OCTAVIA TORRANCE
A gust of wind sent my hair flying all around me. I aimed my face at the sky enjoying the wind and the faint feeling of droplets. I look over my shoulder into the window of my room. Below my bed lied my bag fully packed. After tomorrow my life would completely change. I smiled to myself at the idea of all the things I'd do once I was gone. All the things we'd do once we were gone.
Behind me I hear the unmistakable screeching of my bedroom window sliding open. For a moment I begin to panic thinking I was caught. Dad would throw a fit if he found me out here. The tension left my body when I saw my brother's form sitting beside me out of the corner of my eye. "You know dad would throw a fit if he saw you out here." I smile at how alike our brains worked and shrugged. "The thought crossed my mind." He let out a deep chuckle. "You're my favorite for a reason." He leaned in closer. "Don't tell Dag I said that." A laugh bursted out of me.
I looked over at my brother. Even though I was the only one that inherited dad's black hair and eyes, Ivarsen was the one that inherited all his features. Sometimes I noticed how uncomfortable people felt when they saw how similar he looked to dad.
From what I've heard, dad was quite the menace in his teenage years.
Growing up people joked that if Ivarsen dyed his hair black he would be a more likable version of dad but I personally think his pale hair had a nice contrast. Another gust of wind blew away the strands of hair falling over his forehead revealing mom's blue eyes. For the longest time I felt jealous that all my brother's inherited something from mom and I didn't. The literal black sheep of the family. But the more I grew, the more I learned to love being the odd one out.
"Don't let people's judgement affect your actions. If you want something don't stop until you get it."
I've never forgotten the piece of advice my dad gave me. And he was right. I won't stop until I get everything I've ever wanted.
Feeling my stare my brother turned to look at me. To my surprise he held out a cigarette. My eyebrows nearly jumped off my face. "Aren't you supposed to be my role model?" He shrugged putting the cigarette in his mouth and lighting it.
He aimed his head upwards and blew out a thick string of smoke. I let out a cough and pinched my nose. "Disgusting." He flashed me an arrogant grin. "Ladies love it."
I rolled my eyes so far back I swear I saw my brain. "The stench of smoke? I doubt it." He responded with another cloud of smoke straight to my face. I practically felt my lungs age 7 years. I sent him a glare but he doesn't spare me a glance as he got up and went to open the window again. For some reason I didn't want him to leave. This might be the last time I ever saw my brother. Unless he helps me.
"Ivar?" It was barely a whisper and for a second I thought he hadn't heard me until he stopped and turned to look at me. He stared at me with a serious face until I spoke.
"Do you believe in love?" I wanted to roll my eyes at how pathetic my question sounded but it was too late to take it back. He stared at me with a completely blank face and for a second I felt a flicker of hope. Suddenly he breaks out into a laughter and I feel my cheeks getting hot. "Good night princess." He climbs back into my room and exits without another glance.Tomorrow I won't look back either.
"Don't let people's judgement affect your actions. If you want something don't stop until you get it."
DAMON TORRANCE
12 Years Earlier
I made my way down the hall to check on Octavia. I couldn't sleep and part of me didn't like that her room was so far away from me. I didn't want to be here in the first place. I quietly opened the door but froze when I noticed the empty bed. I walked in and frantically searched the bathroom and closet. Panic began to set in as I made my way to the kitchen. I heard a faint giggle coming from the patio. The glass door was open and outside sat Christiane with Octavia cuddling on her lap. I stepped forward quietly, out of their sight but close enough to hear their conversation.
"And every night I pray to God to keep you all safe."
"Who's God?" Octavia asked, pure curiosity on her face. I rolled my eyes. I never had any intention of teaching our kids about religion, I didn't believe in the all-powerful being. I still remembered the first few desperate times I prayed as a boy. The times I'd beg him to rid me of my suffering. He never answered.
I didn't exactly like the idea of Christiane taking the liberty to speak with my children about it either.
"He's our protector."
"But daddy's my protector." My heart swelled so big I felt like it would burst. Damn right I am.
Christiane let out a laugh. "Yes but God is our creator. Who do you think hung the stars?" She pointed her finger at the sky and Octavia followed it with her eyes. She gave it a little thought before her face lit up with the biggest smile i've ever seen. "My daddy!"
Christiane let out a laugh, louder than before and Octavia followed with her giggles before snuggling closer. And in this moment I was sure.
I was sure more than ever that I'd do anything for her. For all my kids. I'd work my ass off to be a good father, one that would never disappoint them. I'd teach her her worth so when the time comes --hopefully not for a very long time --she will be able to choose a man that is worthy of breathing the same air as her. A man that will treat her right and if he didn't I would chop him into the smallest pieces possible.
Hell if she asked me to shove a firework up my ass and pluck her a star from the sky I'd do it with a big ass smile on my face.
I'd strangle anyone who dared tell her Jack Sparrow isn't real.
I'd raise hell to keep her and her brothers safe. They will never know what it's like to feel worthless and alone.
