LOVE'S QUAGMIRE [18+]

Chapter 54: Truth

Zephyr's POV~

"Where the hell are you?" his voice boomed through the house, already slurred, and my heart sank. 

"I said, where the hell are you, you useless piece of shit!"

I stood up, hoping maybe if I faced him now, it wouldn't get as bad. But when I turned the corner, there he was, stumbling through the hallway, reeking of beer and smoke, his eyes red, his face twisted with that familiar rage.

"There you are," he spat. "Think you can just hide in here like a coward, huh? Not gonna greet your old man after the hard day I had?"

My throat tightened, but I forced the words out, trying to keep them steady. 

"Hi, Dad."

He sneered, walking closer, and I could already see the anger boiling just beneath the surface.

 "Hi, Dad?" he mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm."That's it? You little shit, is that all you got for me after everything I do for you?"

"I— I was just—" I didn't even know what to say. Nothing would make a difference.

"Just what?" he cut me off, stepping right up to me, so close I could smell the alcohol on his breath, and feel the heat of his fury. "Too busy in here with your little homework, huh? Think you're smart? Too busy to be grateful?"

I didn't respond. I couldn't. I knew better.

"What, you gonna ignore me now? That it?" He shoved me hard, my back hitting the wall behind me, the sharp edge of the countertop digging into my side. 

"You've got too much attitude, let me bring that attitude down real fast," his eyes were wild, and his hand reached out, gripping my collar, pulling me so close our noses almost touched.

"You're just like your mother," he hissed, the words bitter, hateful. "Weak. Pathetic. Always acting like a victim. I should've left both of you. Should've thrown you both away and let rot."

My chest tightened, but I bit the inside of my cheek, refusing to cry. 

Not again.

Not in front of him.

But he saw it. 

He always saw it.

"Oh, what, you gonna cry?" he mocked, shaking me roughly. "Gonna cry like a little girl now? Go ahead. Cry. Cry all you want, it won't change a damn thing."

I shook my head, barely able to breathe with his fist twisted in my shirt.

"C'mon!" he roared, slamming me against the wall again. My head banged against the plaster, sending a dull ache through my skull.

"I— I'm sorry," I choked out, not even sure what I was apologizing for, but knowing that's what he wanted to hear.

 "Again with that sorry bullshit? You think I'm some softie who'll just let it go?" His teeth clenched as I swallowed hard, my heart racing. He stumbled back, his anger palpable, while I shook my head in fear. He pulled his belt from his pants, slamming it onto the floor with a sharp crack that made me flinch.

And then, without warning, it came down against my skin.

"AGHHH!"

...

I jolted awake, panting, "I'm sorry!" I whispered, heart racing as I blinked only to see the darkness. 

Again