Mr President is a vampire

CLEOPATRA

Some people wished for a luxurious life, but I wanted a peaceful life. A home and a family that would love me like their own. My name's Cleopatra. I was in my final year in business college and an adopted child, someday I was hoping to find my biological parents very soon.

It might sound weird but I wanted to know who they were. If I have to scurry into every damn hole, I would surely do it.

I looked in the direction of the door when I heard a cracking sound. Dad just stepped inside, carrying a cake.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday princess. Did you sleep well?” He sang as he walked over and placed the cake on the bed. He moved to the other side and then planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Of course Dad. I even snored like a baby.” We laughed. He ruffled my hair while smiling. “How about you?”

“Same as yours darling. I've been thinking of a gift for your birthday but I can't decide what to buy. What do you want, princess? Car or diamond necklace.” I rested my chin like I was thinking.

“Really dad? What if I say I want something different?”

“I know what she's thinking, Dad.” Brenda interrupted. I didn't expect to see her in my room. It was a surprise to see her.

“What's that Brenda?”

“She wants to celebrate with her friends. Right, Cleo?” I shrugged without responding. She was right but Dad wouldn't allow us to party.

“If that's what you girls, who am I to say no? Is there anything else you want?”

“Money for the party,” I said immediately.

“Promise me you won't have anything alcoholic.” I nodded. Brenda stood still watching us. I didn't know what she was thinking but she seemed unhappy about it, her countenance was proof.

“We promise you, Dad.” my best moment ever was whenever Dad was around. I didn't know what happened to Mum, she wasn't affectionate like she used to be.

“Okay. Once you are ready let me know. Returning home early, it's dangerous to stay out late. You all know the city isn't safe. Do you get it?”

“Yes, Dad. Let's blow the candles.” I blew air on the candles and cut the cake.

“Merry happy birthday honey.” I fed Dad the cake I cut and I offered Brenda some but she looked away.

“Let me take a bath, I look awful in this nightdress.” I stepped down from the queen-size bed. Dad excused us while leaving Brenda and me in the room.

“Are you happy? I thought you were going to ask for a car.” She laughed sarcastically.

“Isn't that why you are here so I won't ask for it? If I need a car, I don't have to ask twice. It doesn't have to be my birthday gift.” I scoffed. “I need my privacy now.”

“If I don't leave what will you do?” She said with a mischievous smirk.

“Nothing, I've got nothing to do. Just ten seconds. Leave my room Brenda.”

“I need a chair.” She angled a chair close to the bed and straddled it. I take a deep breath before walking into the bathroom. She wanted to start a fight but I was not ready for that.

I would text Lisa, Dailey, and Karl later. I did all the necessary stuff in the bathroom, letting the warm water soothe my body. I used my fingers to brush my hair. I was thinking of dyeing my hair blue but the pink color suited me. I didn't bother to dye it so I stepped out of the bathroom.

I was hoping to see her in my room but she has left the room. “Thank goodness. I don't have to scream my lungs out.” I let down the towel. I grabbed a brand-new dress from the wardrobe. I wore my underwear and then put on a sleeveless gown. The pink gown matched my hair. I squeezed my legs into four inches of heels. Checked out my reflection in the mirror before walking out of the room.

“Good morning Mom.” I greeted Mom. She was setting up the table for our breakfast.

She didn't spare a glance. “Good morning.” She replied, rather calmly or nonchalantly.

I waited a few seconds to see if she was going to wish me. However, she did. I decided to remind her, perhaps she has forgotten. “Mom, do you forget today is my birthday?”

She looked at me before shaking her head negatively.

“Of course not. Since your dad has already wished you, I don't think mine is necessary anymore. Happy birthday anyway.”

I sat around the table. A bright smile craved my face when Dad showed up. “Honey, let's eat.”

“Alma, what do you plan to give Cleopatra for her birthday gift?”

“Honey, I don't have such a plan in mind. I don't plan to give her anything, she's a grown-up woman already. She doesn't need anything and if she does, She should get a man.” She said in an irksome manner. Dad threw a grimace at her before she could finish. “That's just a bitter truth.” She added.

“What are you saying?” He asked hostilely.

“I'll get her a teddy bear.” She said nonchalantly.

“What!”

I didn't utter a word, watching both of them. I was deeply hurt by her every word. My foster parents were aware that I was always terrified by the sight of a teddy bear. I didn't understand what had happened to her this morning.

“She's a grown-up woman, yeah I know. But every lady loves teddy bears.”

“Do you forget she's phobia for teddy bears?”

She handed the cutlery set to Brenda.

“Oh, I forgot. I'm so sorry. I can't think straight because both of you are giving me a hard time. I don't want to talk cheap early in the morning, please.” They must have fought last night or this morning, I could only sense it through the way both were replying to each other.

“Don't worry Mom, you can get me anything. Since it's coming from you, I'll accept anything.” I uttered calmly.

“Whatever. Everyone, let's eat. I'm not ready for any unnecessary talk today.”

We all ate in silence. It was obvious Dad didn't want to get on her wrong side too. Suddenly she put down the cutlery and left the dining room.

I sighed softly. “Dad, did you two fight again?” I asked.

“You know your mother. I don't have to deal with her unnecessary nags all the time.” He complained.

“Just let it go, Dad. You should go in and talk to her. I hate to see you two fight over a trivia matter. Please, Dad, today's my birthday so everyone should be happy, especially Mom.”

He looked at my face and smiled brightly. “All right, dear. Are you heading out now?”

“Yes, I want to catch up with friends. I want to assist Karl with his project, he's almost done.”

“That? OK, dear. Be careful.”