"I don't care if your hungry, your being a lazy ass!" My mom screamed, followed by a stinging on my cheek from where she slapped me. Rage poured into me as unknowingly my fists clenched tight, knuckles turning white. She had a smirk on her face, watching to see what I would do. Avoiding trouble, I turned on my heel and marched to my room, giving the door a hard slam. Blinded by anger, I snatched up my brown leather bag and hauled it over my shoulder. It weighed me down a bit, but didn't stop me as I opened my door and walked to my little sister's room. Her door was decorated with puppies and rainbows, giving anyone the impression that she was still young and innocent.
Gently, I twisted the knob and pushed it open. Avery lay on her bed, a blanket concealing her clothes and a backpack full of food, clothes, books and a pocket knife. Her long black hair was tangled around her head, hiding her big green eyes and small nose. Her freckles were easily noticed, dotted along her cheeks. Avery's chest rose and fell, so anyone not looking close enough would think she was asleep. However, being her older brother, I could easily notice her eyelids moving slightly and the stiffness of her limbs. A small smile formed on my face as I flipped on the lights. Her room was illuminated by the florescent lights on her ceiling, connected to a fan that turned lazily in the wind. Piles of clothes mixed with Barbies and fake jewelry littered the floor. Coloring books and stickers were stacked on her dresser, her mirror faded and covered in fingerprints. The walls were painted pink and the carpet a hot pink.
You'd think she was spoiled, but you are sadly mistaken. Our mother never wanted us, and she reminds us every day with hits and taunts. Avery and I were sick of her being so cruel. Our dad divorced a few months ago and it's been downhill since. Avery's eyes popped open, her pupils shrinking in the bright light.
"Let's go!" I said, soft but stern. As if waiting for that command, her covers were thrown off and she jumped up. I admired the nine year old's trust in me, ready to throw away her old life and follow me into the unknown future.
"I'm ready Jace." She whispered. I nodded and led her into the hall. Noises from the TV drifted from the Living Room, letting us know that our mom was occupied by television. Silently, I grabbed Avery's hand and walked towards the back door. Tip-toeing through the kitchen, we exited the house and took off running.
NOTES
Hello readers! I am FINALLY able to start my new story and I'm so excited as well!
Special thanks to WritingGoddess for the amazing cover art!
Please comment below on what you think!
More to come soon!
Thanks! :)
-Bailey Dawson
YOU ARE READING
Project Powers
ActionFifteen year old Jace Graves has been homeless for almost a year. Watching over his little sister and avoiding trouble on the streets was all it took to make Jace's life something to remember. However this all changed when a Food Truck appeared, sta...