Chapter 2

I was glad that I found a friend, and a funny one at that. I could already see myself spending the next three years with her.

We returned to the classroom, to continue the lessons of the day. Vivian was such a good friend, whenever I didn't understand something she would explain to me and make sure I followed up with what was been taught.

The day finally ended, I didn't really expect Beth to wait for me and besides Vivian's neighborhood and mine were really close so we would just walk home together. We took our bags and left the school together, on the way home I realized something

"You don't go home together with your sister"

"Oh well we rarely walk home, so it would just be weird to wait for her and besides she has her friends so I doubt she'll be lonely"

"I can tell you love your sister"

"Although she gets on my nerves sometimes, I really would do just anything for her"

"That's very nice"

"You don't have to worry about not having a sibling who really loves you because now you do"

"You can't be serious"

"Believe me when I say I am very serious, I'm going to take and treat you as my sister from now on"

"I appreciate that, but if I am being honest I've had enough of siblings for one lifetime so if you really want to be close to me. Be my best friend"

"Very well"

We exchanged numbers and chatted for a while before parting ways, I was really glad that i met Vivian. She was just so easy going and nice, I walked home with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

"Where is your younger sister"

"I don't know where she is"

I literally replied without even bothering to look at them or greet them. All the while my face was on the screen of my phone, I really didn't want to talk to them so I just headed to my room.

"Come back here, we are talking to you"

Of course they weren't going to let me off easy, I turned to my mom and stared at her with disgust. Viv made me realize today how unfair my parents were and it just made me angry with them

"Listen Mom, I am not in the mood for one of your lectures. Your daughter has been attending that same school without me for six years now so I'm pretty sure she'll be fine on her own" I stated 

"Are you talking to me like that"

"I'm pretty sure we're both speaking in the same tone so I don't see anything wrong with that"

Gone is the scared girl, although I don't do arts anymore I still won't let them control my life and pretend like they are perfect with me.

"Do not disrespect your mother"

"Dad just stay out of this, it's what you normally do in cases like this so it should be used to you by now"

"How dare you speak to us like..."

"Enough!!!!!" 

My dad yelled, my mom was shocked probably because my dad had never yelled at her before but I really just couldn't wait to leave their sight and return to my bedroom, my only safe haven in this house.

"Nicole your mom told me you hadn't eaten before going to school, and watching you I can see you haven't had anything all day. The hunger is making you cranky but here you can eat right now"

"I am not interested"

"You will sit and eat!!"

My dad clearly got the memo and noticed that there was something off about me, but my mom still thought I was their little puppy. I really couldn't help but scoff at her

"Why should I, you never really cared if I starved before so why the sudden interest in me"

"Nicky.....how can you speak to our parents like that, have you lost your senses"

"Oh Beth you have finally arrived, well since the topic of discussion is here I'm leaving"

I didn't wait to see their stunned faces before walking to my room, the second I got to my bedroom I dropped; I would be lying if I said that doing that didn't take out a lot in me. Also I was starving but that wasn't the issue now, from now on I'll live on my own terms.

I got into my bathroom to take a shower, I saw a text from Vivian.

Vivian: Hey I spoke to my sister about you, I know you said you were giving up on becoming an artist but I just couldn't help myself. She said she's willing to meet you, I'll take you to see her during lunch tomorrow. FYI you can't say no.

I was struck by the fact that my new bf was already making plans for me, something my parents never did. A part of me wanted to accept her offer but I knew it would only get me in trouble so I just had to decline.

Nicole: Viv, I really appreciate you trying to help me but I'm going to have to decline.

Vivian: I knew you were going to say that so I gave her your phone number she's really good at convincing people.

I didn't know if I should be mad that she shared my contact without my permission or if I should be glad that my contact was given to a guru like her sister.

Nicole: You don't really like to give up

Vivian: Duh... You are my new bff I can't give up on you

Her text brought a goofy smile on my face, i really didn't know what I did to deserve such a friend

Nicole: I'm really blessed to have you 

Vivian: Aw me too.

I heard a knock on my door, I really wasn't going to answer it so I just pretend not to hear it.

