Underestimate. (COMPLETED✔)

18

"I think we're good to wrap up here Mrs Jones". I smile at the older woman who returned a familiar grin. She reaches over and gently pats my shoulder, "Esmé, can I just say.. I am so proud of you".

"Exscuse me?", I ask, caught off gaurd.

"You have blossomed into this beautiful young woman. When I first met you, you seem as if you had some... baggage to say the least. But I can see you're healing. It's beautiful to see", she explains while folding her hand in front of herself and smiling brightly towards me, "God is truly working through you. I am so proud of you".

My mouth opens slowly before closing and a large smile spreading on my face. I nod swiftly, my eyes beginning to feel glossy, "Thank you, Mrs Jones".

"Why don't you go home early honey", she states softly, "You deserve a break".

I agree. I was getting tired. Mrs Jones has always been the sweetest old lady I met, she made me feel more then welcomed when I first started my job. And she never stopped being one the nicest persons I had the pleasure of meeting.

I gathered my belongings, slipping my shades on my face, and walking out the door. Once I slipped inside my car I started the engine and drove down the road till I met the parking lot to my home.

"Why are all the lights off?", I mumble as I step out of my car, throwing my keys in my hands. The house was completely powered off. Not an ounce of light, even from the porch, was seen. I could feel a sense of worry fill my chest. Usually, someone would be home. Angelica most of the time. I knew Justin was spending time with Vanessa, Melanie? I wasn't sure what she was doing, but I knew she wouldn't be home till later.

And dad.. he was at work.

Right?

I unlock the door. Immediately, I'm hit with a cold, blister inducing air. The temperature had been turned down almost all the way, causing the house to feel like a replica of Antarctica. Nevertheless I didn't let that stop me from entering and quickly rushing to the thermostat to turn the heat back on.

"It's freezing in here", I shiver as I pull back and wrap my arms around myself.

"Welcome home".

My body jumps in shock and quickly turn around to see my father, his arms crossed his chest and a look of anger already painting his face. He stared at me for a moment before taking in my appearance by looking me up and down, a scowl coming to his lips. I could feel my heart begin to pound. I hadn't talked to my father. I refused to talk to my father. I couldn't fathom facing him again after knowing the truth that he had told me that night. But I guess now I have no choice.

"What do you want?", I mutter softly, looking down at my shoes to avoid eye contact. The man snarls my way, shaking his head before chuckling.

"You think you're better than me?".

"What?".

He repeats, "You think you're better than me? You find out you're not wanted and you still think you're better than me?".

I close my mouth before opening it again, "Where.. where's Angelica—".

"DON'T", he screams, "Dismiss me! I am your father and I demand respect! Don't you dare dismiss me!".

He walks up to my face harshly, I could smell the booze radiate off his breath as I tried to keep my composure, "Get away from me!".

"You little girl... you should've died in that fire! Now I'm burdened here! Why didn't you just die?!", Before I could blink, my father's fist comes in contact with my face. I fall to the ground as a sound of pain leave my mouth. My head lifts up to meet eyes with the man that I used to love as my dad, now to see a monster who never loves me to begin with.