DISTRESS

CHAPTER 3

"Where is that damn brat!!"

Not again. I can hear his voice even from outside of the house. I just got back home after working and was hoping to get some rest yet I arrived only to witness this crazy bastard yelling angrily as he turns the house upside down. I bet he's pissed about something and now he's venting his anger out on me.

I clenched my fist then opened the door. As if on cue my crazy father turned around and saw me. His black hair looked a lot messy than usual and his blue eyes seemed darker and bloodshot from drinking. Even the fabric of his clothes are torn a bit. He honestly looked way worse than me.

He trudged towards me angrily then grabbed the collar of my hoodie forcefully. "Where the fuck were you?!" he hissed, his gruff voice reeking of alcohol. It almost made me gag.

"I was working." I replied handing out the money which I had in my pocket. It was supposed to be my allowance for the next few days but...that's clearly not gonna happen now.

"That's right or else you're nothing but a useless brat," he smirked, taking the money then he pushed me. I fell on the floor in a loud thud. He didn't seemed bothered as he wobbled outside to wherever that is. He even slammed the door loudly.

I remained on the floor for a couple of minutes, trying to calm myself down. It was a good idea to leave some money in my pocket just in case but that also cost me a few days worth of allowance. I still have some extra money left in my room that could last me a few more days, that is if I cut off some of my meals. I can't easily use all the money I have left since there's a huge possiblity that he'll be back again to demand some money from me. I'd rather give him some money just so he shuts up and leave than to give him nothing which usually results to constant beating. I don't want to get hurt for now since my bruise from last time is still hurting.

Sometimes, I want to stand up to him and give him a piece of my mind. I'm sure Raven feels the same way. Nevertheless, fighting him will only worsen the beatings. I know I have no chance so instead of fighting back I'll just endure all this. Just for a few more months.

The only thing that serves as my safe place in this empty house is my messy and run-down room. It's a wreck, I know yet this is the only place I can find comfort.

This is my sister and my room. I remembered clearly how mom would always come here and tell us stories until we fall asleep. Her stories never fails to entertain and amaze us. I love those times. That's why this room makes me feel closer to them. Like they are still here with me. I wrapped my body in a blanket then pulled my knees up to chest in a fetal position until I drifted off to sleep.

The next day. I woke up early, feeling my body sore and ache. With the beatings and the work, I feel like exhaustion is starting to take a toll on my body. Nevertheless, I still went to school with my usual dark blue hoodie, jeans and sneakers. I would rather wallow myself in useless school stuffs that be here in the house. Staying at home only screams danger and despair.

Students' rushed to get inside the gate eventhough it's still early while I on the other hand intentionally slowed my pace down just so I won't have to walk alongside them. I don't like the idea of squeezing myself through crowds. It's too stuffy and suffocating.

Once the crowd dispersed, I took my time walking towards our building. I walked passed by the parking lot where I saw a woman who I've never seen before struggling to carry her things out of her fancy car.

We made a brief eye contact and the way she's looking at me with those chocolate brown eyes of hers, I can tell right away that she's silently asking for my help. But instead of listening to her plea, all I did was keep walking. There's no way I'm going to mingle with anyone let alone lend them a helping hand.

"Wait!" she called, stopping me from walking any further. "Could you please help me? I really need some help," she added. I stayed still, contemplating whether I should help her or not. "Please," she begged once again and I had no choice but to go back and help her with her stuff.

"Thank you," she smiled warmly which I admit made me a bit uneasy. A woman with a tender smile, a friendly yet mature aura and fancy car looks kinda unsettling to me. I wouldn't want to get myself mixed up with this type of person.

I didn't reply and just walked ahead of her. It's not like I wanted to help her in the first place. I should've just pretended I didn't hear anything. That's would've been better.

Is she perhaps the new teacher who the principal introduced last time? Maybe, since it's my first time seeing a long black haired woman with warm brown eyes. Anyways, I don't need to bother myself as to whoever she is. I don't care.

"What year are you in?" she suddenly asked, now walking beside me.

"Senior," I replied shortly, not even sparing her a glance.

"So you're a graduating student. How's school so far?"

What's up with her? Why does she keep asking me questions? It's annoying. She literally doesn't need to initiate a conversation with me and if ever she has a lot of concern she can always seek out the staffs, teachers and even the principal. I don't have the energy to be friendly with her or to anyone else. What a bothersome situation I got myself into. Now, I regret my decision even more.

She was about to ask me again after I ignored her question when suddenly the principal appeared. He glared at me before he turned his attention to the woman beside me with a bright smile. It's not that obvious that this fat old man hates me. Well, the feeling is completely mutual. He did nothing but look down on me and neglect me. A pathetic excuse of a teacher, I say.

"Laina! It's a good thing I bumped into you. Why don't we go in the office so we can finish finalizing your position here as the principal," he said excitedly. His fake nice attitude is too obvious. It makes me want to throw up.

So, this woman is the new principal. I'm not sure if I should be glad that someone will finally replace this obnoxious old man or be worried that she might be worse than him.

"Of course." she said then turned towards me. "Let's go."

"There's no need. I'll just take your things so she can go to her class," the old fat man interrupted.

I waited for him to take the box from me which took him roughly about 5 seconds before finally taking it from me after he noticed that I'm not moving in my spot. When he did I intentionally shoved it against him causing him to take a few steps back from the sudden force.

I actually intended to do that since I just can't stand his annoying existence. He was about to get angry at me but when he realized that this woman is still here, he immediately composed himself and forced a smile at me. I scoffed which made his face flare in anger again but unfortunately he wasn't able to do anything about it as I walked passed him.

Man,s. it feels great to get in his nerves one last time. His face looked like it was about to blow up. I swear it's like all the blood got stuck in his stupid face.

Anyways, with that being said. I should steer clear of the new principal. Even if she has that warm and kind atmosphere, I wouldn't want to get myself involved with her. I'll just avoid her as much as possible and it would be best if this will be out last encounter.