Step-Daddy

Chapter 1

Friday nights were always the same. Come home from school, read moms note on the counter by the fridge, do a few small things for her, eat, (alot) and then watch TV in the living room until I pass out.

My mom says that I should get friends. She is probably right, but too bad I don't like people. They annoy me. I'm not lonely and weird, do not get me wrong. I have select friends, people like me, and I talk at school. I just don't invite people over.

Partly because of my mom's habits. Honestly, I don't see how I am the product of her. She works and provides for me always, but she just doesn't make good choices. And when she isn't working, she still isn't home. She brings random men home, and I'm certain she does drugs.

Needless to say, I was surprised when she busted through the door a little earlier than usual.

"Oh! Baby, I'm glad you're home, I need you to help me!"

"What? Why!" I panicked, she never needed me for anything. For a brief moment, I thought she was running from the cops.

Far-fetched, but not unlikely.

"I have someone coming over tonight and I need you to stay hidden! I need you to help me!"

"Mom, calm down!" I stared at her in shock, still seated comfortably on the couch.

"I need you to light a candle in the kitchen-- the sea salt caramel one! And one in the living room, hazelnut!" She said wide-eyed as she scurried in to her room.

She was definitely on drugs. If not, then I don't know what drugs are. "Mom!" I hollered.

"Yeah?" She hollered back.

"Who's coming over?"

"His name is Harry." She said, coming in to view. "And why aren't you up doing what I asked!"

"Sorry." I rolled my eyes. I got up, grabbing the lighter from the top of the fire place and light the candle on the coffee table. "Happy?"

"Do one in the kitchen."

"Why do I have to stay in my room?" I asked.

"You could just leave."

  "What the- no?" I began to get frustrated with my mother. I always do. Only because she always treats me like this. I'm not a priority. Sometimes I felt more like a friend than a daughter. "Why should I have to hide away?"

"I don't want him to see you, you're my daughter. I don't know this man. Just trying to keep you safe."

"Isn't like he can't just walk in my room and kill me."

"I mean it Mia. Stay. Out. Of. Sight." She said, pausing after every word so I know it's real.

"Yes ma'am.." I gave her a slight frown.

"I'm sorry, babe.. I just don't want him to meet my kid yet."

"How old is he?" I asked.

"That's unimportant." She gave me a grimace.

"So he's either really old or I know him from school?"