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The Beginning

"No-no... No.. NO! Jesus, Jessica.. I said...... I said I'm fine. What- what are you whining about?..."

"Dad.. You're drunk."

"What? Do- Don't you think I'd know if I were drunk?" Jacks stumbles and laughs.

I back up as my father steps closer.

"Why... are you so afraid of me, Jess? Huh? What did I ever do to you?"

"G-get away... Stay back." I put my hands out in front of me and back into a wall.

*Click*

I turn my head quickly to the door as my mom walks in from work.

"What are you-- ARE YOU DRUNK?! Jacks!" Kelsey runs over to her husband and pushes him back.

"You asshole! What were you gonna do?! Remember last time!" Kelsey yells then switches to me.

"I remember last time. All you did was watch." I almost break into a sob.

Kelsey's words stumble. "Jess, you gotta understand.. There was nothing I could've done.."

"Done?! Your husband was on top of your daughter and there was nothing you could do?! You'd rather me be scarred for life, rather than take a simple hit or black eye?" I yell then push my mom out of the way and go to walk past my dad whos still laying on the floor.

Jacks reaches out and grabs my ankle.

"HEY! Don't talk to your mother like that."

I breathe heavy and kick his hand off and runs up to my room.

• • •

The Next Day

Getting out of bed is hard. Especially when you've got nothing to look forward to.

> New Message <
Andy: Hey, Jess. What's up? Been a while. Where are you? I haven't seen you at school. Drop out much? Lol!!! Anyways, meet me at the park off of Burbooks. I got something sweet to tell you.

***

> New Message <
Andy: Ooh. And, Jess, wear something cute. Mike's gonna be therrreeee. ;)

***

Ugh, screw you. But I am curious. Let's go...

I get out of bed and dont bother by fixing the sheets.

Black combat boots. Black skinny jeans with tears in the knees. Short, straight, blonde hair half tied up. Black eyeshadow, nude lipstick. Cute oversized white, wool sweater. And my phone in my cute, tiny bookbag, purse thing. And I'm ready to go.

> Sending to Andy <
Me: omw. c u soon douchebag.

***

> New Message <
Andy: You know you love me!

***

I roll my eyes, and go downstairs.

"Hey!" Jacks yells.

"My hand is on the doorknob. House rules, I'm FREE." I say and open the door.

"New rule. You're not going anywhere, Jess."

"Why do you have to be such a dick! No one in this house even likes you. All you do is get drunk and sit on your ass all day!" I swing open the door and leave.

Jacks follows after me and grabs my arm and swings me around.

"Dont talk to me like that, Jessica. Or it'll be the last thing you ever say."