That Night Everything Fell Apart #Wattys2016

III. Rude

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS WERE JUST A GLIMPSE OF BECKY'S LIFE. I KNOW THE TIME IS RUNNING SO FAST ON THE UPDATES BUT AS YOU READ THIS CURRENT CHAPTER, THIS IS WHERE THE REAL STORY BEGINS.

ENJOY! xx

My days in college had been a rollercoaster of fun, pain and some more pain. I am used to it actually, so it doesn't actually matter much to me.

My ranking in class dropped a few notches. I guess it's just hard to keep up with the grading system which is actually based on class participation, projects, attendance and some more class participation. We all know I'm way far behind at expressing or explaining my side of everything since I barely speak so I guess that puts my grade in recitation at the bottom.

Aliza and I were glad that school's ending in a few weeks from now. And we can spend summer on their resthouse at a cliff near the seaside. It's a tradition for the both of us. We never miss hanging out on the beach every summer. We will be staying there with her aunt, Aunt Tessie. Who's really nice and bakes the most delicious banana cupcake in the universe!

"I've packed my bags already." Aliza said excitingly. There's the undenying glow on her face. We are currently discussing the plans for our summer escapade, and I'm telling you, getting too tanned is on the top of her list. It means swimming from sun-up til sundown.

"You seem too excited about it this time. It's not as if--"

"My cousins will be there, Becks. And I can't wait to introduce you to Andi." She said half-squealing.

"And who's this Andi?" I asked in furrowed brows.

"Your future boyfriend." She said with a wink. Uh-oh, she's planning on something. And once Aliza has that face, it means trouble. Trouble for me.

"I'm too young to have a boyfriend, Liz. And if Dad finds out--"

"It's not as if you'll tell him, stupid. Of course I'll help you keep it a secret." She said in full delight.

"Oh no. You keeping a secret? Nah-ah, Liz. A secret can't stay a secret for 5 seconds if an Aliza Bentham knows it. Come on, Liz. Don't play cupid. It wouldn't work. Plus, I just want to enjoy summer. It's been hell at home, if you might want to know." I said and my voice fell crack on the last part.

"He's back on it again, isn't he?" She asked worried.

"Nothing's changed, Liz. In fact, it has gotten worse. The yells were louder. More things were broken. And Mom had cried a lot more than before. I'm worried about Seann. He's too young to witness any of it." I said, close to tears. It's painful. It's unbearable and yet all I could do was to cover my ears with a pillow and weep, as the house were filled with anger driven words.

Aliza walked towards me and hugged me tightly and it feels so good. I really need this now. I really wanted to feel a little love.

"Everything will be okay, Becky. I know it will be." Aliza reassured.

"I really hope so. Even just for Seann's sake." I said and smiled at her.

"Let's just enjoy the summer." She smiled back. And I just nodded.

"You'll like Andi, for sure." She teased.

"Cut it out!" I said and threw her my ballpen and she squealed.

***

"Mom, are you sure it's okay?" I asked. It was a few hours before the intended time for my summer vacation with Aliza. "I can stay." I added.