Reputation: Seen Differently (Book #1)

• Part. 27 • ~ "Why?" ~

"I'm heading to work. Stay home and Alessia those blood stains better all be clean when I get back home from work or it'll get worse for you." My father says sternly.

I don't say anything, don't make any movement. I couldn't even look at him, he has never been a good father to me. Kate and Andrew were always his favorites, had other noticed? Had my uncle or grandfather? Is that perhaps why they loved me more?

"Is that understood, Ace?" He uses my middle name.

"Yes." I say so low it comes out as a whisper.

He scoffs and walks out the house. I hear him turn on his car and leave the house. Andrew finished eating his cereal and then drops his plate into the sink. He slings his backpack over his shoulder and walks next to me mumbling "what a disappointment, you are."

I look up at him. "Wouldn't you know all about being a disappointment." I say

"Just do as your told and clean up your shit."

He leaves shortly afterwards and look behind me towards Kate. She was drinking a coffee. I turn around and stare at my blood stains on the floor. If I didn't clean them now then it will be harder to clean them later.

~~~~~~

After cleaning the blood off, I sit on the couch. Kate comes into the living room with a coffee mug and a cookie. She hands it to me and I shake my head.

"I'm not hungry."

"You need the strength. You lost blood last night and you never eat."

I take the mug from her hands and the cookie, placing them on the living room coffee table. I take a deep breath and look at the clock on the wall. 10:15 a.m.

Someone knocks on the door, I stand up and Kate looks at me. I walk to the door and look through the peephole to see Luca standing there.

"It's fine." I tell Kate and she nods walking up the stairs

I open the door and Luca stares at me and smiles. I walk out not letting him come into our home. He takes a couple steps back letting me step out. He starts leaning in to kiss me and I move my head. His eyebrows furrow and he looked at me confused.

"What are you doing here Luca?" I ask

"You weren't at school and you weren't answering your fucking phone. I wanted to know you were okay!" He says

He cared, and that's what hurt me most of all. I didn't deserve him at all, I was worthless, not deem of his love. This between me and him shouldn't be happening.

"Well, I'm fine. I just didn't feel good so I didn't go to school!"

"Okay, well I'll skip today to be with you. Have you eaten?" He asks taking a step closer to me.

I take a step back, keeping space between us. He shouldn't be here, I can't see him right now. I don't want him to see my bruises.

"Why are you acting different? Did I do something wrong?"

No, you're doing everything right. I can't risk losing you, so it's best to let you go.

"No, it's me not you. I just can't do this anymore Luca!"

He takes a second to speak. His gaze softens and he takes a step closer.

"What are you trying to say? I love you. You know that."

I love you too, I really do. I just can't, I don't want to hurt you.

"I don't think we should be dating."