Chapter 5

I cautiously prop myself up on my bed, nausea flows through me. Ignoring it, I turn my body and let my legs dangle off the bed. I lower my head and take deep breaths, how did I even get in my house if I could barely move? I hold my breath as I place my feet on the floor and push myself up into a standing position. Dizziness hits me strong, and I start to wobble, soon landing on my hands and knees.

I land with visions flashing in front of me, traumatizing me with screams and lights. Screeching tires pierce my ears as I see Ida yanking the steering wheel. The glass shattering, seeping into my skin. Blood running from opposite directions, eager to escape its owner. Outcries echos, they leave my mouth but doesn't sound like my own. They sound like the past, a girl I wanted to forget. A girl who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. She deserved what happened; she didn't deserve to live…

" Stay out my head," I cried. I grip my shaggy rug's fur in a fury, and my palms begin to heat up. After clearing my head, I timidly use the bed as support as I pull myself up from the floor. Those thoughts are now at the back of my head, waiting to spring out a different time. Again, I'm in a standing position, but this time my mind is assuredly steady.)

"C'mon Alivi, take a step," I say aloud.

I lift my foot an inch and move it forward. Trembling, but enough proof that I could take another. Repeating the process, I made it to my room's door. I place my hand on the cold knob, uneasy about possible outcomes beyond it. Turning it tediously, I leave the room for the first time, on my own.

I waddle down the hallway, using the wall as a guide. I can hear the TV down the hall playing, but it's used as background sound. As I edge closer, the not clear voices from before are now forming into words.

"But Bruce, I'm scared for her. What if she'll never be the same? She has already been through enough-"

Another voice interrupts, "Yes, Angie, I know, but she's now a young woman, and she handled all of those things perfectly. I think she can handle a little ouchie." Ouchie? "Beside darling, the doctor stated she'd be better to go back to school."

I finally make it to the end of the hallway to see Bruce and my mother talking in the living room. Bruce's back is facing me as he talks with his hands towards my mother. It's my mother who looks my way, perceiving that I have gotten up.

"Hey baby, you're up," My mother's eyes twinkle in delight, and she rushes over to me, arms open.

My step-father turns around and checks me out, one eyebrow hoists. His face then softens as a smile creeps up, "Look at that, Angie! The doctor said she wouldn't walk for a few days, but now look at her!" Bruce exclaims bubbly-like.

He beams at both of us, pearly whites and all. He's just the definition of fake. My mother's Apple Watch lights up, displaying the time. "Oh! Look at that 11 already! But, oh…" Mom trails off, "We can't leave Alivi here, now, can we?" She gazes into my eyes, disheartened.

I stare back at her and never leave them. I say, "I'll be fine here alone; you guys go enjoy your afternoon." I punctuate my suggestion with a weary smile. The two share glances with one another and faces back at me.

"Well…" Bruce starts, "I believe she can handle this authority, Angela. Don't you think?" He intertwined his hands and sticks out his index fingers towards my mom.

"I-well-maybe?" My mom says in mid-thought.

Once again, I speak without thinking, "I'm nearly eighteen, plus I'm just going to take the nap I promised myself." I exchange glances with them, "You guys shouldn't be gone long, right?"

Bruce starts, "Well, we shouldn't be gone before Genieve returns from her day with friends," He walks over to retrieve his coat and Mom"s. "We're just going to meet up with some associates about some upcoming business," My mom finishes.

Her husband helps her put on her trench coat and buttons it for her. They are lost in the eyes of each other and smirk at one another. Of course, Bruce treats me horribly, but he loves my mother with all of his heart. Those two are that couple you just have to ship right away. They are fond of each other, stealing kisses as they walk by each other, jokingly insult one another just to hear them laugh, and will do anything to keep them together longer. It reminds me of my relationship with Adrian, but I guess theirs is pure. They had adored one another enough to tie it all down. Love was now eternal, for now.

" Alright now," I disrupt the period of silence. "You guys don't wanna be late now," I smirk slyly at the two began rushing, gathering the rest of their belongings.

" I used the automatic starter so that you can get in the car," Bruce says.

" Thanks, sweetheart. See you later, Livi!" My mom shouts as she exits the house before she blew me a kiss, clutching her coat tightly.

When Mom leaves, Bruce is spinning in place, desperately searching for something. He repeatedly pats his pockets, "Um, have you by any chance-" He glances up at me, worry fills his once cold eyes. I glare at him, thinking about why I should help him? What has he ever done for me? I swallow the benefit of the doubt, " What do you lose? When was the last time you have seen it?" I look around from where I'm standing, trying to find something out of place.

Bruce shakes his head, "I lost my wallet...somewhere...around here"-he gets on his hands and knees looking under the couch and coffee table- " I thought I put it in the bedroom."

I see a thick piece of leather under some pile of mail on the kitchen's bar in the corner of my eye.

Pointing, I question, " Have you checked the mail pile?" "Of course, I did, just more bills today." He gets up and walks over to the bookshelf that's near the front door. I raise my eyebrow in confusion as he still searches for his wallet. Sighing deeply, I suggest again, " Maybe you should look near the mail pile?"

My step-father turns sharply towards me with his eyebrows furrowed.

" Maybe you should listen more and be serious at times."

I start, "But-"

Bruce balls his fist up and walks up to me, causing me the gasp. " Stop being a brat and suck it up. In front of your mother, you pretend that you like me. I'm not fucking going anywhere!" I hold my breath as I stare into his beady eyes. I've never seen him like this before, so I back down before talking back.

He doesn't hit me or says other words, just walks over to the front door, and puts the alarm code in. He pauses before turning to me, he says, " Why can't you be like your mother? The only thing you got from her genes was her eyes, while the rest of you is your father's mistake of a sperm."

Bruce marches out the door as my eyes still linger on his wallet.