My Next Door Bully

Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11 - UNFORTUNATE FAMILY REUNION

I'M IN A GOOD mood when I come down this morning from bed, even if I woke up really late. Tonight's the dance (yes I know I shouldn't be as excited as I am) and I can't wait to see everyone in their fancy attire (preferably Ashton).

As I finish brushing my teeth after having a PB & J that I made, there are continuous knocks on the door, over and over, one stronger and faster than the last one. At first, I thought it was my mom, she must've forgotten her keys again and had a panic attack or something.

"Hold on, mom!" I say running hurriedly down the stairs. Mom gets grumpy after having an overnight work shift.

As soon as I pull the door open, my heart skips a beat, I grab the door to close it in the person's face, but I'm too slow because he places his hand smack middle on the wood and opens it wider, "hold on now Tess," he says in his usually southern accent.

Ace steps in like he owns the house, and I'm too surprised that I'm frozen in place. "Looks the same, stuffy." He takes the toothpick from his mouth and points at me, "how are you doing, Tess?" my dad asks.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I'm so angry and shocked so I'm glad these are the words that come out of my mouth. My arms fall to my sides and my hands ball into tight fists.

"What do you mean?" he places the toothpick in his mouth again, showing his yellow teeth. "I'm paying a visit to my daughter," he smiles, a horrible, cocky-like smile that makes him look even more horrendous than I remembered.

"Get out, Ace" I say under my breath.

His face drops, and for a split second I feel bad, but then again, this is the man that up and left eight years ago for another family after almost beating my mom to death. The man that was nothing more than a disappointment. He smiles again, and he's back. "Ace? No calling me dad? And nah, I'm good." Flashbacks of him beating my mom overcome my thoughts.

I feel nothing more but anger, and before I think about it, my hand lifts, and I get ready to slap or punch the hell out of him (or whatever the hell you're supposed to do when you become a raging bitch).

Before my hand makes any contact with his face, he grabs it, "I wouldn't do that if I were you." His hot and gross hands wrap around my small wrist. I can't believe he's my dad. Then he tightens his grip, and I almost don't notice the sharp pain. I loosen the hold and point to the door, "Get out!" I practically shout, "Now! Or I'm calling the police, Ace!"

He holds his arms up in surrender and steps out and inside his truck, then drives away.

Once I know I'm safe I get back inside and close the door. I have no idea what to do, and before I can think about it, I'm crying, bawling even. I push my hair out of my eyes and face, and I lean against the wall beside the door. I guess you could call this an unfortunate family reunion—I always seem to find some optimism in bad situations, though my personal joke doesn't cheer me up.

My face is in my hands when the door beside me bursts wide open and I flinch. But I can't do anything, if it's my dad I can't protect myself.

But then the voice that's calling my name and asking if I'm okay becomes too familiar to ignore. It's Ashton. "Hey, are you okay? I heard yelling," he lightly grabs my shoulders, trying to get me to look at him.

"He was here," I say into his chest, but the words come out muffled.

"Who?" he asks. "Who?"

"My dad," I hiccup. I can't finish because I'm crying again. I end up wrapping my arms around him and he hugs me back just as tight, I'm surprised he's even here in the first place.