Knockout

Ch.1

I stood in the mirror checking my appearance. My dark blue skinny jeans covered my legs and the slightly over sized button down white shirt was a decent compliment. Not to showy and not to businessy.

"Who am I kidding I look weird." I sighed and dug through my dresser until I found a long white cardigan to throw over the blue striped white tank top I had found in the farthest corner of my closet.

I went back over to the mirror to asses my clothing choice. It was decent to me, my messy hair was different story though. I stared at the waved dark brown monstrosity before dragged a brush through it and braiding it to the side. I was never much for fashion but I was conscious enough of it to look put together when I left my house. Makeup was a huge no-no though. I never came back from that looking prettier. An alarm sounded from my phone to alert me that I needed to put shoes and go make food. After tying up a pair of black high top converse I walked into the hallway and went straight to Taylor's room.

"Wake up it's 7. Time for a shower." I said shaking him.

"5 more minutes."

"Taylor come on get up now you smell weird. You haven't showered in two days."

"Eva go away. I smell fine you smell weird."

I rolled my eyes at his comment and yanked the blanket from him."Up and into the shower now and don't start whining. "

He sighed and sat up. I couldn't help but laugh at the giant cowlick on the side of his head. It pushed his already short hair up more.

"Make me food woman!" He smiled kicking me playfully as he walked past.

I stuck my tongue out at him as he walked into the bathroom and closed the door. He was so mental in the best way and compared to other people's siblings he was a saint. As I walked into the kitchen I sighed at the glass on the floor from a beer bottle. Other than the bottle it seems my father didn't damage our kitchen to much just a few nicks here and there most likely from when the bottle broke. I swept the shards into the dustpan and went back to trying to find something to cook. I sighed seeing only oats and an empty carton off eggs. I would have to tutor some people today and go shopping with the money I get. Tutoring wasn't that bad, it certainly beat watching after little kids until 10 at night. I sifted through the burnt pots and settled with a soup pot that only had minor scorch marks. I scrubbed it hard trying to get the marks off to no avail before pouring water and the little milk we had into the pan to boil. I pulled out the brown sugar and granulated white sugar to sweeten the concoction. When Taylor came into the room he smiled and sat in front of the thick bowl of oatmeal.

"Eva this smells great and look no burnt taste!" He said shoving a spoonful into his mouth.

"Yeah glad you like it, is dad up? He needs to eat."

"I think but not to sure. Aren't you gonna eat?" I smiled and shook my head.

"Dad will need it more plus I'll just eat at school."

He shifted before continuing to eat. I knew he didn't like my decision but he wouldn't argue.

"I'm going to go get him okay? You stay and eat."

I left the room before he could even think to argue with me. I hoped that the study fiasco wouldn't happen again but my stomach churned uncomfortably. I hesitated before opening the door to his bedroom. He had fallen asleep in work clothes again. The light created a shadow that caused him to look older and more worn. The fact that he stunk of alcohol and cigarettes didn't help either. I slowly approached the bed as to try and not startle him.

"Dad? I made food it's all ready." I mumbled squeezing his arm.

"Evelyn what time is it? I thought I told you stay away from me." He said turning his head to me squinting at the light.