Just Another Secret.

Chapter 6

Keisha

As expected my parents didn't know I was gone.

As expected they are still arguing.

I tried everything to not be caught. I took showers when others took showers. I'd stash food in my room. But Bryson caught me in the kitchen in the middle of the night.

He tried kissing me and I pushed him back and he started yelling so Dad came down.

"Bryson you are supposed to protect Keisha not yell at her. Why are you up—why do you smell like alcohol?"

"The kid was probably partying." I mutter.

Bryson slaps me and Dad pins him to the wall. This causes Mom to get down here to see Dad and Bryson pissed and me crying.

"August put him down!"

Bryson yells at me. "Respect me when you talk to me you—"

"Don't you dare lay a hand on her again!" Dad pushes him against the wall again.

Mom comes to me and asks me what happened.

"I just wanted some water and he came home like that started yelling and hit me when Dad questioned him."

"You touch her again—you touch any woman like that again I'll personally drop you off at the station. Do you understand me."

"Yes." Bryson's voice is low.

"I said do you understand me!"

"Yes sir."

Dad drops him to the floor. "Apologize to your sister—"

"SHE'S NOT MY SISTER!"

"Bryson!"

"I'm sorry for hitting you Keisha."

"Apology accepted." I whisper.

"Go." Dad dismisses him and comes to me. He touches my check and I wince.

"Jude hand me a pack of ice please?"

"Dad it's okay—"

"No. He had no right to lay a hand on you. Why was he so angry?"

I flinch at the thought and that's when things go south.

"Keisha-Rae what is going on? And don't you dare say nothing."

I don't speak.

"Did he threaten you?"

Silence.

"Keisha this is serious. We want to help."

I scoff. "You want to help? You guys never see what happens. You are always fighting!" I break down. "Have you realized I haven't been here for like the last three summers? I literally got back yesterday. School starts tomorrow. You don't even know if I'm prepared."

"You weren't here?" They exclaim. "Where were you?"

"Go read Grandad's will." I push past them and up to my room.

A few minutes later

"Keisha can we come in?"

I open my door.

"We never knew about the cottage."

"I know."

"He left you everything..."

I sigh. "I know."

"How did you get to the cottage?"

"From my allowance and work I bought a motorcycle. I keep it at the corner shop because I knew you would disapprove."