“Orphan! Orphan, come quick!” a tall blond woman shouted from her room. She was delicate and full of grace. But despite her beauty, her soul was dark and heart was cruel. Many people would just stop and look at her, most especially the men in town. She had a lot of suitors and they would just fall head-over-heels for her but when they stare deeply into her bright blue eyes, one would realize that she was hiding something from that shy smile. Something cruel and mean…
“Orphan! Where are you?! I’m waiting here!” she called once more. “I’m coming Anna” a soft voice replied back. “Well hurry up! I don’t have all day you know!” she complained as she put her right hand on her slim hip. Steps were heard on the staircase and finally a girl with deep brown eyes and silky black hair peeked from the doorway. She looked exhausted and had dark circles under her eyes. She had aged from her normal age of 19. “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting here for so long! When I tell mother this, she will be very upset!” she said, her tone harsh. “I’m so sorry Anna. I was doing something and…”;”Whatever” she snapped, cutting her off. “How many times should I tell you, it’s Anastasia! Not Anna! Now, where’s my glass of water?” she demanded as she snatched the glass of water from the girls hand and drank the water up. “Yes Anna…I mean Anastasia. I promise it will never happen again” she mumbled, almost seeming scared. “Just make sure it won’t! Because if it does, you will be in very big trouble!” she warned as she threw the glass on the floor and watched as it shattered on the floor. “Now, clean this mess up before you do your jobs” she commanded. The girl said nothing and nodded her head. As she walked downstairs, fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. She wondered when her life would begin. Or was this it? For Melanie Paris Thurston, her life was over…forever.
Melanie Paris Thurston was just a normal girl who was a happy and cheery 12 year old with dark silky hair and deep brown eyes before a tragedy happened to her that would change her life forever. While on a trip, the ship her parents were on sunk to the bottom of the sea. Until now, the bodies of her parents were not yet found. Melanie, at that time, was at the wake of her grandfather. As though she has not had enough losses. From then on, she lived in one orphanage to another. Until one day, an old lady came in and wanted to adopt her. But instead of take care of her, she was made a slave for her 3 daughters: Anastasia, the pretty blond but cruel heart, Deborah, the brown-haired “rich girl”, and Cassidy, the redhead with blue eyes. From the day she moved in, she ran here and there, giving in to the girls every order. Scrubbing floors, washing dishes, and cooking supper was all she does all day. She has lived like this for 7 years. She would even have a chance to take a rest for when she did not finish her tasks well, she would not get to eat. The only time she could relax was when she would lay down late at night on her lumpy bed. How, one would wonder, would such a young lady survive such a terrible treatment for 7 years? Mother Gothel, Melanie’s stepmother, would even make her wear rags. As much as she hated it, she could not argue with her. And as though her life would end, she knelt down and cried softly. “God, please help me… I could not take another day of this” Melanie whispered with racking sobs. Little did she know, her life was just beginning…

The next morning, Melanie was up to her old tasks. Running here and there… And as always, the 3 girls would treat her as harshly as they could. Anastasia made her clean her room, Deborah made her paint her nails, and Cassidy made her scrub her feet. Because of giving into the girls orders, Melanie did not get the chance to finish her tasks. “What have you done?! All you ever do is eat! You lazy brat!” Mother Gothel screamed at her as the 3 girls giggled behind her. “I’m sorry mother. Anastasia just…”;”Enough! How dare you even blame my daughters for your unacceptable behavior! You…you orphan! Tonight you shall have no dinner! Go to your room!” Mother Gothel sputtered out angrily with all her might. She then turned to her daughters. “I’m sorry my darlings. That brat will never bother you again” she said pitifully and enfolded Cassidy in her arms. As she flew into her mother’s arms, she smiled an evil smile. As Melanie walked upstairs, Deborah stuck her tongue out at her. She walked away as though she did not notice her. When she was sure no one could see her, Melanie ran to her room and locked her room. She sat on the edge of the bed and wiped her tear. “This isn’t fair. This isn’t a house. This is prison” she whispered to herself as tears filled her eyes. It was already late at night and everyone in the house was already asleep… except Melanie. She was packing everything she had and quietly slipped out of the house. As she walked outside, she could not contain her laughter and laughed so loud. She looked and felt younger than she ever had in years. She smiled the smile that people would rarely see. She was so happy that she was not in cruel hands anymore. She was free now. She had never felt so young and alive. And this time, she knew that a new life was about to begin…