Breaking Free

Chapter One

A beam of the sun's rays bursts through the blinds landing right on my face. I squint asI roll to check the time. The alarm clock next to me reads 7:00 AM. I take a deep breath
and climb out of bed. In the bathroom I splash my face with water and start the shower.

Out in the kitchen my brother and sister are already throwing cereal at each other from across the table. I grab a coffee cup and myself a cup.

“Hello darling, what a beautiful morning isn’t it?” My mother asks as she races around the kitchen. Caroline Jackson was the definition of housewife.

“It’s too bright.” Is all I reply to my mother as I sit down at the table.

“Oh dear, it’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining, birds are using my new bird bath. It’s so cute seeing them splash around.” My mother smiles and sets a plate in front of me.

“Morning everyone.” My dad announced as he entered the kitchen, kissing my mother’s forehead. He sets his briefcase on the counter and takes the cup of coffee from my mother before joining us at the table. This is the morning routine every morning.

“Good morning honey.” My mother greets him with his breakfast.

“Are you going to be at the office all day long again today dad?” My little brother asks.

“Yeah dad are you? We wanted you to help us finish the tree house.” My little sister adds.

Jay and Taylor, the twins. They are never apart from each other.

“I should be home before dinner, we can work on it then alright?” My dad tells them and their faces light up with huge smiles. He smiles at them and then that smile disappears when he looks at me.

“Did you send out any more applications?” He asks. His fork clinking against the plate, making a sound so horrible it stings your ears.

“I’m in the middle of writing my creative writing piece for Ohio State. It will be finished today and sent out tomorrow morning.” I told him. Taking a sip of coffee.

"Ohio State? That’s pretty far away don’t you think? A College here in Washington isn’t good enough?” His voice became stern.

“I already sent in my application for Washington State, Western Washington, and Central Washington University. I’m just putting more options out there.” I take a bite of my food so I don’t have to say anything else for the moment.

“I don’t think you moving all the way to Ohio is going to happen. I won’t allow it. Pick a college here in Washington or take a job at my office. You will be staying in Washington though!” His voice is very demanding and loud. I nod my head in response to him.

“You can use your words! That’s why God gave you a mouth!” He snapped at him slamming his fork down on the table.

“Yes sir.” I respond with my head down.

My father William Jackson owns one of the most popular law offices in Washington State. He has a whole building of staff that will bow down to him and obey his every demand. I don’t believe he ever leaves that side at work. To the twins, he’s every kid's dream dad. I must have missed something, because he has never been like that to me.