It's Saturday and instead of doing my homework like I usually do, I'm stuck helping Marilyn prepare for her annual "Birthday Bash". I was invited once last year when she and my dad were just friends, so I know just how over the top things would be. Cooks are hired, decorations are added and innocent teenagers are bossed around. That is, me.

I was to polish the floors, clean the grouts, wipe all the counters, clean the windows, etc. Marilyn is a real estate agent, so I understand why she'd want the house to look in top shape, but I know she has cleaning ladies on speed dial. Why I have to clean everything is beyond me (personally, I think she likes seeing me whimper).

Surprisingly, Mona has a job too. Apparently she needs to "luxurize" the house by buying things like wine and fancy candles to make it look like we live the life. Of course, I know that it's all going to be returned the moment the party is over (Marilyn may be rich, but she's still pretty cheap).

By the time noon rolls in, I'm sweaty, tired and hungry. I'm on the last grout cleaning when I hear "Alllly!" coming from the next room. Slowly, I walk over to the master bedroom, where I Mona is polishing Marilyn's toenails.

"Yeah?"

"Okay, Mona you can stop. Both of you sit." Mona sends her a weird look and sits on the new couch that sits in the corner of the room. Confusedly, I follow suit. Marilyn clears her throat then begins to speak.

"As you both know, tonight is a big night for me. Not only is it my birthday, but I am also inviting 7 of my top clients. If all goes well and I can impress them, we might be making some expensive offers tomorrow." Mona and I both nod, knowing this information very well. Marilyn will do anything to impress her clients.

"Therefore, we will all be on our best behavior. Especially you two. I don't want any bickering tonight, you understand?" she asks, narrowing her eyes as if daring us to object. As usual, I wait for Mona to answer.

"No problem, Mom. Al and I will put our differences aside and show everyone how sophisticated we are, right?" Mona says in the fakest voice I've ever heard. As if I'm the one who starts everything. I wouldn't mind having a nice sister relationship, but she's the one who insists on the hatred. Nonetheless, I still nod and agree.

"Alright, you two can run off now. Mona, I think you should bring out the vases and put some fresh roses, no? And Ally, I'll need you to organize my makeup if anyone walks into the restroom by accident," Marilyn now says, reading off of a list in a notepad with Marilyn Wagner written in elegant font on the top.

"One other thing, you guys. Mona, would it kill you to stop calling your sister 'Al'"? Marilyn scolds as I start walking towards the bathroom inside the bedroom. I stop in my tracks immediately and turn around, shocked that she's calling her precious Mona out of something.

"Sorry," I hear Mona mumble with a surprised tone, before she runs down the stairs. Marilyn resumes checking her list and humming to herself while I stand there, looking at her shocked. I feel the need to say something, so I do.

"Hey, um Marilyn? Thanks for that. I, uh, really appreciate it," I say softly, not used to ever thanking her for anything.

"It's nothing, Ally. My own sister used to call me nicknames and it really ticked me off, so I thought I might as well save you the misery," she muses, sending me a smile. I stand there stunned, Marilyn never gives insight on life before she met my dad, I didn't even know she had a sister. Moments pass as I try to figure her out.

"Ally?"

"Yeah?"

"Those lipsticks aren't going to put themselves in the drawers by themselves."

"Oh, right, I'll get to it! Sorry!" I squeak, running towards the bathroom to get myself busy.

Still, Marilyn on my side? I could get used to this.

Alright guys, there you go! I have this story planned out so I think it'll be 15 chapters or so? But don't worry, the chapters are definitely going to get longer, these first couple of chapters are just going to be short because I'm introducing you to Ally's lifestyle and how she's treated. Please review and tell me what I can do (that rhymes). Any ideas you have or comments, feel free to share! Thank you so much!

-Lori :D