Seize The Day

3- Taking It Back

Years Ago

Nova was sitting in class being uncomfortable because her ribs hurt since her father had gotten into one of his drunken rages the night before and used her as a punch bag like he does almost every night anymore.

"Smile, life can't be that bad." A boy named Jimmy stated.

"Like you would know how my life is." She rolled her eyes, "I have no reason to smile."

"And why not, the sun is shining, you are here, you're alive. It can't be that bad." He shrugged with a smile.

He then proceeded to do and say things to try to get her to smile or laugh but she wasn't having it, in fact she was getting annoyed because he wouldn't leave her alone.

"Man James leave her the fuck alone! Obviously she doesn't want to be bugged." Another kid, Brian groaned getting annoyed by his behavior too.

"All I'm trying to do is make her smile. She obviously needs it so stay out of it. There was no need for you to be a jerk."

Brian quickly stood up and walked over to him, "No I won't stay out of it. You're making her uncomfortable dude!"

"It's fine." Nova mumbled and bit her bottom lip.

"What is your problem man?" Jimmy held his hand up.

"My problem is you! You're always picking on people and I've had enough of it!" Brian yelled as he got in Jimmy's face.

"Okay boys that's enough!" The teacher called out.

"Man, you better get out of my face! I don't mean no harm, I'm just trying to have some fun."

Brian didn't step back, "No, you're being a dick! You see people are uncomfortable and you still keep on your shit!"

"Man fuck you! I'm just trying to be funny!"

"No! You're being a fucking asshole!"

"Enough!" The teacher yelled but they ignored her.

"If anyone is being an asshole it's you!" Jimmy shoved Brian away from him.

Just then Brian swung at him, which Nova quickly jumped up moved away from them and leaned against the wall.

Later that evening Nova decided to take a walk and heard someone playing Timebomb by Rancid on guitar. She stopped to listen then smiled as she started singing.

"Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah, the boy's a time bomb
Black coat, white shoes, black hat, Cadillac. Yeah, the boy's a time bomb."

All of a sudden the guitar stopped and someone looked out the window.

"Hey that was good singing." When he said that it made her jump, "Sorry didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay. I didn't realize I was singing loud enough for you to hear me."

"Barely, but I did hear you. What's your name? I feel like I've seen you before."

"It's Nova Benson. We're in some of the same classes. You're Zack aren't you?"

He nodded, "I am, hold on."

He then quickly walked out there, "So you're a fan of Rancid?"

"Well not a big fan, but I've heard a few songs. I'm more into harder rock than I am punk music. But I do like a few songs of them along with Social Distortion."

"Social Distortion is not too bad. I'm more of Misfits fan when it comes to those kind of bands though."

"I've heard of them but never listened to their music. One of my favorite bands is Metallica though."

"Oh yes, that's a good band." He exclaimed.

She then noticed the time, "Shit! I've got to go! My dad is going to be home from soon. It was good talking to you, I'll see you around Zack!" She rushed away.

"Bye!" He smiled watching her go down the sidewalk, seeing she only lived a few houses down.

Nova was almost done with dinner when her father, Frank, walked in. He walked in and seen her still cooking.

"Wow, not done yet? I thought I've requested it to be done when I got home. I've been busting my ass all day at work, the least you could do is have dinner ready when I get home."

"Yeah well I'm you're daughter not your slave." She realized she said it out loud when he came rushing over and grabbed her hair.

"What the fuck did you say to me?! As your parent you are to treat me with respect not talk back you little bitch!" He let go of her then smacked her across the face, "Now finish the food."

"Yes sir." She said lowly and turned back to the stove.

Once it was done she fixed him a plate then gave it to him along with a beer.

"About time, thank you." He grumbled.

"You're welcome." She stated than fixed herself a plate.

"Gah, did you even add any seasons to this? It's fucking bland!"

"Dad, you know the doctor said you need to limit your salt intake because of your cholesterol."

"Fuck that doctor, it's my body I can do what I want with it. Now pass me that damn salt!"

"Fine." She groaned and slid the salt and pepper to him.

"Don't get that attitude with me young lady." He groaned back as he shook the shakers over his food.

"Sorry."

"How was school today?"

"It was all right. There was a small fight today in one of my classes, but it didn't last long."

"Why the hell were they fighting? Whose got the bigger dick?"

Nova smirked at his comment but shook her head, "One of them was trying to be funny and make kids laugh with him and another kid laid into him about it then they started fighting."

"Well you are there for an education not to make jokes all the time. He could have saved that for lunch period not the damn classroom when trying to learn."

"But-"

"No buts, unless it was you involved then I don't want to continue this conversation about some kids I don't even know." He grumbled as he pointed the end of the fork at her.

"Yes sir."