In this together

Chapter 12: Amity

(Hey guys, quick note. this chapter is going to be a different style. I was in the middle of writing this chapter and I got the idea to write it in this format because it would let me explore the backstory a little more. I should have written Luz's chapter this way too, but I promise there will be more flashbacks. Okay onto the story. Enjoy! <3)

(Amity's POV) 

I take a breath and look at the girl in front of me. "Okay" 

                                                                           ~nine years before~ 

"Amity, its time to wake up." 

A soft voice coos and a gentle hand rubs my arm as my eyes slowly crack open. I let out a grunt and she laughs, "Come on mittens, you are going to be late, and you know father doesn't like it when we are late." I roll my body over, facing the girl, her amber eyes holding a soft look. I've always loved her eye color. She always tells me we have the same, but I don't believe it, hers are just a tad darker and richer than mine. I have always admired my sister. She swears I got most of my qualities from mom, but I think I get them from her. She brushes the hair that had fallen on top of my face aside. "I'll make you some pancakes and bacon if you get uuupp...." She drags the last word, spiking my interest. 

"Fine" I say in a small voice. "Only if you carry me." My sister rolls her eyes and holds out her arms, motioning for me to come to her. "You know, one day you will get too big for this mittens." I hated that nickname, not because of how I got it but using it now feels wrong. My mom had given me the nickname and for the first five years, it's all everyone called me. But when I turned six, something had happened. Mom started going on more business trips and father became more strict and closed off. My sister says it's because mom got a better job and father was jealous, but he only wanted the best for us. The twins don't believe it but I like to. 

"I know" 

She carries me down stairs to the kitchen and sits me in a chair. I scoot to the edge and cross my arms, plopping my head on top of them. I watch as she takes the bacon out of the fridge. We talk about random things like the weird dream I had and how soccer was. The sound of footsteps thump through the air and my brother walks in the room, holding his filthy shirt in his hands. 

"Ameliaaa, Emira ruined my shirt" He wined out and my sister turns. "What? Edric that's your new shirt!" He walks over and hands her the shirt. "Emira and I were outside and she pushed me into a puddle of mud!" Just before my sister could respond, the front door opens with a loud bang, scaring all of us. 

"EDRIC! IM GOING TO KILL YOU!" My brother then hides behind Amelia as my sister comes running into the kitchen. Emira's eyes lock onto my brother and growls, charging at him. He lets out a high-pitched squeak and runs away, trying to avoid our sister's capture. Amelia sighs, rolling her eyes and rubs her temples. I find the twins amusing when they fight, especially when Emira manages to get Edric in a chokehold. Ed takes track and Em takes taekwondo so its a fair fight. I stand on my chair so I could get a better look at my siblings, and I start giggling when I see them smacking each other on the floor. All of a sudden, a loud voice rings out. 

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL THIS NOISE?" We all freeze as our father glares at us from the doorway. His expression is stern, and he looks to my brother and sister on the floor. "You are not animals, get off of the floor this instant." They stand, doing as they are told. "Amity, sit down." I hold onto the table as I sit in my chair and watch my father. He walks over to Edric and shakes his head. "Is this the new shirt you got yesterday?" Ed's eyes fill with fear as he nods his head. Our father sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. 

"You really are an animal. Why are you this way Edric? You are a blight, we hold the highest level of status, and you act like... this? Do you honestly believe you will get far in life acting this way?" Ed looks to the floor. "When you are spoken too, you maintain eye contact and respond, like a true person with common sense. Go get dressed for school right now, all of you." We all rush to our rooms, except for Amelia. She stays in the kitchen as father speaks to her.