World's Apart

Family Bonds

Chapter 6: Family Bonds

Victoria's Pov:

Working with her wasn't as bad as I would have expected considering her personality, she was focused and determined, two qualities I admire. While she and I were sitting in the dining room Conner was watching TV on the sofa.

"He seems like a good kid." She said, breaking away from looking at her paper and looking at him. I nodded in response.

"Yeah, he is, I'd give anything to keep him happy and smiling." I smiled watching him with her, but when I turned my head to focus back on the assignment, I saw her saddened expression.

"Do you have any younger siblings?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood for her. She shook her head in response before speaking.

"No, I'm the younger one, my brother is married and has kids. With how well his life is put together I feel like I am the one consistently burdening them with my issues. That is why I try my hardest, to make sure that they don't have to worry, and I don't become a burden."

Her expression changed yet again from sadness to lost in thought.

"A real parent wouldn't think of their kid as a burden, or a mistake. You have a good head on shoulders, and you are trying. Don't minimize your accomplishments or yourself. Talk to them and maybe things will change." I said to her. It's ironic I am giving her advice about communicating with family but here I am wishing I never see the likes of my mother again. Conner and Ms. Taylor are my family as far as I am concerned. She looked at me and smiled.

"Thanks that made me feel better I really appreciate you hearing me out." She reached over and took hold of my hand. At first, I was shocked, but I returned the smile.

"My pleasure." I said back to her. As if right on que to ruin everything the door swings open, I see my mother drunk and stumbling with her boyfriend in tow. Immediately I grab Conner and hand him to Luna.

"Please take him out the back door, and go next door to the neighbor Ms. Taylor, tell her ill be over shortly I'll see you tomorrow." My voice is cold and stern, but I look at her with pleading eyes. She looks confused and worried but nods her head and complies with my request. With all the strength and courage, I can muster I look at the two idiots in front of me.

"Get out of here mother, you are not welcomed here, you no longer belong here or in our lives."

"That is no way to speak to your mother after not seeing her in so long, this is my house after anyways I can come home whenever I feel the need."

In that moment all I could do was laugh, laugh and cry. Out of the pure rage I was feeling those were the only two things I was capable of doing. After a little bit I finally regained myself.

"You aren't my mother, let alone Conners, this isn't your home either. I've paid the bills; I've provided for both of us, and you have no right to claim anything here so get the hell out before I call the police."

I started to push her out the door, but her idiot boyfriend took a swing at my face, I hissed feeling my lip, it was split open and bleeding. That's all I needed to increase my anger and determination, I kicked him in the balls then dragged him and my mother out, after I locked the door, I called my uncle he said not to worry that he would send one of his cop buddies to do a patrol over the house for the night which I was thankful for. The rest of the night I spent curled up on the floor in the living room crying, I didn't want anyone to see me this weak and pitiful.

Luna's Pov:

The time I spent working with Victoria was enjoyable. We talked, we laughed, and we worked together well. Time slipped by the both of us. What I wasn't expecting was a sudden entrance of her mother and someone she didn't even acknowledge, but from the sudden change in her personality I could tell that their relationship was a rocky one. Her voice was cold, and her body was stiff, it honestly terrified me what she may be capable of in that moment, but I complied with her wishes and knocked on her neighbor's door with Conner next to me sniffling with tears in his eyes. She didn't ask questions, seeing Conner she understood the situation and invited me inside. I sat on the sofa and she brought me a warm cup of hot chocolate, she sat across from me and smiled warmly.

"Don't judge her too roughly for what you may have seen, she isn't what she appears to be on the surface. She is a little rough but once you get to see what is underneath, you'll understand the beautiful story I've come to know as Victoria. I looked down at the ground and shook my head.

"I don't know if I can, her personality switches from day to night in a matter of seconds. One moment I can smile and feel like she is my best friend, the next she either ignores me or looks at me with rage. She's so confusing it gives me a whiplash and I don't know if I have the strength to figure out what is real and what is not with her."

She started to laugh at my response which only confused me more. "You have only just met there is no rush in trying to solve everything in one day, don't send yourself into a head spin, all I am saying is give each other a chance to see what the future may hold, some relationships are life changing."

After she said that we chit chatted a bit more and I asked her if I should go check on Victoria before I made my way home and she told me that it was best if I just leave her alone for the night. On my way home I thought about our conversation and the events that transpired.

The primary reason I came here was to work on our assignment, the secondary reason was to avoid the bickering between my parents. When I came home that's all I heard, and wanted a little bit of peace don't ask me why I thought I would find it at Victorias house but I'm glad I did message her it showed me a different perspective our lives were completely different and completely the same. Here I was feeling down yet here Victoria giving me comfort for my own inner problem but is basically alone being a mother to her brother while trying to figure out life for herself.

I saw different sides of her and automatically thought the worse, but now I can see that there is more than just what is on the surface. Part of me wishes I could return the favor and comfort her like the way she did me. I just don't know what I can do. I entered my house sighing heavily, thankfully it's quiet so I just go upstairs and start getting ready for bed. After a quick shower and getting dressed I sat on my bed looking at my phone trying to figure out what I could possibly say to Victoria. The right words seemed so out of reach but then I found them.

"Today has passed and tomorrow is unknown but the thing I know for certain is I look forward to seeing you."

Before I could second guess myself or regret it, I quickly hit send and then placed my phone down and closed my eyes letting my self drift off to sleep." 

To say that Victoria was in a terrible mood the following morning would be an understatement, no one was spared from her rage. I was passing her in the hall she had someone draped across her body trying to be super clingy, she practically shoved the girl off her then started to yell at her. The girl went running away with tears in her eyes. I felt so bad but I was so perplexed, how can I help her if I cant even help myself in the correct way? I hope giving her space is the best option for now.