Still Stuck Out in the Same Old Storm ~ sokeefe story

Chapter 8

Keefe's P.O.V
Warning : hinting of possible physical abuse and panic attacks.

"Can I talk to you over there..nearer the door?"

I sighed following my dad to the door. I still have a limp from the fight it was annoying but the deep scars bothered me more, I had one on the side of my forehead, one on my back, and one very deep, long scar on my leg.

The scars bothered me more cause they were just a constant reminder of what happened..the limping would go away eventually but the scars wouldn't.

"What do you want?" I ask. He looks angry. I can't bring myself to face him. I might have faced my mom but I'm not ready to face him yet.

So I stare at the floor, fiddling with my ring to distract myself.

"You passed Keefe," I could feel his angry glare burning into me without even looking up "but you were only 2nd in your year, you got 98 in one of your tests and that robbed you of 1st...it's not good enough..beaten by Fitz Vacker once again."

I felt the anger rise inside me "seriously!?...in case you've forgotten I was in battle only two months ago and helped win it, was in the healing center for ages and I had to go to physical therapy for my leg (still do) ,I'm one of the keeper of the lost cities along with Sophie...which is pretty important in case you've also forgotten that big speech the council made....I've done all this, got a hundred in all my tests except one...and that's the one thing you pick out to talk about....why can't you just say 'well done Keefe' or 'i'm proud of you Keefe'...I can't be perfect."

I took a deep breath. I didn't mean to say all that it just sorta came out. Now I'm thinking that it's a mistake.

I could feel the anger and hate radiating off him.

He started lecturing but I wasn't listening because I knew what was coming next.

"ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME KEEFE!?" I forced myself to meet his eyes. They were cold, unforgiving "I SAID NO EXCUSES!"

No.no. no. This wasn't happening. I can't. He can't. Not with everyone watching.

The walls felt like they were closing in. I was suffocating. Each breath became more difficult.

He raised his hand.

And I flinched.

I should have known he wouldn't do it in front of all these people. He wasn't stupid. But I sure was.

His eyes were wide with alarm. He knows he can't get caught, he'd face serious punishment.

But he also knows I won't rat him out, at least not yet.

They were all coming towards us, I could feel their worry and pity.

I could feel Foster's concern as she rushed over.

"Keefe?" her brown eyes looked into mine, almost like they were searching for something "you ok?"

"Uhhh," I'm shaking, badly but they can't know I'm not ready. I try to find the words but my throat feels like it's closing up "I'm f...fine foster.....honestly."

She doesn't believe me, I can tell.

Someone grabs my arm. It's my dad.

"Let's go home Keefe....now."

Fear. At this point I can't tell who's emotions are who's.

I don't say anything just let him drag me into the corridor.

"WAIT!" It's Sophie "Keefe promise me that your ok..or I'm not letting you leave."

"I don't have time for this." My dad growled, he's only getting angrier. I don't want to go home.

"I'm fine foster...I'm always fine."

Word count: 604 words