Different sides

Chapter 1 Lectures

I went inside with a fake smile painted on my face. I tensed at the sounds of Caitlin screaming, shouting, crying in her room downstairs. I could feel her banging her fists against the floorboards.
Wow, she must be really upset.
I consider going to comfort her, but I didn't want to risk becoming part of her little temper tantrum. Mums door, I could tell, was also slammed shut and I could hear her muffled sobs. Crap. Mum takes her feelings out on everything and everyone, including me and Caitlin.

Softly, I knocked on her door and waited for a reply. "Ben?!" She said rushing to open the door.
I can't describe how devastated her expression was. I forced a smile, trying to look like I wasn't hungry, tired, or sad. Even though those are the only emotions I'm feeling. "Where's your dad?" she asks, anger in her tone.
"Gone for a drive"
"Where were you?"
"In my room" I lie
Impatiently she demands on and on
"Did you hear anything?"
"Uh no" I lie again. Amazing how easily a lie can slip through you lips."I was listening to music" I add for reassurance.
"Oh ok" she says convinced. Her dark hair dropped carelessly over her wet brown eyes. "Riley, We just had a little argument. Don't worry"
Hmm yeah 'little' is the word to describe it.

I think about Caitlin, who has calmed down and is probably posting stupid pictures on every social media.
I wait for dad in the front porch. It's ridiculous because it's raining now and it's getting more wet be the minute. When dads car pulls into the drive, he doesn't look any better then when he left. I could tell he was cursing at the rain as he jogged toward the porch door.

He came in wet and seemed to be quite content about everything. "BOO!" I yell, jumping out from behind the door. "GAH!" he screams, surprised, sending me into hysterics. As I laugh uncontrollably he swings me over his shoulder and carries
me inside then flings my onto my bed. As my last giggles fade away, I notice. I notice that his smile is fake. I notice that he looks so very tired. I notice his breath smells like smoke. Smoking. Dad has been smoking. That's why mum got angry. That's why Caitlin tried to defend him. Shoot. Shoot shoot shoot. "You've got to understand something Riley..." he starts.