RUDY STARK

PARENTS

Rudy

I went to the old room that I had when I lived here. I walked in and instantly smelled the familiar smell of the room.

Smoke and apples.

I looked around at the empty room that still had my old clothes in the closet.

Wonder if they still fit?

Poison went and made herself comfortable on the bed. She cuddled up in a ball and closed her eyes.

Cutie.

I smiled to myself and rummaged through the clothing, finding all my old tops and shorts, which were all mostly black. I heard a knock on my door.

"Angel." The boss said roughly.

"What?"

I grabbed my gym clothes and grabbed my gym bag.

"Why'd you stay?" He leaned on the door frame.

"Just... missed it here, I guess, I don't know."

I shrugged with a forced smile and walked past him quickly. Speed walking over to the gym where I could clear my mind. I walked in and put my bag on the ground in the changing room and changed. I went over to the boxing bags to get the anger out.

"You idiot!" Dad yelled at me.

All I did was break a cup.

"You freaking piece of shit you can't do anything right."

He went to pick up the pieces of the cup while I just stood in the corner with my headphones on, fully ignoring him.

"Don't worry about her honey, she's not worth the time." Mom came around the corner.

Dad stood up and rolled his eyes at me. They left without a word and ignored me for the rest of the day.

I punched the punching bag harder. Anger rose in me. I started kicking it too, and the next thing I knew, the bag flew off the ceiling and across the room. Spidey strength. I panted heavily and dropped to the ground.

Frick you, dad.

"You can't keep pushing it away, Angel." The boss walked up from behind me.

That stupid name.

"What do you mean?" I looked up at him.

"I know that face, and I know those punches."

He sat down on the edge of the boxing arena, leaning both arms on his knees and holding his hands together.

"I'm fine. It's fine."

"We both know that's not true." He chuckled a bit.

I rolled my eyes and stood.

"Your parents?"

I scoffed.

"Forget about them. They're missing out. You're a mafia daughter now. You don't need them. You have me."

Seriously?

"I do not have you. You're not even close to a dad to me. Sure, you take care of me and give me things, but... just - no. You should be taking care of your real damn daughter."

I walked off and back into the changing rooms. I grabbed my bag and went off to take a shower in my room.

Stupid. He's being just like my parents. Ignoring his actual daughter. Because of him, she'll be just like me and she's only 9 for shit's sake.