Speak To Me

(Gabriella Age Eight)

"Okay, try again Gabriella, this time take it slower." My speech therapist Mrs. Rachel said, making my stomach tie into knots as I could feel my stepmother's eyes burning into the side of my head.

"Th..th..the c-c-clock wa..wa..was t-t-t-ti" I stuttered, my mouth moving in ways I couldn't control as Rachel nodded encouragingly. The sound of my stepmom, Regina, scoffing in the back made me close my mouth tightly as I peered down in my lap. My little stuffed bunny, Butterscotch, stared back at me as I felt those tears welling up.

"Go on, you were a lot closer this time." Rachel encouraged me as I bit my lip before shaking my head no.

Regina stood, her hands sliding to her hips as she walked towards me, her Jimmy Choo high heels clicking across the hardwood floor.

"It's useless, she will never get it. I don't know why John continues to throw thousands of dollars away for these lessons." She grumbled as she walked towards the study before tossing back her blonde hair. She looks as flawless as ever in her designer clothes and a full face of makeup.

"Well, I was thinking perhaps it might be good to start teaching her some sign language..just so it's easier for her to communicate." Rachel said, her eyes filling with pity as I sunk deeper into the chair. "No, that is a cop-out, she can speak..she is just choosing not to for attention." Regina snapped, making Mrs. Rachel's eyes widen.

"Mrs. Kensington, with all due respect, that is not true..Gabriella was born with a tied tongue and considering the situation..it will take a while for her to recover." She said before scooting closer to me.

Yes, Regina was my stepmom..but she hated me..she hated me with a passion because I reminded her of my mom..the woman who seduced my daddy and almost broke up their family. That's what my two sisters say at least..

I looked down, my long straight black hair falling in front of my face as I squeezed Butterscotch's little stuffed paw. This was all I had left of Mom..other than the memories.

"This will be your last session..after today I will accept your resignation and pay you whatever my husband has agreed to." Regina stated coldly, making those tears finally spill over. Mrs. Rachel was one of the only friends I had..well besides Daddy, but he was always gone. I heard the door slam closed as I let out a sniffle.

"Come here, sweet girl..I know you always try so hard." Mrs. Rachel whispered, her sweet apple scent comforting me as she wrapped her arms around my body.

"I'm sorry I can't come any longer but promise me you will never give up okay? I will leave these books with you and I want you to practice them every night before bed." Mrs. Rachel whispered before tucking my hair behind my ears. Her warm honey-brown eyes stared into me as I nodded my head.

"Th..th..th..thank y..you." I stuttered out, making her smile warmly before wiping my cheeks with her smooth palms.

"Never let them break you down okay sweet girl? Stay strong." She whispered as one of our security guards, Kevin, came into the room.

"Mrs. Montgomery, your car is waiting out front." Kevin stated before glancing towards me and smiling sadly. They always looked at me like that..well, except anyone close to my stepmother...they just looked at me with disgust.

I didn't always live here..I used to live with my mom, but after the accident, they came and got me..it took them a few days..but I tried to make sure she stayed warm and kept her clean. I tried so hard to wake her up..but nothing would work.

Now I am living here and it has been three years.. Daddy used to visit me before. But I was his precious little secret..now I wish I had stayed his secret.

I had my surgery when I was six for my tongue, but things haven't gotten better..it's frustrating..I try so hard to speak, but it never works..

"Goodbye Gabby, take good care of yourself okay?" Mrs. Rachel said with tears in her eyes as she walked out of the room..and the moment she left..I knew there was no hope for me.

After that, things only got worse. Regina found the papers Mrs. Rachel had given me and tore them up, I was convinced she didn't even want me to speak..

Then my half-sisters Cecelia and Katrina would bully me relentlessly.

Luckily I had my dad, he was the only one who made it all better. Regina ended up keeping me homeschooled and hid me away, making this stain on their family become a secret that only a few knew.

Now I am twenty-one years old and tonight my father is holding a gala to celebrate the joining of two prestigious companies coming together.

But what people don't know is it will also be the announcement of my sister Cecelia's engagement. She has been pining after Jamie Sinclair for years, and now she will finally have all her dreams come true. I'm just happy to get her out of the house...

"Here, this is the dress Mrs. Regina has bought for you." Our Housekeeper Betty said before walking into my room.

She held a soft blue colored dress with long sleeves and a high neckline.

She bought something for me? That was unusual..

"Me?" I mouthed before pointing to myself as Betty nodded her head and smiled.

Over the years, I have become close with most of the staff that work here. Considering I never leave the house..Betty was like a mother to me. She even began teaching me sign language secretly over the years. My dad was all for it when he would visit, but as soon as he left for work, Regina would oppose anything that benefited me.

My dad worked a lot overseas since that's where his business had really taken off. So he would split his time between here and the many places Spark Enterprise had planted its roots. We would see him every other month for a few weeks at a time. Regina and my sisters seemed fine with this, especially with the loads of money that came in to compensate for my father's absence.

But I didn't care about the money...I just missed my dad. He and I would write letters back and forth to keep in touch..it was kind of our thing that we started since I couldn't talk over the phone.

"Here, let me help you with your hair." Betty said happily before sitting me in the vanity chair and began brushing my long black hair out.

I glanced in the mirror, examining my fair skin and full lips...I guess I really did look like my mother, from what I can remember. I had soft blue eyes and porcelain skin, my body was thin with wider hips and a medium bust standing at about 5'3".

My dad always said I was his sweet little bunny and Regina hated it..after turning seventeen, she seemed to want to see me less and less which was why I stayed in my room or upstairs for most of the day.

When I turned eighteen, I thought about moving out... even wrote to my dad about it but he begged me to stay, saying he would worry about me too much. I didn't know where I would go..

In my spare time, I started making my own jewelry and began selling it online. I have saved up about six thousand dollars, but I know that isn't much..maybe everything will get better after Cecilia leaves..

But you can imagine my surprise to learn that I was going to be attending the dinner. I guess now that Dad is back they have to include me in stuff again..it's all part of the show I'm sure.

"Your father is so happy to be home, he keeps going on and on about how beautiful you have gotten." Betty said sweetly, making my cheeks turn pink as I looked down in my lap. I couldn't help the smile that twitched in the corner of my lips as I nodded my head. He said he would be staying home for a while, and that maybe next time he travels I might get to go with him. I couldn't believe it..

"Betty!! I'm going to be late for my appointment!" My sister Cecilia suddenly yelled out, making Betty groan as she was about to start curling my hair.

I reached my hand up, placing my fingers around her wrist before squeezing.

"Go." I signed, making Betty let out a loud sigh before shaking her head.

"I swear I will throw my own damn party when that girl is out of here." She whispered making me slap my hand over my mouth as a burst of laughter threatened to come out.

"We should have time before everyone arrives..I will make sure to come straight here when I get back okay?" She promised before smiling and I nodded my head.

I can't believe I get to attend this party..I have a feeling it's going to be an incredible night, especially since everyone should be so happy with Cecilia's engagement. Who knows, maybe I will even meet a boy there too..one can only dream.