Vivian: My sister said she'll text you later.

Nicole: Does she know everything about me??

Vivian: Nope, All I told her was that you are really shy.

Nicole: Thanks for not telling her.

Vivian: I got you girl.

My dad walked into my room, just the very sight of him was enough to spoil my mood. He walked towards my bedroom sofa and sat on it, this was his house so he had every right to go into every room he wanted. He sat there for a few minutes watching me, I neither acknowledged his presence nor said anything to him.

Nicole: I'll text you later.

Vivian: Sure.

I dropped my cellphone and punched my pillow preparing to go to bed, when he finally broke his silence.

"Can we talk"

"I'm sorry, but I'm tired so whatever you have to say will have to wait till tomorrow"

"I really don't know why you're acting like this when all your mom and I have done, was just try to make you happy"

"And if I may ask what's happy from your own perspective point of view"

"We clothe you and feed you for goodness sake what more do want"

"Clothe me and feed me, Wow it's either your daydreaming or I've lost a portion of my memory; because I was denied a meal this morning and all the clothes on my closet are all outdated and grandma bought them for me"

"Nicole, watch it"

"Oh now you want me to stop, your the one who came here looking for a conversation and now you got it. You are my dad but I don't think if were to count the things you have done for me in my 18 years i don't think it would be able to get to the number five" 

"You live in my house, pay no bills, even your school expenses I pay them you damn brat"

"I can't win in an argument against you or the rest of your family so just leave me alone"

"The rest of my family, they are also your family members"

"Oh please you and I know we are not part of the same clan, I'm the embarrassment you and mom never wanted to have. The stain in your perfect home"

"Who told you that"

"You did"

"We only called you those things because unlike the rest of your friends you chose the embarrassing job, A performer do you even hear yourself. You are lucky your mom and I saved you from that phase otherwise you would have destroyed your life completely"

"You have destroyed my life, can't you see it. I am like a walking zombie no dreams or aspirations I'm just following orders, I don't want this; this life you think is good for me is actually killing me"

"You are not going back to that disease"

"If anything is a disease it would be you, your toxic wife and daughter"

*Pak* I had expected him to hit me, I was literally just wondering when he'd finally do it. 

"If you're not going to leave this room, I'll leave it to you" 

"Really now, and where would you go. You have no money, friends or even connections"

"You would be surprised, and let's say you were right at least I'll be free from this crazy home"

"Crazy home, you are the only crazy brat that lives here. And if you don't watch your mouth you will be a homeless brat"

My dad finally left the room, although I acted tough in his sight I really was breaking down. I always knew my family members were all hypocrites but it still hurt.

*Ring* *Ring*

I couldn't help but wonder who was calling, I didn't remember expecting a call from anyone.

Nicole: Hello

Clara: Hi, Umm I'm Clara 

Nicole: I don't know any Clara it's probably a wrong number

Clara: Wait don't hang up, I'm Vivian's sister 

Nicole: Oh my goodness I'm so sorry

Clara: It's okay, my sister said that you do choreography

Nicole: I do not 

Clara: Your don't??, it's very much unlikely that my sister would lie to me

Nicole: She didn't lie to you, it's just that I left choreography a few months ago

Clara: I see, and if I may ask can you tell me why?

Nicole: I really can't tell you that

Clara: Are you okay?

Nicole: Yeah I'm fine

Clara: You sound like someone who's been crying

Nicole: I have to go, I'll try to call you tomorrow

Clara: but...

Nicole: Bye.....

I hung up the phone, which was quite rude but I really didn't want her asking questions.

I cried all night long, by 2:00 am I made a decision that I would never cry over my family members again instead I'll work on improving myself in every way possible, there was one thing my family didn't know about me. 

******"

2 years ago

"Madame we need to accept the governments offer and let this company go"

"Never, I refuse to allow the hard work and sweat of my late husband to go into the grave"

"But the only one who can save us from this crisis is the senior master and he's dead"

"What about the prodigy"

My grandparents were both high end business legends, after my parents literally kicked me out my grandparents took me in and took care of me. My grandparents were so supportive about my choices.