the bittersweet damage | ben plunkett

6 | escapism

TRIGGER WARNING: there are mentions of  child abuse/abuse, and slightly major anger issues in this chapter. Please skip this chapter if you don't like reading/seeing those kinds of things, do not worry. This is purely a filler chapter and you will not miss any part of the storyline if you skip this. Happy reading!

Avery was just about finished with fixing her school bag for school when she heard a loud scream from downstairs. Reflexively, she went out of her room and carefully walked down the stairs; but not enough for her to be seen by the people down there.

Her expression was rapidly extented with dejection at the sight of seeing her brother, Sam, getting scolded and hit in the face by their father. She soundlessly listened to the things her father was saying.

"Why can't you be like your brother? Is it really that hard to get a simple passing score? How do you expect to get to college with these grades?!," their father yelled at the boy as he stood beside the kitchen isle, waiting for it all to be over.

Sam was visibly crying over the words. If Avery knew anything, Sam had crippling depression. He would often open up to her of his problems due to the fact that he's not able to with his father.

In fact, they're all unable to do so. Ever since their mother passed away back in the year 2017, the three siblings found it hard to connect with their parent. It felt like everything had changed for them. For them, it didn't feel like family anymore. Not even one bit.

"If you're going to be a drop-out, or if you get pushed back a grade, just know that you aren't my son anymore." That's the thing, none of them felt like his children anymore. Everyone felt like they were just waiting to finish school and college so they finally could leave this hell of a household.

It'd always been that way, ever since their mom died. They always tried their best to conceal that part of them, though. Only those who they trusted enough know about their struggles. But ever since, they all had their own things to do as an escape---to forget that those type of moments ever happen.

Avery often stayed in the band room overtime, cleaning, tidying up, and more just so she would have more time far away from their house.

Their dad doesn't know of it, but Sam joins motorcycle races on a daily basis to get his mind off of things. The only person who knows about it is Avery.

And Lucas, he has a mindset of needing to have girlfriends every single time of the year just to fill in the hole in his heart that appeared once his mom was gone.

Everyone had their own form of distractions, but their father's angry behavior always finds a way to eventually come back to them.

~

YEAR 2018

"I didn't raise you to be a tomboy, Avery. You're a woman, act like it!," her father exclaimed right outside of the band room. Avery could feel tears running through her eyes as words kept coming out of his mouth.

She stopped feeling vulnerable and finally spoke up. "Dad, this is the first time the band actually achieved something. And for once, were actually proud of it. Why can't you just... feel proud for me, too?," she slightly stammered, with her voice filled with sorrow.

Her father jolted her once he slapped her face, making her hold her cheek. Tears started to fall and her dad felt no guilt, no nothing.

"Until you get in touch with reality and leave this... stupid band of yours, you aren't my daughter."

"Then do it. I never felt that you were my father, anyway." Avery walked back inside the room before her father had hit her again.

The band members could notice her tears, so they questioned, "hey, you okay?"

"Yup! I'm fine. I'm just crying tears of joy. You know, how proud my... dad feels... a-and all," she stuttered as she forced a smile upon her face. They smiled back and didn't think of it much more. They got back to band practice and Avery brushed off what had just happened then tried her best to have fun that day. She still did, although, the entire band practice, the moment replayed in her head.

~

Once her dad was over with scolding Sam, she took her school bag and immediately went outside. Today, she was getting picked up by Ben, so she waited patiently on their driveway. Eventually, he arrived and Avery stepped inside the car.

"What's wrong?," Ben asked, noticing the look of her face. Avery looked at him, then back on the road again, thinking. "Something wrong at home again, right?"

Avery nodded, as Ben continued driving. It was quiet for a while, until Ben spoke again. "Let's get pizza after school?"

The girl smiled at his gesture, and said yes. The ride went on like usual. They picked up Mandy, and went to school. Avery liked being in school than at home, so she felt better. Even if there were a bunch of tests and quizzes, being there felt better than at 'home'.

MSG BOARD:

heyy!! I know I said I wouldn't update but I couldn't sleep again so I just had to.  Anyways, I know this is short but this is just a filler chapter. But it also unleashes Avery and her siblings' semi-backstory.

BUT---There's better stuff prepared for the upcoming chapters, so wait for that ! :P