpack. Not to run away, but rather because she was accustomed to carrying a bag everywhere. Even if she wanted to run away, where should she go?

Venus brushed her shoulder-length black hair with heavy breathing, and then she arrived in the garage. Shaking with a trembling breath, the girl got on her bicycle. She paddled the wind wheel, while holding the heat from the slap on her cheek.