YOU ARE MY BLOODY VALENTINE

CHAPTER 23: THE BARRIER

"Miss... your parents have arrived," Butler Phillip's voice echoed through the grand hallway, gently tapping on my door. The sound resonated in my ears, like a delicate melody, but its implications weighed heavy on my heart. While most teenagers would rejoice at the return of their long-absent parents, my emotions were laced with trepidation. I knew all too well that their homecoming heralded a storm of trouble, a tempest of complexities that threatened to unravel the fragile tapestry of my existence.

"Tell 'em I'll be there in five minutes," I croaked, my voice carrying the weight of exhaustion and apprehension. Rising from my bed, I made my way to the bathroom, determined to freshen up before facing the impending storm. As the water cascaded over my weary body, I couldn't help but worry about Joel. I hoped he'd be swift in his preparations, avoiding any unwanted confrontation with our parents. Skipping school yesterday had been a risky move, and I suspected Joel had done the same. The thought of the consequences lingered in the back of my mind, adding an extra layer of unease to the situation.

As I descended the staircase, I glided with a gentle grace, mindful of the painful memory when my father hit me for walking like a bloke. I didn't want to repeat that mistake, no way. I don't want to make any mistakes, my sole mission is to bring a smile to their faces, to see them truly happy. So, I took each step with utmost care, my movements deliberate and precise. The weight of their happiness rested on my shoulders, propelling me to strive for flawlessness in every action. I thought becoming Hazel would make them happy, but I guess I was wrong.

"Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother," I greeted, my head respectfully lowered. A fleeting smile graced my mother's lips, but it vanished all too quickly.

"Why are you just waking up at this hour?" My father's deep voice resonated with unease, his face etched with concern. I recognized that look all too well; it meant trouble was brewing. I desperately wanted to defend myself, to explain that I hadn't just woken up, but deep down, I knew it would be futile. So, I lowered my gaze and offered a sincere apology.

Suddenly, I felt the immense force of his hand connecting with my cheek, the impact knocking me off balance. I crumpled to the ground, my eyes dry despite the pain welling within me. Tears threatened to spill, but I held them back, swallowing hard. The sting of his slap lingered, a physical reminder of the emotional turmoil that consumed me.

"Honey... please, stop," my mother's voice quivered with tenderness as she spoke up, defending me for the first time. I gazed up at her, witnessing the shimmer of tears welling in her eyes.

"I wish I could, but I don't want her to be... weak when she..." My father's words trailed off, his unfinished sentence hanging in the air. This wasn't the first time he had uttered such words, but I had long stopped pondering their meaning. I mustered the courage to meet his gaze, and in that moment, a solitary tear trickled down his cheek. He hastily wiped it away, his face returning to its familiar cold and distant demeanor.

"Where's Joel?" My father's gaze shifted towards Butler Phillip, his voice filled with urgency and expectation.

"He's not at home, sir," Phillip replied with a respectful bow of his head. In that moment, I could feel my father's piercing gaze directed at me.

"Did you know Joel wasn't at home?" His words cut through the air, cold and accusatory, as if I should have been aware of Joel's whereabouts at all times. It stung, especially since Joel and I were the same age.

"No, I didn't," I responded, my voice tinged with a mix of frustration and helplessness.

"How could you not..." my father's words hung in the air, but before he could continue, my mother intervened, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Determined to diffuse the tension, I mustered a smile, though it felt forced upon my face