Once her father got back from work that day, Annalise excitedly rushed to hug him. "I'm so happy you're home, Daddy!" she said, her smile beaming as she embraced him. However, that excitement had a clear purpose; she had a request on her mind.
"I'm thrilled to see you too, princess," he replied, affectionately stroking her hair.
"Come on, let's head to the parlor," Annalise instructed, taking her father's hand and leading him through their luxurious parlor. Dressed in a silk nightgown, her ginger hair neatly pulled into a bun, she shifted her focus to the conversation ahead. The polished tiles and elegant couches framed a cozy fireplace that added warmth to the evening.
They took their seats on the couch, and Annalise looked up at him eagerly.
"What's on your mind, dear? You look extra excited," he asked, eyebrows raised as he regarded her with affection.
Meanwhile, Keira was on her way to meet her husband, holding a cup of water. "Hello, dear," she greeted, ready to hand him the drink.
Annalise quickly intervened, taking the cup before her father could reach for it. "I was thirsty, Mom," she said, sipping the water and passing the cup back to Keira with a smile.
They shared a chuckle. "Go get another one for Dad," Annalise instructed, her tone sweet yet commanding.
"Sure thing," Keira replied, heading off to fetch another glass.
Turning back to her father, Annalise seized the moment. "Dad, I have a request," she said, her voice steady and clear.
He paused, hand still in her hair. "Of course, anything for you," he answered, affection shining in his eyes.
"I want you to get me a Mercedes for school—the latest model," she stated, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
His hand halted, blinking in surprise. "But sweetheart, I just got you a pink G Wagon last week for school," he reminded her.
Annalise pouted. "One of my friends showed up in a Mercedes, and honestly, I felt embarrassed. I don't want to drive that pink G Wagon anymore; I want a Mercedes." She recalled the humiliation of being outshone at school and was determined not to let it happen again.
He sighed. "You know I can never refuse you, Anna. We'll get you that Mercedes tomorrow," he declared with a smile.
"Yay!" Annalise exclaimed, overjoyed. She hugged him tightly, and he chuckled softly. At that moment, Keira returned with the water, which he accepted gratefully.
"Also, Daddy," Annalise continued, "this isn't just for my birthday. I want an island for my eighteenth birthday." Her demand was bold and clear.
He nearly choked on his water, wide-eyed. Keira placed a calming hand on his back. "Take it easy," Annalise reassured him.
"Honey…" he began, concern etched across his face. "You're still young. What do you need an island for? Don't you want to live with me and your mom?"
Annalise took his hand, her eyes wide and pleading. "Of course I want to live with you and Mom," she assured him. "But I'll be an adult soon, and I want that island to escape with my friends and have some fun… you know?" She caressed his hand gently, leaning in closer. "Please, Daddy."
Keira chimed in, "You know it's a significant milestone, honey. She deserves a big gift for her eighteenth."
"Hmmm, Daddy," Annalise said, batting her eyelashes sweetly.
Eventually, with a resigned sigh, he agreed. "Alright, I'll get you an island for your getaway with friends." Annalise beamed, throwing her arms around him before doing the same with her mother, kissing them both on the head.
"Goodnight, Mom and Dad. I have school tomorrow, so I need to sleep now," she announced, and they wished her goodnight, kissing her forehead before she happily retreated. She couldn't wait to share the news with her friends.
Keira observed Annalise as she wandered off, a smile gracing her face. "Our daughter is growing up," she remarked.
Marcus nodded in agreement, though a lingering worry settled in his chest. The request was outrageous, but he couldn't bear the thought of denying her. They had always given Annalise what she wanted, and he didn't want to disappoint his little princess.
*
The next day, Annalise arrived at school in a brand new Mercedes. A proud smile radiated on her face as she spotted her friends standing under the sun, waiting to walk together.
With a slow, deliberate motion, she opened the car door and stepped out in her shiny black heels, ensuring that everyone could see her like the princess she was.
"Annalise!" Her friends called out, and she turned to face them, her expression cool and composed.
Astrid, her best friend with striking white hair, bounced over, enthusiasm written all over her face. "You brought a Mercedes to school?" she exclaimed, genuinely happy for Annalise.
"Of course I did," Annalise replied matter-of-factly.
Anna had now forgiven Astrid, as she was the friend who had brought her pink G-wagon to school the other day, embarrassing her. They had fought and had settled over chat and were now together.
She and Astrid linked arms before heading towards the rest of their group.
Remi Sutton, a brunette, and Portia Bryson, another brunette with piercing blue eyes, stood waiting. They referred to themselves as 'THE ROYALS,' proud of their affluent backgrounds.
"Guess what?" Annalise announced, her tone commanding attention as the girls leaned in, eager to hear more.
"I'm getting an island for my birthday..." she declared with unmistakable excitement.
Portia's eyes lit up. "You really said you'd get an island, and you did. You're incredible!"
"Exactly! She's a goddess, always gets what she wants," Remi interjected, playfully.
With Astrid wrapping her arms around Annalise in a show of support, laughter filled the air, and the atmosphere was electric.
Annalise beamed confidently. "Now we have a perfect getaway for our vacation since the semester is wrapping up. My birthday is just around the corner, so make sure you all visit—no nonsense gifts this time," she asserted, her head raised high as she looked at each of them.
"We'd get the perfect gift for you" they chimed in unison as they made their way to class.
Annalise smiled proudly, she felt on top of the world. What more could she ask for when she had rich friends who treated her like a goddess?
They were loyal and would literally lick the ground she walked on, she thought.