The Chase

One

Lisa's POV

"Ready?"

Sleep deprivation is a cruel torturer, and anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves.

Five days I've endured lying in my bed doing nothing, which I hate the most.

Ever since my father gave the order - enrolling myself in the program that he wants, I have been thinking too much. I told him I wanted to pursue something else. Perhaps a major in photography or dance, but no, he wants me to pursue criminal justice. Just like he did.

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"You're wasting your time."

I did not listen to what he's saying. The only thing that mattered is that I told him what I really wanted.

"C'mon honey, let our child choose what she wants. It's not that bad. If she wants to be a photographer or a dancer, let her be. As long as she's happy."

I looked at mom and smiled. I'm thankful she's here with me.

Dad sat down on the couch and covered his face with his hands. He chuckled and scoffed. "Happiness will mean nothing if she can't put a damn food on her table. Do you want our child to live poorly?" Mom was about to say something, but I cut her off.

"But, dad," I stood up and walked towards him, my hands clasped together, "I can make it big. I know I can. Just let me choose this time, please." I feel the tears forming and I hate it when this happens. Why can't he for once, be supportive? Why does he always do this?

"Lisa," He stood up and points a finger to me, "I'm going to say this one last time. You're going to Relurde. And I will make sure you will be in Criminal Justice department. I'll enroll you myself. That's final." He lets his hands fall on his side, and I felt my tears falling. I hate this. I hate crying in front of him because it means I'm vulnerable and weak. He wins, and I hate it.

"If you want to pursue that dream of yours, get out of my house and forget you have a family." Was all he said as he exits the living room.

I feel so weak that I feel like I was going to pass out. "Mom," I sobbed.

"Oh, baby. Come here, my child." I couldn't move and mom noticed that, so she walked towards me with her arms sprung wide open.

The moment I feel her arms around me, I broke down and sobbed hard. "Mom, how could he? I-" I couldn't even finish my sentence because I was hurting too much.

It hurts so much.

"It'll be okay, baby." Mom cooed

I really wish it would, Mom.

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"Lisa?"

"Yes, mom. I'm ready." My voice is hoarse and firm.

Her gentle hands smooth my crisp, forest green academy tie as concerned eyes study my face. "Have you not slept again, my child?"

I give a small shake of my head. She lets out a soft sigh, securing the burnished gold watch - the one she gifted me during my eighteenth birthday - around my wrist. As her arms enfold me, I breathe in her comforting scent.

I'm gonna miss Mom.

"You can do this, my love."

A faint smile tugs at my lips as I kiss her cheek. "Thank you, Mother." We descended  down the grand wooden staircase that I know I'll miss.

Father waits outside, trademark black suit impeccable, posture. "Dad," I extend my hand, giving a firm shake when his' engulfs mine fleetingly.

His cold eyes bore into me as he offers a curt nod. "Behave yourself and do well."

The words are shards of ice, slashing my heart. I put my face into an emotionless mask, moving to gather my mother in one final hug. Her tears scalded my cheek as she clings to me desperately.

"Take care, my love. And please, return to me..."

Then I tear myself away, climbing into the idling car. I can't stay any longer. If I will, I'm only going to cry and I don't want that. I won't allow myself to cry in front of him anymore.

I'll prove to him that I can be better than him.

You just wait, Dad. I'll be successful. And when that happens, I'll make sure you're going to be glad that I'm your child.